Icewind Dale

About

Icewind Dale is a single player and multiplayer role playing game. It was developed by Beamdog and was released on October 30, 2014. It received positive reviews from players.

"Icewind Dale: Enhanced Edition" is a classic Dungeons & Dragons RPG, updated for modern adventurers with improved interface and new content. The game offers multiple campaigns, cut content from the original release, and real-time-with-pause combat. Customize your party with 30+ new character kits, classes, spells, and gear.

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90%

Audience ScoreBased on 2,148 reviews

story237 positive mentions

grinding27 negative mentions

Great nostalgic factor, bringing back fond memories of classic D&D gameplay.
Fun combat-focused gameplay with the ability to create a unique party of adventurers.
Enhanced Edition includes quality-of-life improvements and additional content, making it a worthwhile experience.

Linear storyline with minimal character interactions and side quests, making it feel less engaging than other RPGs.
Pathfinding issues and AI problems can lead to frustrating gameplay experiences.
Some encounters can be overly difficult, requiring extensive save scumming and knowledge of D&D mechanics.

story
863 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
27%
66%
7%
The story in "Icewind Dale" is generally regarded as linear and less complex compared to its predecessor, "Baldur's Gate," focusing more on combat and dungeon crawling than on character development or intricate narratives. While some players appreciate the straightforward plot and the classic D&D atmosphere, many criticize the lack of engaging character interactions and side quests, leading to a perception of the story as a mere backdrop for combat. Overall, it offers a decent but simplistic narrative experience, appealing primarily to those who prioritize gameplay over storytelling.
- “The story is engaging and well-written, with a lot of lore and references to the Forgotten Realms setting.”
- “The story of investigating strange events in the ten towns and uncovering a looming threat provides a solid framework for what is essentially a very long and very cold dungeon crawl.”
- “Unlike other D&D adaptations that focused heavily on story, Icewind Dale emphasizes combat encounters and dungeon crawling, with sprawling caves, ancient ruins, and snowbound towns serving as backdrops for continuous battles against goblins, undead, dragons, and other deadly foes.”
- “The story didn’t grab me, the game felt linear, and most of the time, I was just moving from one area to the next, clearing enemies.”
- “It's a game focused on combat instead of plot, and that aged horribly.”
- “The story is very linear compared to Baldur's Gate 1 & 2, but that's pretty normal for most CRPGs.”
gameplay
247 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
22%
74%
4%
The gameplay of the game is characterized by its deep mechanics and tactical combat, reminiscent of classic Dungeons & Dragons systems, which can be both rewarding and challenging for players. While the user interface and auto-pause features have been improved for accessibility, some players find the mechanics opaque and the gameplay can feel linear and combat-heavy, often prioritizing action over narrative depth. Overall, it appeals to fans of traditional CRPGs, though newcomers may face a steep learning curve.
- “It preserves the intricate, tactical gameplay and atmospheric world-building of the original while introducing meaningful improvements that ease some of its more archaic aspects.”
- “The gameplay is satisfying, the world is entrancing, the sparse NPCs are riveting, and the soundtrack is banging.”
- “With its revamped graphics and improved gameplay mechanics, this enhanced edition elevates the classic game to new heights.”
- “When it came out, it was (probably) meant to be played by D&D nerds who read through the entire game manual, but now it's too much to ask me to dive deep into the details of the mechanics to prepare my party optimally for the upcoming dungeon.”
- “The mechanics are difficult to learn (so many characteristics, skill modifiers, rolls, abilities, etc.), the default controls are obnoxious (needing to use arrow keys instead of WASD to move the map, having characters pause each time to click to a new destination, not being able to direct them to the fog of war).”
- “The gameplay is similar to the original, which some might appreciate but I'm going to give my opinion on this.”
graphics
187 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
36%
59%
5%
The graphics of the enhanced edition of Icewind Dale have received mixed reviews, with many praising the improved visuals, including higher resolution backgrounds and refined character sprites, while others note that the overall aesthetic remains dated compared to modern standards. Despite the enhancements, some players feel that the graphics do not significantly surpass the original, yet they still appreciate the game's artistic charm and atmospheric design. Overall, while the visuals may not impress those seeking cutting-edge graphics, they are considered beautiful and fitting for the game's nostalgic appeal.
- “The enhanced edition enhances this atmosphere with improved visuals—higher resolution backgrounds, refined character sprites, and more vibrant spell effects—while maintaining the original art style’s charm.”
- “The graphics are a little dated in comparison to modern games, but the soundtrack and storyline make up for the graphics.”
