Introduction
Before I start the review I must confess of something: I really think that NeverWinter Nights is the best role playing game (RPG) ever.
Before I played the Hordes of the Underdark (to keep it shorter we'll call them NWN and HotU) I played NWN and the first expansion, Shadows of Undertide, plus some modules made by large internet groups and I got to admit it – non of them disappoint me, besides the annoying fact that the characters were limited to the 20th level. In HotU this problem is solved, and opens many options in the game.

System requirements
The minimum requirements are:
Pentium 3 800 MHz
128 MB RAM
1.5 GB free hard disk space
32 MB graphic card

The recommended requirements are:
Pentium 4 1.3 GHz
512 MB Ram (when using windows XP)
64 MB graphic card

The machine I used stock up these abilities:
Pentium 4 2.4+ GHz (overclocked)
512 MB RAM
Readon 9800 128 MB graphic card.

Despite it, and the fact I used the most updated patch for the game I still suffered controlling problems during mess combats (3 of those can be found in the game) and had to cruise my way using the keyboard and fight randomly (the one the computer liked the least got he's ass kicked, without any connection to where I was) a weird bug.

Sounds
NWN developers put a large emphasis on sounds and music that changes well according to the surroundings and the terrain. The music turns rhythmic once the hero gets into trouble of any sort.
In addition to the option of choosing your hero's voice type (ranges from a psychotic villain to a noble knight) to match the character type you chose (the psychotic villain in your humble servant's case) all passable options are available. Sound types can be controlled separately (music, voice and background noises), the number of speakers in use can be controlled too, and advanced options such as EAX and 3d depth are also available.

Graphics
This is probably the game's weakest link. HotU is an expansion of a game published in 2000 what makes it obligated to the original game's formation. Despite it, new and crazy environments were added (there's one where houses and trees are flying in all directions) plus the game is full of short cinematic that often include the hero's character and plenty of visual effects  (mostly it ends in a blast that kills most people around you) one more thing that was added to the creatures arsenal is the ability to rip things from the surroundings and toss is away (is the creature is big enough) what makes the environments flexible during the game.
The game's graphical options are antialiasing up to X4 (nice level, as the game claims, didn't really got what it means) VSync, in game control over screen's resolution and refreshment rate, shadows control, water brightness and so on and so forth.
In the bottom line – nothing to complain here (specially since the game was made in 2003)

The story
Well this is the last thing this game lacks. The plot goes around and around, filled with spins and mutual back stabbings. The player arrives to the city town of Waterdeep as the Neverwinter's (there's a city with that name) greatest hero and after saving the world twice (they also assume you finished the first expansion) and meets a vision that tells him he is about to kill the queen of the Dark Elves, the Valsharess.
The game starts just as your gear is completely stolen, so you start this one from scratch.

Reviewer's remark: before you start I strongly recommend downloading the game's latest update. And to make sure you have room for all your stuff without the bags. When you get your gear back it will be retuned without the bags and you'll find yourselves fully packed and can't carry a single thing.

The city of Waterdeep is scourged by a wave of evil creatures emerging from a huge subterranean dungeon named Undermountain. This dungeon was created and  controlled by a made wizard named Hellestar that suddenly vanished and left the way open for the Dark Elves and Undermountain inhabitants to the ground.
After Undermountain you'll get to visit Underdark, the savage underground world where the Valsharess rules with iron fist and gathers an army to smite her enemies and the world above.
We wouldn't ruin too much of the story, we'll just mention that on your way you'll be thrown to hell and deal with some of it finest scum.

Game
HotU's interface is the same good old interface used in NWN with some supplements, the greatest of which is the level restriction removal. Not only you are not restricted, you are treated as epic heroes, which is pretty cool.
Some magic was added (not too impressive, but with nice pyrotechnics) and magical items, that are unlimited in power as well.
An extra henchman is available and unlike most games, henchmen here suffer a personality of their own so you'll find them occasionally disobeying orders, doing whatever they like and I can swear that one of my henchmen pickpocket me!
One more thing about the henchmen: these guys aren't too efficient and are good mostly to give an extra depth, interest and humor to the plot and blowing your brains with their bullshit. One good use I found in them is that they can be used as carriers, and stock on them a lot of equipment, what solves the bags problem (just remember to take your stuff back before the end).
I personally recommend taking an evil character. People will less like, what doesn't make too many problems, but your character will have fewer problems in killing surrendered opponents and blackmailing citizens what makes it better rewarded.

The game is full of traps (mostly in the dungeon) and colors and logic riddles, so if the only thing you guys know is to hit hard, you wouldn't get too far. The main comfort is that clues for most riddles can mostly be found around or be discovered by talking to people and creatures so don't be ashamed to keep a pen and paper nearby or using the provided journal to handle the clues.
The game's bots aren't too intelligent but they sure know how to cause troubles and use their equipment to the best side, so you won't get too disappointed here either.
I noted earlier internet groups made modules. The game hosts a very powerful building wizard, which practically enables you to use each tool that the game designers used, including a scripting wizard to add special tricks where ever you like.
This is why the level of the modules found on the net is not only as good as the original game but some are claimed to supersede it as well.

Grades
Sounds: 9
Graphics: 8
Plot: 10
Game: 9
Overall: 9
Boy I can't wait to NeverWinter Nights 2…

Reviewed By Roy E.