*Grumbles Bruenor style*
There is alot of ignorance and pretty unfair judgments going on in this thread about Drizzt, who is definitely one of Forgotten Realms most eminently strong characters. If it were me and I hadn't actually read any of the novels which featured him, I'd be reserving my judgments thank you very much.
That said, I've only read the Icewind Dale Trilogy and so haven't seen the most present incarnation of him. But I'll catch up eventually. I'm presently reading the first novel of the Dark Elf Trilogy, "Homeland" which explores Drizzt's early years where its pretty evident that he wasn't the 'overpowered' fool that many have mistakenly taken him for.
I think that Salvatore knows how to subtly draw out strong ethical dilemma's and pain within Drizzt, making him a little more complex than some give him credit for.
Furthermore, Baldur's Gate I&II isn't the first RPG to feature him. For relative newbies to him, check out Menzoberranzen for a more in depth encounters with him. I don't really think that the BG series captured him very well, in all honesty...it was more of a silly gimmick than anything.