Question about expansion packs

[Rui 'Trovatore' Pires]

So I just bought the "Forgotten Realms - Deluxe Edition" pack (Neverwinter Nights and 2 expansions, Baldur's Gate 1 and two plus expansions, and Icewind Dale 1 +expansion and ID2).

I just don't get these "expansion packs", so here's my question - what *are* they? Are they a sequel to the game, meant to be played after you finish the game? Or are you meant to install them and play them as you would the original game, profiting from a few bonuses offered by the expansion pack? If I install the "expansion" and play it, would I in fact be playing a different game using the same engine? If I install the expansion, can I still play the original stand-alone? Furthermore, would I want to?

Sorry if this seems obvious stuff to y'all, and I appreciate it probably does, but I've found no documentation around, everyone seems to assume people know what this is. I just can't figure out whether expansion packs are basically patches, sequels, or what.

[LimpingFish]

Expansion packs are usually a continuation of the story. The expansion packs for DOOM 3 and F.E.A.R, pick up more or less after the first game ends.

You don't need to install the expansion packs, and if you do, you don't have to play them first if you don't want to. Can't speak specifically for Forgotten Realms, but that's how expansion packs usually work.

EDIT: Having said that, some expansion packs offer extras that are also playable in the main game (extra weapons, improved effects, etc) and should preferably be installed alongside the main game, regardless of whether you intend to play them first or not. It all depends, really.

[Ishmael]

It varies from game to game, but generally an expansion uses the same engine and resources as the original game, but adding new gameplay elements.

For Diablo 2 the expansion pack added a new Act (lenghtened the story, new areas to explore, new monsters, new quests, etc.) and enhanced some elements of the gameplay, like adding some items and features to the use of items, as well as two character classes. But you could still create a "classic" character which didn't have the expansion enhancements available, I believe.

The StarCraft expansion added three new campaigns and a couple of new units to each race, with the original game still playable as it is, and the expansion as it's own game, with the new units in use on non-campaign play.

[Rui 'Trovatore' Pires]

Ah, I see. Thank you so very much, I be enlightened now.

[m0ds]

I got an expansion pack in my email recently - for my penis.

As for game expansion packs, well, they've never made one for the games I truly love, so I've never bought any. I see the majority of expansion packs as gimicks, like those made for The Sims. There's no story in that game really so what are you expanding exactly? Just more options & cute graphics etc.

I always wished LBA2 had an expansion pack, I wanted to explore the planets once you'd made friends with the Ezmers and maybe stumble across a few more puzzles. It's not a silly question Rui, in fact, I didn't realise "story" expansion packs existed, so you've brought something new to my attention But like I said I thought expansion packs were just extra gimmicks for games, to give you more "bells & whistles" options rather than more story driven puzzles.

[Ishmael]

I didn't realise "story" expansion packs existed

That's what I've always thought as expansions packs. The Sims stuff is just addons or so. Only a few of them truly expand the game. Pets for the first maybe was an expansion, but I don't know about the rest...

[ManicMatt]

Don't worry Rui, a lot of people come in my shop and go to buy an expansion pack not realising they need the original to use it. So you're not alone in your lack of knowledge!

[Ghost]

I didn't realise "story" expansion packs existed

That's what I've always thought as expansions packs. The Sims stuff is just addons or so. Only a few of them truly expand the game. Pets for the first maybe was an expansion, but I don't know about the rest...

I think it's hard to apply the term "story expansion pack" to a game that has, by definition, no set story.
Personally, I always had a distaste for expansion packs. Often enough, and defenitely in the case of The Sims, there is only very little "expansion"; basically you get a slightly new idea that is then dressed up with some fancy bells and whistles.

I think expansions work best with strategy/management games. Take the Rollercoaster Tycoon expansions, they both are pretty good: Both add one "new" theme (water parks /zoo areas) that are fun on their own, since they add missions that are tailor made for these new gameplay elements. And both integrate with the main game where you can access a few of the new elements in the original missions, and all of them in Sandbox.

But as a matter of fact, I think small additions should, today, be available for free or a small fee as a download. See how well it worked with the original Trackmania. And the Diablo 1.8 patch added so much to the game (items/synergies) that it could well be called a "tiny expansion pack". 


And, Rui, as far as Neverwinter Nights is concerned, I can tell you that you'll get the most of it by installing original game and both expansions. Many new classes/prestige classes are available in the original campain if you do install the expansions. Plus, since both expansions add new stories and remove some level restrictions, you'll really become a demigod by D&D rule standards.
Try a rogue. Rogues do it from behind 

[nihilyst]

The WC3 expansion pack wasn't too expensive and gave you many new levels plus the sequel to the storyline, as well as new multiplayer features, a campaign editor and so on. THAT was one hell of an expansion pack. And IIRC if you installed it, you couldn't play the original anymore unless you installed it twice.

[LimpingFish]

It depends what genre of game the expansion pack is for.

Expansion packs for games such as Rollercoaster Tycoon, or similar, are really closer to add-on packs (such as The Sims), and as such add new features to the main game.

While something like F.E.A.R: Extraction Point, is more like an extra clutch of levels to be played after the main game has been completed; adding nothing to the main game itself, beyond extending the story past the closing credits.

Of course, the real purpose of Expansion Packs is to wring the last remaining beans from your wallet.

[Oliwerko]

I, personally LOVE expansion packs, if they are made for a good game. I usually install them with the original game, and play it from beginning. Like I did in Morrowind, or Gothic II.....