Icewind Dale makes no attempt to disguise the fact that it is a traditional RPG aimed at hardcore fans of the genre. Using an updated version of the Infinity engine (used in Baldur's Gate and Planescape: Torment) and based closely on the rules of the classic Advanced Dungeons and Dragons pen-and-paper RPG, it provides further evidence that Black Isle Studios are the current masters of the RPG scene. That is not to say the game is without its share of problems, and it certainly does little to advance or revolutionise the genre, but what it sets out to do it does exceptionally well.
Those of you who played Baldur's Gate will be instantly familiar with the look and "feel" of Icewind Dale. The character creation system is identical; however, this time around you are able to create the characters for the entire party rather than an individual around whom the story of the game is focused. This is the first sign of the differences between the two titles. Where Baldur's Gate had a sprawling tale which at times did not seem to relate well to the actual events in the game, Icewind Dale has a lean, stripped down story which moves along at a cracking pace. Having said that, the story is by no means under-nourished, as it does provide all the justification required for the actions your characters perform throughout the game. Icewind Dale begins with a rather stirring tale of an epic battle fought in the Spine of the World mountain range (the setting for the game) and sets the tone for the adventure that lies ahead. This adventure begins with your newly assembled party of adventurers arriving in the town of Easthaven greeted with alarming tales of roaming monsters and a clear sense of evil rising in the region. After a short introductory sequence of events around the town, your party heads off into the mountains to fight the good fight.
Icewind Dale's story has clearly been designed to highlight the game's greatest strength, the character development system. One of the aspects of Baldur's Gate that I found disappointing was the slow pace of character development. I often found myself milling around certain areas trying to increase my character levels so that I could progress further into the story. Icewind Dale gets this element -- which is crucial for a good RPG -- almost dead right. The only portions of the game which seem imbalanced are the beginning and the end. Players who favour clerics and magicians may find the first parts of the game tricky, but once the "main" adventure begins the pacing is nearly spot on. The other character development aspect which impressed me was the sense of your characters gaining in power. It really feels like you are watching a team of wet-eared wannabies slowly grow into bad-ass monster-slayers who laugh in the face of death before burying a dagger between his eyes.
One other important element in getting an RPG right is making the process of character growth interesting and customisable, and Black Isle have hit this nail on the head as well. Icewind Dale has a huge number of unique items which all have their own interesting little story behind them. The detail provided in the unique items' descriptions shows how much value Black Isle place on intelligent and interesting writing. This plentiful supply of unique weaponry and armour provides ample opportunity for players to customise their party and also provides motivation for the numerous dungeon crawls as you search for that particular item that will turn your character into the ultimate killing machine. Also in plentiful supply are your foes. I wasn't counting but apparently there are over 150 different monster types and this claim certainly doesn't seem outrageous. One minute you are fending off a horde of goblins, the next you are concentrating your party's might against a towering Frost Giant. In short, there is plenty for your party to see, kill and pick up.
