Icewind Dale: Enhanced Edition

 PC
User Score
7.5

Generally favorable reviews- based on 149 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 105 out of 149
  2. Mixed: 21 out of 149
  3. Negative: 23 out of 149

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  1. okamimiyazaki
    Oct 30, 2014
    10
    If you've never played Icewind Dale at all, see the last part of my review for an explanation of what to expect with the game. First, I'll start with a review of the enhancement.

    This is a beautiful enhancement to an awesome game. It contains all of the expansions and content from Icewind Dale, plus some more. I know that many critics and users will complain, as always, that it doesn't    If you've never played Icewind Dale at all, see the last part of my review for an explanation of what to expect with the game. First, I'll start with a review of the enhancement.

    This is a beautiful enhancement to an awesome game. It contains all of the expansions and content from Icewind Dale, plus some more. I know that many critics and users will complain, as always, that it doesn't add enough content to warrant the $20 price tag. I disagree ($20 is not expensive for a game) and IWD adds even more than BG1 and BG2 enhanced editions did. It's very similar to the latter two games, but since Icewind Dale originally didn't have very many class choices, you're given all of the kits from BG2 plus a few new ones. The new quests and content add about ~6 hours of play (there are $20 games out there that take this amount of time to beat) and much of it is drawn from deleted content that never launched with the original game, which is awesome to see, as a fan of IWD!

    The UI is beautiful. I have experienced no bugs at all and everything is running flawlessly. The release of the game came quickly and as a surprise.

    ****************************************************************************************************

    IWD AS A GAME, WHAT TO EXPECT: Icewind Dale is a Dungeons and Dragons-based, isometric RPG that uses the Infinity Engine, with a combat system similar to Dragon Age: Origins. It is like Baldur's Gate but at the same time, very different. Icewind Dale is not dialogue heavy. In fact, there's very little dialogue, although the small amount that exists is well-written. The plot IS good but it is rather straightforward and basic, with a couple of twists towards the end. The game has very little city exploration or party banter. What it does have is the following: superb music, incredible atmosphere, top-notch level/dungeon design, beautiful artwork, extremely high replay value, a sense of adventure and wonder, and strategic, fun, challenging combat.

    The beauty of the game comes from the music, art and design. The fun of the game comes from two things: (1) combat - wish very well-designed fights that require placement, strategy and planning and can be very rewarding on higher difficulties; (2) party creation. If you HATE creating full parties and spending hours thinking about how your party will work, this is probably not the game for you. If you don't hate that, it's a lot of fun and adds a ton of replay value. If you're one of those people who hates being given "premade" characters that you can't customize or build from scratch, THIS is the game for you.

    You get 6 party member slots. You can decide how to play the game in whatever way you want. Solo with a sorcerer? Play with 6 archers? Duo with a 'decoy'/'tank' and healer? Make an all-evil party? An all-good party? A mixed party? Sure, you don't get the party banter of Baldur's Gate, but there's so much freedom. You can name all of your characters and make them from scratch, gear them up, give them different stats so that they work well together. I have spent hours devising ways to create an effective party, e.g., 2 melee, 2 casters, 2 decoy/tanks, or a mix of classes (multiclassing/dual classing is one of the best parts of D&D). If this appeals to you, it can be SO MUCH FUN.    … Expand
  2. Magnethead
    Jul 1, 2015
    8
    I never actually played the original release of Icewind Dale, somehow, back in the day so this was a very positive surprise for me. This is old school tactical RPG in the style of Baldur's Gate except it's more about the setting, the mood and a harsher, less intrigant story. All these aspects come together really well, though, and the experience is more than just nostalgia. Revisiting theI never actually played the original release of Icewind Dale, somehow, back in the day so this was a very positive surprise for me. This is old school tactical RPG in the style of Baldur's Gate except it's more about the setting, the mood and a harsher, less intrigant story. All these aspects come together really well, though, and the experience is more than just nostalgia. Revisiting the old AD&D 2nd Edition is all nostalgia, though, but a few improvements here and there offer a bit more variety and depth than just the old school.

