About IWD1/IWD2 :

1) How good are they... ?
2) ...compared to BG1/BG2 ?
3) Still able to play the 1st then get the same char into the 2nd ?
4) Worth buying ?

Thx. :D

1) theyre ok
2) not that good
3) nope
4) if you like hack 'n' slash, then yes. not much to the storie nor are there many sub quests(if any, dont remember too well). in my opinion, 1 is better as a game, though 3rd edition rules were pretty fun to play with(doesnt beat 2nd edition even if you can be drow, aasimar, thiefling and duergar.). what really sucks is that there are no NPC's in IWD 1 or 2.

1 & 2) Depends on what you like... If you're into mindless hack 'n slash (or tactical battles, depends on your perspective ;) ), IWD is the game for you. Storyline-wise, they're not that great and extremely linear. Don't expect too many sidequests, though Icewind Dale 2 is a lot better in the sidequest- and storyline-department than IWD1 was.
3) No... In Icewind Dale 2, you'll start all over again. They have different rulesets as well (IWD1 uses 2nd edition core rules, IWD2 third edition), so I don't think you'll be able to import your IWD1-character directly into IWD2, either. Though I'm not 100% sure about that, haven't tried it myself yet... There could be some kind of converter.
4) See 1 and 2. Depends on the kind of games you like. If you like hack 'n slash, this is a decent game for you. If you prefer games with a good storyline however, I'd suggest you go out and buy Planescape: Torment instead. If you like a bit of everything and you're thirsty for more games based on the same engine (like me ;) ), they're both decent games to have. Though I prefer Icewind Dale 2 over the first one. More game-options, better storyline, more quests, more variety in enemies and challenges. [img]smile.gif[/img]

[ 01-21-2003, 11:19 AM: Message edited by: Grojlach ]

<font color="gold">1. After BG1 & 2, the Icewind Dale-games are my favourite games. As already mentioned, they are alot of hack 'n slash, but not 100% of the time. You don't need to use yor brain to deal with quests, which probably is the biggest set-back. They are still worth playing, though. ;)

2. As I said, they come in my list right after BG1 & 2. There are big differences, though, and the BG-series would won in a battle between the two set of games. The IWD-serie has it strengths, though, but all in all it really isn't BG. If BG2 was rated 100%, I'd give IWD1 a 60% and IWD2 a 75%. [img]smile.gif[/img]

3. No, it isn't possible. As they use two whole different rule-systems, where in the 2nd game you have to choose skills & feats, it simply wouldn't be possible. Unless you're willing to have many changes to your character.

4. Absolutely. They are one of the better game-series if you ask me, and shouldn't be missed by someone real into CRPGs. [img]smile.gif[/img] </font>

[ 01-21-2003, 11:50 AM: Message edited by: Sir Exxon ]

I don't know. Creating characters is always the most enjoying part. After that, those games become so boring, that I go play Robin Hood ;)
Black Isle made a huge flaw here. They wanted to attract Diablo players or what?

I've always thought that IWD1 had a similar feel to chapter 5 of BGII.

You go see the person in charge, get a quest, finish quest, return, and repeat.

The only difference is the IWD quests are longer, and have fewer NPC interactions.

I liked IWD with the expansion HoW. If you get it make sure you get it with the expansion.

I find myself going between the BG series and IWD because too much of each is a bad thing. IWD has a decent story and plot I found the battles to be tougher than anything the BG series had to offer not quite the hack and slash as some say more like hack, slash, and blast. Plus bards and druids are actually quite powerful and useful in IWD more so than in any other of the games. Another thing I liked about IWD was the environment, the sounds of the cold wind blowing through the dale was enough to send chills up my spine, or the shear enjoyment of travelling inside a glaciers cavern. It is very much linear and there is really only one puzzle to solve in the whole game. If you like BG I think it is a good chance you will like the IWD series, even if it is just to get away from something different than the BG series for awhile.

[ 01-21-2003, 12:44 PM: Message edited by: pritchke ]

I rather like IWD1 really. [img]smile.gif[/img] Sometimes it is nice to just have some brainless fun killing stuff. The music and scenery are top-notch, better than BG2's I would say, and though BG2 has the more robust storyline, I liked the twist at the end of the IWD saga, one of the best endings I have ever seen in a game.

I had a lot of fun in IWD, creating my ideal party and making them plod their way through the game. Of course, it helped that I gave them all custom scripts, so their actions were their own, though indirectly mine in a way. It is fun to see them battle on their own, like Sims War. ;)

it's more a case of different emphasis on playing style. In BG you make 1 character and meat other people who you interect with. there is more emphasis on character interaction, puzzle solving and non-combat than IWD. The 2 games are very similar, look the same and work the same, but the emphasis is switched between them. It is definately worth having both if you love either one.

That being said, there is still plenty of combat in BG, and plenty of puzzles and dialogue in IWD. Personaly I find BG as a more fullfilling series, but IWD series has plenty to offer. Just keep in mind the different emphasis or you *may* be dissapointed (or pleasantly suprised)

I liked both BG and IWD. I started IWD2, but I'm having trouble with my sound and video cards on my desktop which result in all IE games freezing up at random intervals. I finally gave up due to the frustration factor of having to reset the computer, go through an error boot sequence, just to play for another half hour before repeating. Plus, I got a Mac laptop and a copy of BG2 that runs with all the sound and video options maxed out.

Anyway, IWD1 was lots of fun. I like being able to make my own custom party. Some of the spells work differently too. I remember how disappointed I was starting BG2 when the cleric's magical stone turned out to be so useless. In IWD1 it hits for 3-12 damage (x2 vs. undead). And if you add HoW, there are a lot of new mage and cleric/druid spells available.

Don't try to the dualed ranger/cleric trick though...it won't work. It's worth making a druid just to try out all the new spells they get in HoW.

I'd definitely recommend buying it, especially #1, since you can get it pretty cheap nowadays.