Icewind Dale 2 An Infinity Engine-based high fantasy role-playing game set in the popular Dungeons and Dragon's world of Forgotten Realm. Gameplay: Icewind Dale 2 plays similar to other Infinity Engine-based RPGs developed by Black Isle Studio (the Baldur's Gate series, Planescape: Torment, and the original Icewind Dale). However, Icewind Dale 2 uses the 3rd edition rule set of the popular D&D P&P RPG franchise. This rule upgrade adds a lot of details and options on character creation and progression mechanics. These include a more comprehensive racial choices, most skills becoming more universal and accessible to every class, and enhanced specialization focus. These added mechanics increase the depth of the comparitively shallow role-playing elements of the game. Gameplay is relatively action oriented that focuses on party management, effective employment of combine arms and specializations, and squad-based combat tactics. Story: Icewide Dale 2 story is relatively linear compared to the Baldur's Gate series and Planescape: Torment. Like the original Icewind Dale game, Icewind Dale 2 have minor side quests that often utilizes the non-combat skills and abilities of the characters. People that are familiar with and love the Icewind Dale novels will most likely enjoy Icewind Dale 2. Like the original Icewind Dale game, Icewind Dale 2 feels more like reading an interactive high fantasy novel than playing a proper roleplaying game session. Presentation: Arguably, Icewind Dale 2 have a more refine art direction and consistency compared to the older Infinity Engine games. Though outdoor levels and natural dungeons still feels like cramp and artificially constructed for gameplay purposes. The stylistic graphical unit interface of the original Icewind Dale was abandoned in favor of a more streamlined, customizable but cramp lower tab buttons. Sound effects are mostly recycled from the older games. The music is atmospheric and impressive.