    If anything negative is to be said, perhaps the game is slightly too linear at times. A bit more exploration would have offered an even stronger feeling of being out in the desolate wilderness which is a feeling the game otherwise very successfully creates through it's music and artwork.

    For me it's a perfect casual game to play in a window while watching a stream or something like that. If you like RPGs and enjoy managing skills, tactics and customizing your finely tuned party, this is for you. I definitely recommend this game.    … Expand
  3. sartorius12345
    Nov 2, 2014
    10
    Notice how none of the negative reviews have anything useful to say. This is a great game, IMO better than Baldur's Gate and one of the best Infinity Engine games next to PS:T. It has fantastic and fun combat, decent story, and awesome dungeons. Enhancement is really nice and bug free.
  4. Radiant999
    Nov 1, 2014
    9
    @Tessara_Vejgan: the game already had a 30 fps "lock" 15 year ago, but you could change it in the game settings; if you want to do it now, open the ini file in your windows documents folder and look for "maximum frame rate"
  5. salzherz
    Nov 24, 2014
    10
    To make it short, a wonderful edition. I played all the old RPGs at the release date, and i love to replay IWD EE which is running so well. With no fumbling for widescreen support and a really clever way to adjust the UI. For my aged eyes, this is the verison i always looking for. (and i prefer to play this game over Dragon Age Inquisition, which was after 7 hours a pure simple, nonTo make it short, a wonderful edition. I played all the old RPGs at the release date, and i love to replay IWD EE which is running so well. With no fumbling for widescreen support and a really clever way to adjust the UI. For my aged eyes, this is the verison i always looking for. (and i prefer to play this game over Dragon Age Inquisition, which was after 7 hours a pure simple, non complex game by any means.… Expand
  6. matod
    Nov 4, 2014
    9
    Excellent D&D experience , not as perfect as BG 1&2 but still kick-ass. And this version has some advanced options for dificulty which is veru useful for players seeking advaced D&D tactics.
  7. lolien
    Dec 8, 2014
    9
    The original game was good for me too, so i'm happy, that it was enhanced.

    What i really like in the EE version of IWD compared to the BGEE-s, that it comes out almost bug-free for the first time. For example, when i put my custom sounds in the proper folder it works like magic. The only setback for me is the fact, that the EE-s runs on my laptop with slower speed, but this is partly    The original game was good for me too, so i'm happy, that it was enhanced.

    What i really like in the EE version of IWD compared to the BGEE-s, that it comes out almost bug-free for the first time. For example, when i put my custom sounds in the proper folder it works like magic.

    The only setback for me is the fact, that the EE-s runs on my laptop with slower speed, but this is partly my fault, because i use the same machine for 8 or 9 years now.    … Expand
  8. orctown-troll
    Oct 31, 2014
    10
    Beamdog continues to do great work re-optimizing the old classic RPGs for a new generation. Each new 'enhanced' version is better than the last. I understand that there are a few nay-sayers who think $20 is too much to pay for an upgraded version of a 2001 game. Well, those people can simply be patient and wait a year to get the game on sale. For those with jobs who don't mind paying fullBeamdog continues to do great work re-optimizing the old classic RPGs for a new generation. Each new 'enhanced' version is better than the last. I understand that there are a few nay-sayers who think $20 is too much to pay for an upgraded version of a 2001 game. Well, those people can simply be patient and wait a year to get the game on sale. For those with jobs who don't mind paying full price you won't be disappointed with this Greatly enhanced version of an old RPG classic.… Expand
  9. lifeofbrian
    Oct 30, 2014
    10
    It works very smoothly, the new spells are pretty neat, and its nice from a roleplaying standpoint to have all the kits available. They also added in two new cleric kits. Supposedly the Priest of Tempus gets additional dialogue but I haven't yet played as one so I can't say how much that is. Still, its a huge improvement over the original (which I sparked up to compare it with) and itIt works very smoothly, the new spells are pretty neat, and its nice from a roleplaying standpoint to have all the kits available. They also added in two new cleric kits. Supposedly the Priest of Tempus gets additional dialogue but I haven't yet played as one so I can't say how much that is. Still, its a huge improvement over the original (which I sparked up to compare it with) and it doesn't seem to me like its has the kind of problems that BG2EE currently has. The only fault I could maybe give is that they should have added in more kits, though these are relatively easy to mod in anyways.… Expand
  10. bengoshi
    Nov 13, 2014
    9
    Something that makes 4 days of your life feel like 4 hours can't go unevaluated. This game has already given me 80 hours of gameplay and they were wonderful.

