Icewind Dale

 PC
User Score
8.3

Generally favorable reviews- based on 273 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 217 out of 273
  2. Mixed: 51 out of 273
  3. Negative: 5 out of 273
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  1. okamimiyazaki
    Jun 26, 2011
    10
    An amazing game if you like the D&D style RPGs. Fantastic music, good plot, challenging and very memorable. It can be a little bit of a grind at times.
  2. KaiEkkrin
    Jun 24, 2011
    8
    Ostensibly the Infinity Engine (Baldur's Gate et al) repurposed as a pure dungeon crawler, Icewind Dale still manages to keep the story quality on a par with the other Infinity Engine games -- although there isn't as much of it. What there *is* is the best, moodiest art of any of those games, the best music, and combat -- lots and lots of combat. The old D&D 2E ruleset works well thisOstensibly the Infinity Engine (Baldur's Gate et al) repurposed as a pure dungeon crawler, Icewind Dale still manages to keep the story quality on a par with the other Infinity Engine games -- although there isn't as much of it. What there *is* is the best, moodiest art of any of those games, the best music, and combat -- lots and lots of combat. The old D&D 2E ruleset works well this time: enough spots to rest that you can use your best spells, enough positioning tricks to play that the fighters aren't just aim-and-ignore. Difficulty is perfectly pitched, with only a minor spike at the final battle. Create the crazily powerful party you couldn't make in Baldur's Gate because the NPCs were pre-set, and play it on Insane difficulty.… Expand
  3. EUPOLEMOS
    Sep 16, 2013
    10
    A fantastic game with simple controls that anyone can learn easily and play not only RPG funs.The game sticks to the basics and it does it well.It has action,fun,interesting spells,legendary magic items,majestic snow vistas,incredible epic music and more.A must for the collection of every gamer.
  4. DeusXCom
    Aug 5, 2014
    10
    Another masterpiece from the Infinity Engine games era. Icewind Dale being the most combat based of them all, but still amazing in all other aspects. Atmospheric winter setting, fantastic music by Jeremy Soule (music from Easthaven or Kuldahar is just pure love), really good story and some of the characters had incredible voice acting. There was a little less exploration compared toAnother masterpiece from the Infinity Engine games era. Icewind Dale being the most combat based of them all, but still amazing in all other aspects. Atmospheric winter setting, fantastic music by Jeremy Soule (music from Easthaven or Kuldahar is just pure love), really good story and some of the characters had incredible voice acting. There was a little less exploration compared to Baldur's Gate here, but those combat sessions were so intense. I don't know how they achieved this, but it seemed like every fight was just on the right tip of the difficulty. When you used all your chars to their maximum abilities, it was just enough of what you needed to win that battle, no more no less. Probably the best combat balance I have ever seen and fantastic adventure on the spine of the world. 10/10… Expand
  5. JohnR
    Dec 14, 2008
    9
    Another stunningly impressive RPG from Black Isle/BioWare, full to brimming with atmosphere. The Infinity Engine games are immortal in my opinion. The two Icewind Dales are probably inferior to the two Baldur's Gates and Planescape : Torment, but they still wipe the floor with just about every other game under the sun. The attention to detail which the writers lavished on these games Another stunningly impressive RPG from Black Isle/BioWare, full to brimming with atmosphere. The Infinity Engine games are immortal in my opinion. The two Icewind Dales are probably inferior to the two Baldur's Gates and Planescape : Torment, but they still wipe the floor with just about every other game under the sun. The attention to detail which the writers lavished on these games deserves a medal ; the quality of the writing simply has no peer. The Black Isle/BioWare collaboration was one of those rare unions, like The Beatles or Monty Python, which are sadly all too rare. I would recommend Icewind Dale (and ID2) to anyone. You can still play it in Vista too with a minor adjustment or two. And there is a thriving modding community still refining these games and adding new content - ten years after Baldur's Gate was released ! I think that says it all really. The Infinity Engine games are the best of all time. End of story.… Expand
  6. TheMitherer
    Oct 23, 2011
    8
    A sort of perfunctory Baldur's Gate Lite. More specifically, a series of long battles occasionally interrupted by some storytelling. Of course, many people embrace that, but after a while I just want to give the fighting a rest. Nevertheless, there are many good points to this game most of which apply to all IE games. Many and varied items to find, good spells, atmospheric music, someA sort of perfunctory Baldur's Gate Lite. More specifically, a series of long battles occasionally interrupted by some storytelling. Of course, many people embrace that, but after a while I just want to give the fighting a rest. Nevertheless, there are many good points to this game most of which apply to all IE games. Many and varied items to find, good spells, atmospheric music, some great dungeons and some challenging fights with varied enemies. If you liked the BG series and somehow haven't tried this you should do so - you'll certainly get some mileage out of it. Just don't expect your party to talk to you or each other.… Expand
  7. JeroenVanR.
    Apr 12, 2003
    8
    A GREAT game, but the graphics are outdated.
  8. hwanin
    Sep 17, 2021
    8
    One of the few games I played through more than once.
    Good graphics, excellent controls, alright story.
    Someone mentioned here the word 'grinder'. Most of the RPGs are a bit grinders, but most of the games incorporate the "farming" method in order to get better position in the game. Racing games, action games, RPG, RTS, mostly grinding/farming games. It's just the way it is :(    One of the few games I played through more than once.
    Good graphics, excellent controls, alright story.
    Someone mentioned here the word 'grinder'.
    Most of the RPGs are a bit grinders, but most of the games incorporate the "farming" method in order to get better position in the game. Racing games, action games, RPG, RTS, mostly grinding/farming games.
    It's just the way it is :(

