My Two Cents (Why IWD is fun)

[Chanak]

I've read some of the earlier posts here concerning IWD (whether it's good or not, etc), and I thought I'd encourage anyone who is considering buying Icewind Dale.

I would most certainly buy it. I'm glad I did. These days, you can find it for around $20 or so. I've played through BG2 and Torment (never have played BG1) after a 10 year hiatus from playing computer games. Years ago, I started to play a game called Advanced Dungeons and Dragons, back in the days when it was a new game system from TSR. I remember the feel of it. There weren't any kits, full plate armor, and bards were a curious combination of a fighter and a thief (you were actually multi-classed).

Somehow, IWD managed to bring the feel of that game back to me. I like everything about it, from the music to the storyline. True, it's certainly linear, but it sure is alot of fun to play. If you simply experience what it has to offer, you'll find yourself liking it more and more. I enjoyed BG2 thoroughly, but since it's a much larger game, I don't bother comparing the two. Besides, there was something about playing a straight-up paladin that reminded me of the old days...

[The Z]

What got me into IWD, was the fact that it had furious combat, and yet managed to have a decent plot. The intro movie was fabulous. Better than all the other Black Isle intros except for PS:T (but that's another story). It was also pretty cool to have a party with all custom made characters, because in a way it makes you care about the whole party as much as you do with the main character in BG (or less because there's a lot less dialogue). And lastly, it was a whole lot simpler than BG2....I swear, that game had me confused so many times it wasn't even funny.

[Chanak]

I think what I liked the most about BG2 was the expanded possibilities. Despite having played AD&D when it was relatively fresh on the scene, I like the 2nd edition rules. BG2 is a pretty large game, so the twists and convolutions are around every corner, alas. It makes for great replay, however. It's fun trying it out from different angles.

I found IWD refreshing. Needless to say, I'm awaiting IWD2 eagerly, probably as much as I'm awaiting Neverwinter Nights. I do hope that they're sticking to the 2nd edition rules in IWD2, though. I'm not so sure that I like the new D&D all that much.

I played PS:T for the first time a few months ago, and it left me wanting more. It's a shame that it's been dropped by the powers that be.

BTW, you can play with a party staffed entirely with your own characters in BG2. Start a multiplayer game, fill the party with characters you have made, assign control to yourself, and away you go. I've done this, though I only used two of my own characters (I actually like some of the BG2 NPCs and their associated quests). If you haven't already, try it out.

[Demis]

Originally posted by Chanak
I found IWD refreshing. Needless to say, I'm awaiting IWD2 eagerly, probably as much as I'm awaiting Neverwinter Nights. I do hope that they're sticking to the 2nd edition rules in IWD2, though. I'm not so sure that I like the new D&D all that much.

Actually IWD2 will use 3E D&D rules. When the game was announced they said it will be based on 2e D&D but they switched to 3E along the road.

[Chanak]

Actually IWD2 will use 3E D&D rules. When the game was announced they said it will be based on 2e D&D but they switched to 3E along the road.

*Sigh* Oh well. I guess as far as the 3E goes, my only exposure to it (I haven't played the P&P in approx. 13 years) was while playing Pool of Radiance, which I simply grew bored with. I wasn't very impressed with it. Hopefully, IWD2 will flow more smoothly.