Icewind Dale 2 Complete

Icewind dale II is an odd case. It cuts down on roleplaying scenarios and instead focuses on the combat elements of DnD 3e. And it does so incredibly well. There is huge depth to the combat, so many different classes, spells, and weapons, that anyone who enjoys the combat elements of DnD will adore this game. It's hardest difficulty, Heart of fury, is a powergamer's dream: it's a mode where powergaming is absolutely essential and only the most well constructed parties survive. That said, people who enjoy roleplaying will have less fun with this game, especially since the multiplayer is LAN only. Overall, this game is 5/5 for people who like DnD combat, and 3/5 for roleplayers. I would still recommend this game to anybody looking for a challenge.

I played it a long time ago straight, and it was kinda archaic then. I did like the multiclassing options, although not advised on every character of course! But this game REALLY shines with the G3 Tweak Pack. So much QoL improvements that you feel you are playing an EE. Or just get the G3 Tweaks Anthoogy, which has tweaks for all your D&D Infinity Engine games.

Loved this game so much when I use to play it. For those among us who yearn for a real challenge try the game in HoF mode with only ONE character! If you want to try it at level 1 to start with please do but I wouldn't look down on anyone opting to start at max level with a kitted character. It is still an awesome challenge! I'll be doing another run through of HoF with my Drow Sor/Ftr/Clr and we wil see how it goes!

I am doing this as a review with the EE Mod installed. Pros: - The game works very well and has lots of options to customise your characters as you level up. - Lots of dialogue options. - Loads of spells and skills. Cons: - The plot is dire. Once Chapter 3 started, I couldn't quite work out what I was really doing in terms of plot, only that I was being propelled along some very linear areas with monsters in them. - Chapters 1 & 2 felt solid and the gameplay was tough in places and had good challenge levels. - The battles don't scale well with your levels. It feels like the game has been designed around understanding the skills in more depth than someone would for a first playthrough and as a result, the difficulty curve gets exponentially higher with little warning. A good example is the Wyverns battle in Chapter 3 - I had very little difficulty before it, but they were killing my entire party within a minute of fighting. I've given it three stars because I can see why someone might enjoy the game, but beware - It is very monotonous and unforgiving.

While it doesn't have the depth or characterization of its cousin, Baldur's Gate II, Icewind Dale II makes up for it by being faster paced and more quickly resolved while maintaining that fleshed-out, epic feel so many of those Infinity Engine games had. Still on my top 25 list after all these years.