Graphics/Conclusion

Looking Purrty

Despite the continued limitation to a 640x480 resolution, Icewind Dale manages to look a fair bit better than Baldur's Gate. The new monsters and characters are smooth and more detailed. Spell effects are improved on BG but the most important change was that they no longer affect gameplay so much. Magic missiles move fast and performance slowdowns are not as noticeable as they were in the original - though that could be the beefier system we're using. But the major improvements are in backgrounds and background effects.

Wade through that?

It's dark in there

The fires scattered around the world, like torches, firepits, and the like are just amazing. They move and flow so smoothly you almost feel like they're real. Water has been vastly improved over Baldur's Gate. No longer a dithered matte of blue and clear pixels, all water is an animation that is part of the background, rippling and waving naturally as can be.

Die, orc scum!

Curses!

Atmosphere

One thing we noticed, that despite the hack-and-slash feel to the game, there was a serious level of atmosphere available. The Impressionist-style character artwork, the backgrounds and the way people talked gave off a very gloomy feeling. The closest comparison I can come up to is the early 20th century attempted settlements in harsh climates. People come in confident of success, and slowly see themselves degenerate as their technology fails. Their confidence falls and they feel hopelessness but struggle on because of the opportunity present. It's very hard to describe.

More orcs

Looting bodies

Conclusion

Black Isle looks set to deliver on their promise of an action filled RPG which still retains a strong story. Powergaming seems to be the name of the game and Icewind definitely delivers an in-your-face style, but keeps you in the game with its potentially strong atmosphere and fast story pace.