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I've had the game for a while now but never really got round to properly playing it. I guess the fact that having 6 party members can be putting off. Also, the customisation of your character is really limited and annoying. Also when spending character points .. it varies. I think that's unprofessional and there should be a fixed amount .. I also have Heart of Winter and IWD2 but never really played them. Is IWD2 better in anyone's opinion? Does HoW increase the level cap?

So I'm just pointing these things out just incase someone else agrees with me. I'd gladly hear anyone who disagrees as you may persuade me differently. If you can just list the things you like about this game that'd be great.

Thanks in advance!

IWD 1 and IWD 2 are extremely different, since one is based upon 2e rules, and the other 3e.

The games remind us old P&P gamers of how D&D used to be. I enjoy both games very much.

Some things I liked about IWD:
- the freedom to create the whole party
- the easy to handle IE engine which allows controlling your 6 characters without much effort
- the story
- it's very well balanced

If you don't like playing a party of 6 you can play the with less characters, even with one if desired.
The customisation is in fact limited, like with all AD&D games. Games like IWD2, ToEE or MM6-7 offer far more.
I wouldn't call the rolling for character stats unprofessional, it's a traditional rpg element like playing with parties. If you want to change it into a system with fixed amounts of points like in NWN just distribute only 78 of the points you've gotten.

Heart of winter is add-on to IWD, I recommend installing it before playing IWD, it improves a lot, not only increases the level cap.

IWD2 uses 3rd edition D&D rules, therefore it grants lot more freedom at character customisation and development than games which use AD&D rules.

Is IWD2 better in anyone's opinion?

You are going to get a lot of varying opinions on this, and there is no "right" answer.
For me, personally, I much prefer IWD over IWD2. I find the story and overall atmosphere to be far more engaging and immersive.
I have finished IWD a couple of times, and in fact I just reinstalled it again. I've never managed to complete IWD2 because it just does not seem to pull me in, and I stop caring about half way through. Also, I'm always left with the impression that the focus of IWD2 was simply to showcase the 3rd edition rules.

Of course, that is just me, and I this is a very subjective question.

What do I like about IWD:
* While I prefer recruitable NPCs with "personalities," (like in PS:T or BG2) I do think it is fun to be able to create your own party completely because it gives you the chance to explore six different classes simultaneously. Of course, this is also a major part of IWD2 as well.

* The fact that combat often requires some thought and strategy, which counters the game's heavy emphasis on hack and slash. Again, though, you also have this in IWD2, probably to an even greater extent

* I find the music in IWD is very well done, it has a haunting quality that contributes greatly to the ambiance.

* I like the graphics and light effects as well. Even though this is an older game, I still think they have a richness to them.

* The NPCs you encounter are quite well done, IMO, and they are a very important part of conveying the story.

Is IWD one of my favourite games of all time? No, I wouldn't say that. But, I do, nonetheless, find it a very enjoyable game, especially if I'm in the mood to slice things into little bits, but I don't want something as anonymous and lacking in story as an FPS.

I guess the fact that having 6 party members can be putting off. Also, the customisation of your character is really limited and annoying. Also when spending character points .. it varies. I think that's unprofessional and there should be a fixed amount

I suppose much of this depends on the type of games you are used to. I generally prefer D&D based games. But, they are not for everybody. If you like games with practically unlimited character customisation, and only one player character, you may be better with something like Morrowind or Gothic. Or, NWN 1 might be more to your liking; it has 3rd edition rules, and additional party members are far more optional.
It's totally up to you, obviously, but I do recommend you at least give IWD a serious try before walking away from it though.

dragon wench wrote:You are going to get a lot of varying opinions on this, and there is no "right" answer.
For me, personally, I much prefer IWD over IWD2. I find the story and overall atmosphere to be far more engaging and immersive.
I have finished IWD a couple of times, and in fact I just reinstalled it again. I've never managed to complete IWD2 because it just does not seem to pull me in, and I stop caring about half way through. Also, I'm always left with the impression that the focus of IWD2 was simply to showcase the 3rd edition rules.

Of course, that is just me, and I this is a very subjective question.

What do I like about IWD:
* While I prefer recruitable NPCs with "personalities," (like in PS:T or BG2) I do think it is fun to be able to create your own party completely because it gives you the chance to explore six different classes simultaneously. Of course, this is also a major part of IWD2 as well.

* The fact that combat often requires some thought and strategy, which counters the game's heavy emphasis on hack and slash. Again, though, you also have this in IWD2, probably to an even greater extent

* I find the music in IWD is very well done, it has a haunting quality that contributes greatly to the ambiance.

* I like the graphics and light effects as well. Even though this is an older game, I still think they have a richness to them.

* The NPCs you encounter are quite well done, IMO, and they are a very important part of conveying the story.

Is IWD one of my favourite games of all time? No, I wouldn't say that. But, I do, nonetheless, find it a very enjoyable game, especially if I'm in the mood to slice things into little bits, but I don't want something as anonymous and lacking in story as an FPS.