    Anyway, I really enjoyed this title, specially first time. Always keep fire/acid arrows or fire spells against the trolls, period!! :)    … Expand
  9. Joewashere
    Aug 27, 2019
    9
    If you ever played Baldur's Gate 1 and found yourself thinking "This is great, but I wish it had full party creation, a less confusing area and quest structure, and had a lot more combat and dungeons in it", then Icewind Dale is for you.

    Buoyed by one of the best soundtracks in gaming, and working off the exquisite AD&D second edition ruleset, IWD was made for those players who    If you ever played Baldur's Gate 1 and found yourself thinking "This is great, but I wish it had full party creation, a less confusing area and quest structure, and had a lot more combat and dungeons in it", then Icewind Dale is for you.

    Buoyed by one of the best soundtracks in gaming, and working off the exquisite AD&D second edition ruleset, IWD was made for those players who primarily enjoy Infinity Engine games for the combat. Graphics range from equal to BG1 quality to significantly better - especially the inventory icons and spellcasting animations are a true joy to behold.    … Expand
  10. IstrosOfAsgon
    Jul 18, 2017
    10
    I often heard people saying this game lacked depth. For me it didn't. It is a very subtle game where you have no clue what is happening story wise until close to the end. But when you find out what was going on all the time, all the pieces and hints you came along during the game add up to a big picture. Despite the main story there are countless side stories going on, that really suck youI often heard people saying this game lacked depth. For me it didn't. It is a very subtle game where you have no clue what is happening story wise until close to the end. But when you find out what was going on all the time, all the pieces and hints you came along during the game add up to a big picture. Despite the main story there are countless side stories going on, that really suck you into the game. It is an absolute linear game! No doubt about that. But for me it always was far from boring. In this game it is the uncertainty of what is actually going on that makes up for the lack of side questing. You don't need side quets here. The main quest is what is all about. I always had an urge to find out what the solution to all the strange events actually is. I just can't see how it is lacking depth. Sure, your party is not really involved in the story other than finding out what is going on. That again makes it so interesting. Your party is just as uninvolved as you yourself are sitting in front of your PC. That again let's you be so unbelievable involved. It actually could be you exploring this cold and inhospitable land of ice. The game play is top notch by the way. Spell casting and the round based fighting system are great. Everything is spot on. And what makes this game great even after 17 years, is the environment. The images are beyond beautiful. Sure it is an old game with ancient graphics. But that doesn't impair the perception of this strange, magical and beautiful land, that you can enjoy every second of playing. It is diversified and every area you travel to has a distinct look to it. But all of what I described so far wouldn't be as great as it is without the phenomenal soundtrack. Right after you step out from the cozy tavern into the freezing heart of the Icewind Dale for the first time an overdose of ambiance surrounds you. I've played my fare share of video games over the years. Never did I feel the same.

    I don't want to compare this game to BGII. BGII is a masterpiece in it's own dimension. But for me personally so is Icewind Dale.    … Expand
  11. Leaven
    Nov 1, 2020
    10
    Best CRPG of all time, allowing to create the whole team as u wish, story and gameplay is mastered. Finished this one 5 times and will do 5 time more.
  12. hyrts
    Jun 4, 2022
    10
    I love this game series. I totally do. Please try this game if you're into DnD, RPG, medieval world, spells, dwarfs, lore, dungeon crawling and such.

Awards & Rankings

16
#16 Best PC Game of 2000
25
#25 Most Discussed PC Game of 2000
62
#62 Most Shared PC Game of 2000

Critic Reviews

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Metascore
87

Generally favorable reviews - based on 29 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 29 out of 29
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 29
  3. Negative: 0 out of 29
  1. Adrenaline Vault
    80
    Bottom line is this: anyone who enjoys traditional fantasy role-playing games will love Icewind Dale.
    Read full review
  2. GamePro
    90
    Anyone looking for a classic AD&D gaming experience to hold them over until "Baldur's Gate II" arrives should definitely check out Icewind Dale.
    Read full review
  3. Daily Radar
    100
    Though in five years we will not look back on "Icewind Dale" as the game that changed the world, we will likely remember it as one of the most enjoyable RPGs we've had the pleasure to crack open.
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