Icewind Dale 2 Complete

I have a fairly new computer with windows 10. This version barely works on my system. Have to use windowed mode and due to my high rez widescreen monitor the window is about 10 inches by 10 inches. The game will by default stretch to fit my screen, but it lags so horribly that it is unplayable. I tried to get the widescreen mod and it just crashes over and over. I wish beamdog had been able to find the source code for this. While not my fav title it was worth playing and this version really misses their enhanced edition treatment.

After playing this game for 16 years on and off, I finally just finished it now. Icewind Dale 2 is the last of the Infinity Engine era and a masterpiece in its own right. For its time it was the pinnacle of polish and a welcome sendoff. Luckily, I now know that I wasn't alone in wanting more of these and isometric crpgs have made a comeback with Pillars of Eternity etc... So the game: create your own party and save the 10 towns in an adventure that took me way over 50 hours altogether. In terms of content, without having to buy DLC etc, this game is chock full. Great story, wonderfully written dialogue and very fun combat. At the end you look back at all you've seen and really think you've been through an epic adventure which you created yourself with your personal band of adventurers. Tip: If you want a richer experience with a talking party that banter back and forth with each other, check out the IWD2 NPC project, which mods in a party like in Baldur's Gate. In short, an unreserved recommendation for crpg lovers, both on and off sale. A classic that I will never forget.

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.

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!

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.