I suppose much of this depends on the type of games you are used to. I generally prefer D&D based games. But, they are not for everybody. If you like games with practically unlimited character customisation, and only one player character, you may be better with something like Morrowind or Gothic. Or, NWN 1 might be more to your liking; it has 3rd edition rules, and additional party members are far more optional.
It's totally up to you, obviously, but I do recommend you at least give IWD a serious try before walking away from it though.

Excellent reply! I agree with the graphics of the game and it's 'richness' .. there is something about it which is fairly satisfying to look at. So, may I ask, what is your favourite game? Keeping mainly RPGs in mind...?

Shantei wrote: So, may I ask, what is your favourite game? Keeping mainly RPGs in mind...?

I'm never certain if my answer to that question is Baldur's Gate 2 or Planescape Torment.
I just finished a run another run through PS:T.. and as before.. I was left moved and breathless by the time I reached the ending. Its story and the questions it asks are well beyond any other game out there, IMO. So... that being the case, while I love BG2, I think PS:T edges it out a bit.
But.. these are strongly story-driven games, much more so than IWD.

Of the three, I'd say PS:T has the strongest story and the most complex dialogue and NPC depth. IWD is the weakest in those regards, and BG2 falls somewhere in the middle with its focus falling on story, NPC personalities and combat in roughly equal parts. Though, bear in mind, no doubt others will disagree with me.

But...seeing as this is the IWD forum (unless you'd like me to move this thread to the RPG Discussion Forum ).. we should stay focused on IWD.

I agree with the graphics of the game and it's 'richness' .. there is something about it which is fairly satisfying to look at.

Indeed, the light and shadows are lovely and I find they are somehow part of what gives the game a sense of life that seems lacking in IWD2... Which is a bit odd, because technically the graphics in the second game are superior since, for one, it can be played at higher resolutions.

I have always held IWD in a very high regard - It was my actual first D+D based game and I absolutely loved it - I loved being able to be diverse in my character creation and trying to find the perfectly balanced party. Not only that, but in my view the game is stunning, much more so than Baldur's Gate 1 or 2. I love the scenery, the places, the story.
SPOILER I have always loved the look of Easthaven frozen over, the amazement of Kuldahar, when you first walk into Dragon's Eye - I was truly excited to visit these places.

Not only that but I really enjoyed the story and some of the boss battles were quite fun.

However, as far as customisation goes, the feats in IWD 2 did add a lot and I love that game just as much (A bit less) Once again I love the setting

I absolutely love Shaengarne Bridge, the lava underworld and the Severed Hand, and once again Kuldahar which still looks amazing... And i forgot when it was but in the jungle in the area when you fight the dragon - Marvellous

I just prefer the setting I guess. For a long time BG just wasn't as satisfying as IWD. I still love all the games but being as it was my first (hehe) it has always held a special place in my heart. FINISH IT - It is worth it in my opinion.

Also the music is great, especially the menu music

Icewind Dale also has a good story setup. I've included and blocked a minor spoiler about the story below:
The Icewind Dale game uses certain elements from a novel by R.A. Salvator called The Crystal Shard.

I really liked the different dialog choices in the game with specific character types who may also need very specific attributes to trigger those dialogs.

I started late on the 'classics'. I played NWN1 for years, then moved on to NWN2, then finally got my hands on a box edition that had Baldur's Gate and Icewind Dale with all the expansion.

What I love about Icewind Dale:

- Music. As mentioned before, that's some of the best game music ever written, right there.

- Atmosphere. So what if the graphics aren't up to today's standards? It takes more than a few pretty pictures for me to feel like I'm "in the world", and IWD manages that.

- With HoW and Trials of the Luremaster installed, you're in for long, long, enjoyable hours of gameplay. What's best, HoW and TotL were so cleverly snuck into the main campaign that at no time it feels as though you're leaving something behind. You're just branching out. TotL doesn't have that great of a story behind it, but HoW makes up for that.

- NPCs. When it comes to today's games, I find myself suffering from a lack of empathy. Lord Nasher, NWN? Wow, do I not care if that guy lives or dies a horrible death. The NPCs of IWD are more involving, IMHO.

- Story/Gameplay. IWD offers a great story with interesting twists and turns that many games nowadays seem to lack. If I see a plot twist coming from a mile away, it gets boring. IWD's plot twists may not always leave you gnawing on the edge of your desk, but they're there, and they're nicely done.

- Dialogue. True, the game lacks any dialogue whatsoever between you and your companions. However, I find it makes up for that with superb voice acting by the NPCs, as well as dialogue choices that seem to me more diverse than what, for example, NWN2's

- NCP: Blah blah...
[x] Verily, I shall stride forth!
[x] Okay. I'll do it.
[x] I'm not in the mood, but I'll do it anyway. Grr. Argh. ( evil )

dialogue options were.

- Lastly, the party. You're not saddled with anyone you don't WANT in your party, which makes it feel MORE like a party. The only limit here is set by your own imagination.

