Icewind Dale 2 Complete

Largely linear game with a big focus on combat. The encounters are fun and exciting, however, this game could have easily been a solid 4 if I did not have to resort to using the console to get out of a game breaking bug in Ice Wall area in chapter 2. I had to use console commands to get my characters past a door that should have been open as I had fulfilled the prerequisites to open it. The door stopped being interactable and I couldn't even see it using the 'alt' key. I have played all the previous Infinity Engine games and this is the first game breaking bug I have come across that required me to use console commands. I am very, very disappointed.

I'm in the minority, that thinks ID2 is superior to ID1. There is much to cover. Graphics - it's pretty obvious that ID2 is by far the best looking game running on the legendary Infinity Engine. That's one of only two comparisons between ID and BG series . Pairing ID with BG & PS:T is frankly unnfair: BD PS:T are more story-oriented, while ID is combat oriented. Music - Inon Zhur made a terrific job. Targos & Kuldahar themes, Shaengarne + Sherincal + Lysara and final battle themes. If Zhur just combined his and Jeremy Soule's takes on the main theme - this would be epic. Story-wise: I agree with eraserparticles, ignatius_reilly, LegendaryStud & Elandryl. Having played both games I think ID2 has the better, more coherent story. Linear story doesn't make a game bad. Actually, the most revered RPGs of old, like Ishar, Dungeon Master, EotB, ARE LINEAR, but no one *dares* to criticise those games for it. To me ID1's story was an incoherennt jubmle of plots. ID2's progression seems more natural. It's good to see that some quests can be dealt with in more than one way. Plus, i think the bosses in ID2 are more memorable. Like others, I absolutely adore 3e D&D. True, more careful decision-makingis needed, but that enables building versatile characters. Battles can be challenging, especially early on. Yet later on some battles can also give a challenge. And there are also two optional epics battles: for the Cera Sumat blade and against Chult portal guardian. Lastly: a wide array of spells ann a customizable UI Window, a welcomed addition. As far as AI is concerned: it sucked in all 4 infinity-based great games (BG, BG2, ID, ID2). There you have that second comparison point. I won't lie: to me ID1 is somewhat meh, while ID2 is great. I hope this review does the ID2 some justice.

game freezes after a few minutes on windows 11

I forgot how wonky it is compared to BG2:EE but it's one of those all time classics. Reliving childhood memories with games such as these

In the traditional "sequel" sense- more, more, more. If you liked the first one, this is a no-brainer. If you haven't played either, it doesn't really matter IMO which one you play first. It's not BG, the story is not the thing here, just the combat.