Can you be certain classes in Icewind Dale 2 like Shapeshifter, and Kensi, and Avenger, and Sorcerer?

Sorcerer yes. The others you mention no.

"Sorcerer yes. The others you mention no."

Although there are almost substitutes to these classes...the druid class via the new 3E rules is very similiar to the Shapeshifter speicalist class, and through feats he/she can gain even more shifting abilities as the game progresses.
Any class can be made *unofficially* via the 3e system of skills and feats, for instance you can choose a standard Fighter and specialize in one-on-one combat and allot extra strength bonuses where applicable, there you have your Kensai - minus major restrictions like not being able to wear armor or certain armor types (which is good!)
Basically the beauty of this system is that it gives you the freedom you need to be creative, you can power up whatever way you want to and tailor your characters to your liking. I love it ! :D

[ 09-16-2002, 12:15 PM: Message edited by: SpiritWarrior ]

Except for the Sorcerer, no! And thank God! Especially the Kensai. Arrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrgggggggggggggghhhhhhhh hhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh!!!!

In my old PnP, Kensai = Dead Player character.

Player Character Whine: "You're not fair. You single out my Kensai. You kill him/her on purpose."

Sick-and-tired-of-it DM: "If you were an intelligent monster, and you just happened to notice that this crazy human swinging a sword around had NO ARMOR on, who would you try to kill first?"

Whiner: "But they'd know I was a Kensai!!!"

Me: "How? Are these monsters from Kara Tur? I don't think so! Oy!"