    IWDEE looks like and feels like the ultimate version of how an IE game could be enhanced given all the lost data. So far I had no single crash, didn't encounter anything even remotely close to a bug and/or problem, didn't see    Something that makes 4 days of your life feel like 4 hours can't go unevaluated. This game has already given me 80 hours of gameplay and they were wonderful.

    IWDEE looks like and feels like the ultimate version of how an IE game could be enhanced given all the lost data. So far I had no single crash, didn't encounter anything even remotely close to a bug and/or problem, didn't see anything that could upset me. With the new UI, all the new spells and kits - and in the same time with all the music, the landscapes and the enemies from the vanilla version, - the game feels absolutely brilliant.

    With a need of making your own party and not a single character plus tons of new spells, IWDEE gives an unlimited field to try any party composition you always wanted to try but could not let in BG. What if I try a cleric without any second class? What if I try a druid without any second class as well? What about a singing bard? What about a wild mage who's not Neera? And and all of that is available in one party!

    IWDEE brought me the joy of developing characters right from the first level - the thing I like in BG1 so much: these are the moments when even a pack of orcs feel dangerous. "Ohh, I've found the first +1 item!" "Ohh, the first level-up!" "Ohh, the first Mirror Image spell scroll!" These emotions are simply unforgettable:)

    IWDEE gives you a chance to finally try and enjoy using a bard and a druid in your party. Both these classes shine in this game.

    IWDEE gives you items gradually. You can't visit all locations from the start to plan your items and spells - in this game you get them step-by-step. The joy of finally finding a thrown axe and finally getting a Web spell is unmatched. Beamdog have made a food job of putting new items here and there – just like they were always there: new monk bracers come exactly when they’re needed, a new katana +2 with a fine enchantment comes not long before a battle when you need it happens.

    One of my party members was a Tempus priest, a new kit developed by Beamdog. I’ve liked him a lot. Getting Holy Power from the 1st level is a nice buff, especially combined with DUHM. Chaos of Battle became my favourite opening spell in any mass fight. Overall, a chance to try kits in IWDEE is worth it.

    I’ve fallen in love with IWDEE. Being a BG fan for years, I’ve found lots and lots of positives in IWDEE. Some spells work differently: you now have to think twice before using the Insect Plague Spell in the middle of the combat. If you fear your character can be charmed, just cast Protection from Evil on him. Enemies in IWDEE have refreshing abilities as well: you should kill those beetles fast and BEFORE they come close to your party members.

    I was blown away by beautiful music sets of Kuldahar and Easthaven. The battle compositions of the Vale of Shadows and the Dragon’s Eye were lively and suited the areas perfectly.

    I don’t think this game can give only one playthrough. With the variety of party compositions, certain spells that are alignment-restricted and the HoF mode, one can easily have several runs of IWDEE, the replayability is there.

    The new user interface is a win! With the UI which we know from BGEE and which has been further developed, playing IWD becomes as most convenient as we could ever hope.

    IWDEE is so good you won’t be able to stop playing even for a sleep. It gives an absolute immunity to sleep, I should say. An impressive level of work has been put into this game. Beamdog have done it!
    With IWDEE Beamdog have made something abundantly clear – that they can release a thoroughly polished product with which gamers will have a blast.    … Expand
  11. fearless0
    Apr 4, 2016
    10
    I had played IWD2 before hand and all the other infinity engine games, IWD1 was one that i hadnt really had a chance to play before. I was glad to have the chance to play this. With the new updated Infinity Engine that beamdog had created it was a very good game to play. The new additions to this engine enhanced the overall experience, like the quick loot option.

    The game itself is    I had played IWD2 before hand and all the other infinity engine games, IWD1 was one that i hadnt really had a chance to play before. I was glad to have the chance to play this. With the new updated Infinity Engine that beamdog had created it was a very good game to play. The new additions to this engine enhanced the overall experience, like the quick loot option.

