'Neverwinter' PS4 release date: Ported game will be launching in July

NeverwinterCryptic Games, Perfect World

"Neverwinter," the successful MMORPG (massive multiplayer roleplaying game) based on the "Dungeons and Dragons" tabletop game, will be coming to the PlayStation 4 this coming July 19 and will be free to play, reports the official PlayStation blog. The game previously launched for the PC and for the Xbox One. 

According to the report, the game will not require players to have a PS Plus account. In contrast, Xbox One players must have an Xbox Live with Gold account in order to play the game. It is also noted that while the game is free and does not require a PS Plus account, players can get the "Head Start" pack for $19.99 and start playing by July 12.

The "Head Start" pack will also give special bonus items such as a 20-pack of enchanted keys, a free Onyx weapon pack and an Onyx Horse mount and more. These will serve as a type of pre-order bonus that come with the chance of playing the game one week ahead of its scheduled launch. 

"Neverwinter" for the PS4 will come with all of the nine current expansions, including the previously launched "The Maze Engine" DLC expansion. It will also receive the upcoming "Storm King's Thunder" expansion coming later this year. The PS4 version will have the base game and all eight playable classes available from the start.

The game has been redesigned a bit to take full advantage of the PS4 Dual Shock controller and its touch pad. It will also utilize party chat options.

As the game follows a free-to-play formula, it will not cost anything to start an account and begin playing the game but there may be in-game items and special gear that will require players to spend real world money in order to acquire them. However, "Neverwinter" has focused primarily on selling only cosmetic items to ensure those who do not spend are still on even grounds with those who do.