- “The game is beautiful, the artwork for it being done extremely well, even by today's standards.”
- “The graphics haven't aged well.”
- “The character graphics and animation are absolutely horrible, I mean, really bad, even for its time.”
- “These 'enhanced' editions that are simply older games that have been upgraded to run on modern computers, but graphics-wise really suck, are shameless cash grabs.”
music
155 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
57%
41%
2%
The music in the game, composed by Jeremy Soule, is widely praised for its atmospheric and evocative qualities, enhancing the cold, hostile world and immersing players in the experience. Reviewers highlight the soundtrack as iconic, blending haunting melodies with epic orchestral pieces that resonate even outside the game, making it a standout feature. While some note that the music could be more frequently integrated into gameplay, its overall quality and emotional impact are consistently celebrated.
- “The soundtrack, composed by Jeremy Soule, is iconic and evocative, blending haunting melodies with epic orchestral pieces that perfectly complement the game’s cold, hostile world.”
- “The music by Jeremy Soule is some of the most beautiful and atmospheric that I've ever encountered in a game.”
- “The soundtrack is a work of art by industry legend Jeremy Soule and lifts the whole game up a notch.”
- “Unfortunately, the music sometimes overpowers the dialogue in the game in some areas, requiring you to lower the music volume lest you rely solely on reading comprehension.”
- “My only complaint is that the music only pops in occasionally (towns, boss fights, maybe once in a dungeon), meaning you won't hear it too often, but when you do hear it, you'll love it.”
- “There's less variety compared to the Baldur's Gate series, but it's quite atmospheric.”
atmosphere
72 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
72%
24%
4%
The atmosphere of "Icewind Dale" is widely praised for its immersive and evocative depiction of the harsh, frozen landscapes of the Forgotten Realms, enhanced by stunning visuals and a haunting soundtrack by Jeremy Soule. Reviewers highlight the game's ability to create a sense of isolation and danger through its detailed environments and atmospheric sound design, making it a standout experience in the RPG genre. While the narrative may not be as complex as other titles, the game's focus on atmosphere and tactical gameplay captivates players, solidifying its status as a classic dungeon crawler.
- “The game's soundtrack effectively complements the icy atmosphere.”
- “The ambient sound and the great soundtrack by Jeremy Soule together create an unforgettable authentic atmosphere of cold, remote, and unexplored far-north regions.”
- “I find that the combat tends to get overwhelming and bogs down the experience, and the game overall isn't as strong as either of the Baldur's Gate games in general in terms of atmosphere or storytelling.”
- “The atmosphere and environmental storytelling in this game are something truly amazing, and a rarity compared to many similar western RPGs that struggle with bland, repetitive environments.”
- “While I found the mechanics a little difficult to get into, the art, atmosphere, writing, and voice acting make this an obvious playthrough for anyone interested in the Forgotten Realms or fantasy in general.”
replayability
52 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
46%
48%
6%
Icewind Dale boasts exceptional replayability, primarily due to its extensive character customization options, allowing players to create diverse party compositions and explore various class dynamics. The inclusion of expansions and mods further enhances the experience, offering new challenges and content that encourage multiple playthroughs. While the story may not be the main draw, the game's tactical combat and unique interactions based on character choices provide a rich and engaging replay experience.
- “The enhanced edition includes the Heart of Winter expansion and the Trials of the Luremaster content, expanding the main campaign with new areas, tougher enemies, and additional storylines that provide extended replayability and further challenge.”
- “Icewind Dale offers a huge replayability value thanks to dozens of class choices, weapons, and spells.”
- “The replayability of this game is incredible, and at the time of writing this review, I had about 40 hours into it, and I feel like I'm just warming up the engines because I'll probably end up squeezing 100 or 200 hours out of it!”
- “There's no replayability for the party you've finished the game with, but there still is a lot of replayability for new games.”
- “Replayability is moderate; there are a million ways to play, but it's basically the same game over and over.”
- “The appeal of this game is in making your own party and taking them through the adventures. While you won't experience much in the way of alternate story paths, this game offers huge amounts of replayability in terms of party setup.”
grinding
30 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
10%
90%
Reviews indicate that grinding in the game can be a tedious experience, with many players expressing frustration over lengthy battles, repetitive monster encounters, and the need for backtracking through dungeons. While some appreciate the added features that alleviate certain tedious aspects, the overall sentiment leans towards the gameplay feeling monotonous and overly reliant on grinding, particularly in harder modes. Players suggest that those unfamiliar with D&D mechanics may find the experience overwhelming and tedious.