    The game itself is great, gets to the heart of action quite quickly and builds the story well. Plenty of areas to visit, not as many as BGII obviously, but still a decent amount of gameplay. I finished it and was left wanting to play more BG games, which is a good thing.    … Expand
  12. KaienShiba
    Dec 5, 2014
    8
    IWD is no baldur's gate or even skyrim, you have no banter or a vested interest in keeping your companions alive, the plot is good but that's all. The kits does bring it up a notch since the original had vanilla classes
  13. ShinsFortress
    Jun 3, 2017
    8
    Fabulous.

    I bought and played BG:EE recently and just moved onto this. While the interface and mechanics are missing a couple minor tweaks that BG has received I'd forgotten how lush the visuals are. Some of the backdrops looks like wonderful paintings in their own right. Yes, it's a different game to BG pr P:T, yes there's more combat and less 'story' but it's great fun in it's    Fabulous.

    I bought and played BG:EE recently and just moved onto this. While the interface and mechanics are missing a couple minor tweaks that BG has received I'd forgotten how lush the visuals are. Some of the backdrops looks like wonderful paintings in their own right.

    Yes, it's a different game to BG pr P:T, yes there's more combat and less 'story' but it's great fun in it's own context!a    … Expand
  14. hwanin
    Sep 18, 2021
    8
    It's a good redux/reissue of the original.
    I never had problems playing the original, but this version is obviously more handy and the updated graphics are also a strong improvement.

    If someone is new to the Icewind Dale games, I highly recommend to buy this EE and hope that the developers will also enhance the sequel before you finish the first game.
  15. Garathiel
    Aug 30, 2021
    10
    Best Version of the Game ever, they still put some Upgrades likes new Portraits and Sound Effects in Every Patch ... GREAT GAME!
  16. FrostormNidhegg
    Oct 31, 2019
    8
    Как балдурс гейтс, только с урезанным в 10 раз сюжетом. Ну то есть с одной стороны, тут на каждой локации сюжета больше, чем во всех частях Диабло, а с другой - по меркам нормальных рпг очень мало. Есть странные вещи - варвар это подвид бойца например. Почему? С какой стати? Во второй части все гораздо лучше, но и первая неплоха. Бимдогам спасибо - например, прикрутили регулировку уровняКак балдурс гейтс, только с урезанным в 10 раз сюжетом. Ну то есть с одной стороны, тут на каждой локации сюжета больше, чем во всех частях Диабло, а с другой - по меркам нормальных рпг очень мало. Есть странные вещи - варвар это подвид бойца например. Почему? С какой стати? Во второй части все гораздо лучше, но и первая неплоха. Бимдогам спасибо - например, прикрутили регулировку уровня сложности, если запарило проходить гробницу например и тебя постоянно убивают на 3 этаже - снизил на минимум сложность и прошел, очень хорошо.… Expand
  17. Erikjewish
    Jul 29, 2022
    10
    Ah yes a game for real men ( you guys probably forgot what that means )

    I’ve seen some bad ass smart women play this on a overrated website everyone seems to visit and take so serious, called YouTube.

    You have been warned, no return from this game, MAN UP, sissy and click install. ( it’s double click )

Awards & Rankings

66
#66 Best PC Game of 2014

Critic Reviews

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Metascore
80

Generally favorable reviews - based on 13 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 11 out of 13
  2. Mixed: 2 out of 13
  3. Negative: 0 out of 13
  1. CD-Action
    Jan 9, 2015
    85
    Canadians responsible for this edition restrained their own creativity almost completely, delivering a polished product true to the original game. [13/2014, p.63]
  2. DarkStation
    Dec 19, 2014
    90
    For someone looking for a game like the Baldur’s Gate titles but with more emphasis on spending time fighting monsters and delving through dungeons, this may be just the thing.
    Read full review
  3. Softpedia
    Dec 15, 2014
    80
    Icewind Dale isn’t a perfect game, but it’s one of the best RPGs of all times. Obviously, the Enhanced Edition is also among the best in the genre, but it only brings minor improvements into the mix.
    Read full review
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