After playing the Baldur's Gate and Fallout games, I really wanted to like this one, but I just can't. I've started it up about 6 times and I could never get through it. Why? Well you start the game with 2 AD&D Fighters, which basically means that when you get into a fight, all you do is click on the enemy you want to kill until one side gets lucky. What's worse is that the only interesting thing about the Fighter class, the equipment, is ridiculously underepresented in the game. So be prepared to be bored out of your skull for the first few hours. Your main character can change classes later on, and you also get new party members, but it's too little too late, and even then the gameplay is mediocre at best compared to the rest of Black Isle's portfolio. From what I've played, the story, atmosphere and music are quite good and very unique. But this is a Role-playing GAME, and the game aspect of it is just unacceptable. Honestly, I think this game is the best argument against storyline being the primary design focus in videogames, because it's quite clear that the developers wanted to write a great story but had no interest in making a well designed or entertaining game. What makes it even worse is that Black Isle had already come out with several games with compelling storylines, interesting characters and FUN GAMEPLAY at this point. Even as good as the storyline is, I would still recommend several Interactive Fictions over it. You may enjoy the game if you ONLY are interested in a good story with interesting dialog. If you like fun games, on the other hand, steer well clear.
