IWD 1 vs 2?

[Borsook]

Hi everybody. I haven't played IWD 1 as yet, but I finished IWD 2 and was taken aback by several things (e.g. "Welcome enemy! I shall answer all your questions and will fight" and general predictability of the plot). I've seen at least one opinion that is IWD 1 is better... and that's my question is the plot of 1 more interesting than 2? Or is it just as poorly written?

[Erenor]

Both games are pertty linear, because they are dedicated to combat more than anything else. Icewind Dale is probably organized better than IDII, simply because it's the first game and has very little to follow. The storyline is less predictable, overall, in the first of the two titles. If you want a real twist, complete the first one and try the Trials of the Luremaster Expansion for some variety.

[Brynn]

I think I like IWD2's scenes better.

[Borsook]

Thanx for the reply.

[Philos]

Each has its own advantages and disadvantages. I liked using AD&D version 3 in IWD2 and I agree that many of the graphics had been improved. But for amount of gameplay IWD to me was better since it has 2 expansions, Heart of Winter and Trials of the Luremaster. The IWD pack with 1 & 2 and HOW was a great value. You can get TotLM from a download site. Both are worthwhile, I lean slightly to IWD with its expansions. Without expansions I would take IWD2.

[midnight_storm]

How good is icewind dale? I've been debating on which game to purchase and complete next and I'm not really made of money, so I'm not sure if I should get this game or another that might be better.

[Borsook]

I only know IWD2 well... it has it's flaws (especially the plot at times, though at some points it's written very well) But as a whole it's a very good game, the best interface of all IE games, 3e rules, a lot of races/subraces to choose from, classe/race of character changing NPC reaction, interesting & challenging combat, great music, quite high difficulty level, and decent length. I'd imagine it can't be expensive right now so I'd say get it! Unless you don't like tactical combat that much...

[midnight_storm]

no, i like tactical combat
it's fun

alright
i've made up my mind
i'll get both of them

[Curry]

IMO IWD1 is pretty crap. The plot is very linear and dull, IWD2 is much more interesting but neither beat BG1.

[midnight_storm]

awww!
now what would i do without BG
without it, i wouldn't be able to square of against liches that think they're bad to the bone and kick their arses every time(almost)

[zmeii]

I have played all of IWD series + all of BG with all expansions. On the top, in my oppinion, i s BG - magificient game! IWD I - interesting, but too many fights, not much role playing; IWD II - I enjoyed finishing it three times up to now - according to me it is better than one, very close to BG II - it's worth playing!

[Philos]

As much as I enjoy both IWDs, BG is the best of the group. BG far outstrips IWD in depth and scope.

If IWD 1 didn't have the expansions it would be nearly as good. The expansions are the big bonus for it. I really like IWD 2 with the 3rd edition rules but wish it had expansions, I am finishing the underdark and dreading coming to the end of it.

[Borsook]

While story of BG is as much supirior to IWD series as possible, IWD has better combat & pacing.

Coming back to the top, I'm just playing IWD1 and I must say I enjoy the storyline much more than in 2... though the rest (combat, difficulty etc) is better in 2. But 1 has 3d fog which I really miss in IWD2

[keeB]

Really a Fan of 1, because i'm used to the 2ed Rules..

BG will never be touched, and therefore is probably the best crpg ever made.

[Ravager]

IMO, Icewind Dale 1 has a better storyline than IWDII.

The sequel felt less original as it used Dragon's Eye and Kuldahar again and felt more hack 'n' slash rather than a better balance of puzzles.