GameBanshee Forums

I've played and beaten the entire Baldur's Gate series, and enjoyed it much. I have been thinking of picking up IWD..but fear that it may be a let down for a BG player.Does IWD stack well against the BG series? Does it offer great roleplay and character interaction as the BG series does?One other question aswell: Have any of you played Pool of Radiance? If so, how does PoR compare to BG and IWD?

the whole IWD series is very disappointing. the biggest problem i had with the characters was that the mage was useless except for magic missle volleys. the whole plot wass nothing more than hack 'n' slash. honestly, the game was not one of my favs by a long shot and had none of the originality of the BG series. POR is, aside from the pretty graphics, even worse. the game suffers under the burdensome engine, the game is ridiculously slow, and the plot is very dull. i have quit in the middle of fights because of the slow down bug and the sheer dullness of the fights. they are soooo slow. the plot is nothing more than dungeon crawl. altogether, i would avoid the game. try the planescape: torment if you haven't played it yet. torment was great. it is one of the most original and impressive games i have ever seen. well worth the time. hope this helps.

i agree on PoR an Planescape...but i disagree on IWD...no it's no BG and no it doesn't have the NPC interaction....but i still find it very fun with nice graphics and so far (i'm still playing) the plot not so bad...i was able to customize my party enough, the downloaded voice files help, that things are pretty lively and the party keeps me entertained with thier diffrent styles that fit them very well.

anyways the only game i think you would be disappointed with that is mentioned here is PoR

As I've said previously in other threads, IWD is more of a strategy game than BG2. The graphics are far better, IMO, and the game runs better for me, but there is no NPCs to join your party. The plot is fairly detailed, if you choose to pay attention, though many people get lost in all the fights. I enjoyed it immensely several times through, and I still play it. It has some of the toughest battles in any D&D game. Period. It also has some of the best settings and artwork, and the sounds and music are spectacular. If you're looking for a roleplaying game to develop your character's personality and interract with NPCs whom you've asked to join you, you're stuck with BG2. If you want a good story and great gameplay, beautiful graphics, and lots of strategy and action, then IWD rocks!

Although i've played the whole BG series several times through and loved every bit of it, i've got to agree with Rail. Pay attention to the plot, plus the beutiful graphics, and IWD is a good game. I am accually going through the game now for the third time and i'm enjoying it, alot!!!!
Also do try HoW & TotL, they do add alot.

Onyx

Its difficult to compare the two. If you want character interaction, SoA/ToB is there for you. If you're sick of that and fancy a change (and who wants to play a boat load of games all the same?) or want a tactical bent on the D&D thang, give IWD a try, you might like it.

After all, you can multiplayer in BG2 and it removes the NPC interaction. IWD is just like that. So you get to enjoy creating your own party to your tastes, replete with a great setting and story.

Remember it was out before BG2 so there are no kits. Something IWD2 will hopefully redress.

XxRPGerxX,

All the points so far are very valid. Look for more Gruntboy threads to see how much of a fan he is. Although if you've never played IWD series avoid his strategy walkthroughs, because they are too good. What's the point of playing a strategy RPG if you know what's coming.

The beauty of IWD is you can create some real oddball parties that still become insane in power. Balance is still key though.

Also, other highlights of IWD:

Kick back with your favorite vice and listen to the music of Kuldahar, it's entrancing.

Temple of the forgotten god has some great battles.

Ignore gruntboy's threads about the squirrel quest.

Oh heck... just play the game, you won't be disappointed.

Much thanks for all the informative feedback all. I plan to start with Torment..and work my way into IWD. Thanks again, and good hunting!