So many of the reasons I enjoy it have already been mentioned, especially the music and graphics, and I hate to repeat them. But to take the excellent point made about the storylines a bit further, I have always found the the Forgotten Realms in which IWD is set a rich, diverse, well thought out campaign world. While many other RPG games use this setting, IWD used a region of that world that probably was not quite as well known as say, Neverwinter or the Swordcoast. The stories (at least the main one and HoW) that were developed were just so well done IMHO, that it was akin to discovering a missing book in a favorite series. The Hand of the Seldarine and Dorn's Deep especially just captivated my imagination. I guess what I am trying to say is that the level of detail breathed into the stories is what makes this game so enjoyable for me.

Unfortunately I came pretty late to the Forgotten Realms games, so I can't get hold of Planescape Torment anymore and I'm struggling to find a copy of BG1

Did very much enjoy BG2 though, though found the Throne of Bhaal expansion a little tedious after awhile. Once I'd got past the blue dragon who's name escapes me, I stopped caring really.

On the question of which is better out of the IWD games, I personally found the orginal IWD far more enjoyable. I've finished both and to be honest I got bored with IWD2, I'm just a bit of a masochist in that I'm always determined to finish a game I start! The story didn't engage me and a lot of the voiceovers irritated me after awhile (namely Isair and Madae themselves!), though like its predecessor the music is superb!

I love the richness of IWD - the landscapes are fabulous and I get drawn in to the story - I actually *care* about whether Yxunomei and her minions eat the Kuldahar villagers, and I vaguely feel sorry for Larrel and his companions in the Severed Hand - its very engaging. And, the music is fabulous - particulalry the Easthaven music - its very soothing.

I very much enjoy the original IWD, for many of the reasons listed above by others.

The music is some of the best in any game, especially the Kuldahar music.

The art in the game is beautiful. It really makes the environments within the game pleasing to look at, and really draws you into the world. Also, the character portraits are my personal favourite of any RPG. I usually import IWD portraits into other RPGs (like NWN, who's portraits I didn't like).

I liked creating the entire party at level 1, which was a nice change in pace from other RPGs. While I certainly enjoy other types of games (as said by others, BG2 and PS:T are also my personal favourites), IWD is an extremely clean combat RPG. I really liked being able to choose exactly what kind of party I wanted.

One thing that I probably like the most about IWD is the level design. The different dungeons are all memorable and really cool places to visit. Dragon's Eye was varied enough, but Dorn's Deep and The Severed Hand are my personal favourites in the game.

The cutscenes in the game, which more or less separate the different chapters, are wonderfully done and really draw you into the atmosphere of the game.

Another thing: dialogue options. While your different options don't have much to do with the overall progress a lot of the time, there are certain NPCs that you can be incredibly sarcastic too, which is awfully fun.

I'm currently playing IWD2, and enjoying it. I think I like the first more, but I'm not really sure why yet. It really depends on what rules you like, be it AD&D or 3e.

I enjoyed IWD because of the non-stop hack and slash combat, the truly challenging gameplay and the joy of levelling up six different characters all with there own unique abilities, If you are playing an RPG with you only being able to play the main character then you don't get to see the abilities of all the other classes (unless you pass the game 10 times of course).


I found the graphics in IWD to be very solid, wherever you go the walls and backgrounds had a very unique feel to them, unlike seeing the old cut and paste which you get in games that lack effort.

The enemies where stunning to look at, in particular, I thought the bigger the enemy was, the better it looked, for example the Frost Giants and Fire giants looked absolutely gorgeous to me, In all aspects.

Of course this is all my own opinion, and thanks for giving me the chance to let that out.

I've just reinstalled both IWD 1, HoW, Trials of the Luremaster and IWD 2... and I do like spending a couple of hours creating a backstory for each of my characters in the biography page. I prefer the first instalment as it was more immersive, but I do love a bit of IWD 2.

If IWD had the character interaction of BG2 then it would be fantastic. I really like the game but it pales in comparison to BG2 because of that. I have yet to play IWD2.

I'm playing through Icewind Dale for the first time. I have just finished Yxonomei and so far i love this game What I dislike most about this game so far is that the characters progress at a different speed. right now my thief is level 10 while i also have characters who are at level 8. this bugs me a bit but maybe this happened because i don't play the game right.

jack828 wrote:I'm playing through Icewind Dale for the first time. I have just finished Yxonomei and so far i love this game What I dislike most about this game so far is that the characters progress at a different speed. right now my thief is level 10 while i also have characters who are at level 8. this bugs me a bit but maybe this happened because i don't play the game right.

It happens because the different classes level at different speeds. If that's what you dislike most about the game, then you are easy to please.

BTW, a single-class Thief is a waste in IWD. A Figher/Thief, Mage/Thief or Fighter/Mage/Thief is far more effective.

Pellinore wrote:If IWD had the character interaction of BG2 then it would be fantastic. I really like the game but it pales in comparison to BG2 because of that. I have yet to play IWD2.

You can have character interaction in IWD, by using the Icewind Dale NPCs:

Pocket Plane Group - Bending Baldur's Gate 2 and the Infinity Engine