This is the game that got me into the D&D gameplay!
This is a game that has a soft spot in my heart because it was the game that began my love for D&D role-playing games. The game has its roots in the Baldur's Gate series. Many similarities can be seen but the two games differ GREATLY in story. The game has a relatively easy gameplay, good graphics, and a solid D&D platform.
GAMEPLAY
The game for this game took me some getting used to but it was my first time ever playing a D&D PC game. The commands are very easy to get used. I didn't even have directions when I first played this game so the learning curve is not hard it just takes some time to learn all the buttons and special abilities. Selecting players is as easy as it can get and commanding them is just a click away. There were a few times I did loose a player because they would get hung up with some monster or stray off the wrong path in a long path command so I suggest doing baby steps for those who aren't that knowledgeable of the area you're in. Overall the game play is nice.
GRAPHICS
Well when this came out the graphics were really good, but now that it's six years later the graphics have lost their luster. But never the less, it has stood up fairly well over the six years. The game is vivid in its scenery and the players are well done for the time. The many monsters you come in contact with can be pretty cool to look at but don't look too close. The graphics are aging but they are aging nicely.
D&D PLATEFORM
The D&D platform in which this game was developed is probably my favorite out of the other Icewind Dale games and the other Baldur's Gates. Of course I did say this was the first game in which I played a D&D game on so I do have a slight bias to it, but to put that aside this is one of the best games to start with if you have never played a D&D based game. As with all D&D games there's a good story behind the game and this one is no exception. Take it for what it is, a good D&D game.
FINAL THOUGHTS
Well with many new D&D games out this one just starts to age more and more. The best part is that this game is being able to fight your way through a fantasy world with a group of people you can make into your friends (if you want). I've played this game many times but my favorite one was the one I only had one guy left in the group that was alive. It was made to look like my best friend and he was a warrior with all the amour and swords a knight would want. He was the last standing with barely 1 hit point left and struck the final villain down. I was so stoked about that. It was pretty cool. In all seriousness this is a good game to play. Get It and Have Fun!