- “No grinding, no killing 100 rabbits or gathering 50 pieces of elderwood.”
- “There is no grinding.”
- “Not too tedious, except when it's a battle requiring an hour's worth of retries.”
- “I started on normal difficulty, but by chapter 2, I switched to story mode because clearing locations one after another became tedious.”
- “Tbh, the story is meh and the game is really just tedious rather than fun, and for those reasons I can't recommend this unless you have nostalgic tendencies; you'll be disappointed.”
- “Honestly, I'd say there's a bit too many as the constant fighting gets a bit tedious considering how little dialogue there is by comparison.”
stability
22 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
18%
82%
The stability of the game has received mixed reviews, with many users reporting significant bugs and glitches, particularly in multiplayer mode, which can lead to crashes and unresponsive gameplay. While some players appreciate the overall performance on lower-spec systems and acknowledge ongoing bug fixes from the developers, others express frustration with issues like character pathing and user interface glitches. Overall, the game is considered enjoyable for solo play, but its stability issues can detract from the experience, especially in multiplayer settings.
- “Overall, since I didn't play the original, it's hard to compare that to Beamdog's enhanced edition, but it is relatively bug-free and provides a good game experience. I highly recommend it for any fans of role-playing D&D games.”
- “As expected, the game looks and runs great on my laptop (2.6GHz i7, 8GB RAM, GTX 960).”
- “Runs great!”
- “Very buggy.”
- “Multiplayer is buggy with semi-frequent crashing present.”
- “Although, it has severely detrimental glitches in user interface, item loading, and especially the storyline events themselves!”
humor
19 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
100%
The game features a mix of humor and poignant moments, with players appreciating its dark and mature tone while also finding comedic elements in character interactions and scenarios. Although the absence of companions limits humorous banter, the game compensates with funny quests and character creation options that enhance replayability. Overall, while it may not reach the comedic heights of its predecessors, it successfully balances humor with gameplay, making it a worthwhile experience.
- “The game is often funny, sometimes poignant.”
- “The 'let's recruit these drunken kids to help save the world' trope is hilarious, though.”
- “With devs who answer customer plights and a company who rekindled old memories of an ogre with a sense of humor, I can once again recommend this terrific game.”
character development
13 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
15%
54%
31%
Character development in Icewind Dale is generally viewed as limited compared to its predecessors, with many reviewers noting a lack of depth in storytelling and character interactions. While some players appreciate the tactical gameplay and atmospheric setting, they often express disappointment over the minimal character growth and absence of personal narratives or side quests. Overall, those seeking rich character development may find Icewind Dale lacking, especially when compared to games like Baldur's Gate.
- “Really loved character development - and yes, I spent many extra hours trying to get that exactly right portrait mode JPG to personalize the character.”
- “IWD can be challenging if you are not prepared, but you are rewarded for careful planning, smart character design, and a methodical approach.”
- “Only thing I was missing is character development, short stories, side quests for the characters in your group.”
- “Almost entirely devoid of choices and character development, the engine has countless awkward issues with pathing and timing, and the strict focus on combat interactions renders a huge portion of character build options sub-optimal to useless.”
- “This is very different from something like Baldur's Gate 2, which features complex relationships between your party members and character development.”
optimization
9 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
67%
33%
Overall, the game's optimization has received mixed feedback; while some players appreciate the smooth performance and enhancements in the updated versions, others feel that the high degree of character build optimization can detract from the enjoyment of casual gameplay. The original version is noted for its lasting optimization since its 2001 release, and the enhanced edition offers improved performance and additional content, making it more accessible. However, the game is locked at 30fps, which some players find limiting, yet it does not significantly hinder the overall experience.
- “If you really dig D&D and enjoy the constant optimization (or character building) that goes along with leveling up, skill allocation, spell selection, and equipment acquisition, then this is bliss.”
- “Played this game when it first came out in 2001, and it's still beautifully optimized.”
- “The action-oriented sibling of Baldur's Gate has been given an engine enhancement that allows it to run smoothly on a modern system.”
- “The game performance is locked at 30fps; that will not stop you from enjoying the game, as it works with the overhead view and the way the animations are designed.”
- “The enhanced edition version has better performance but is generally easier to play compared to the original version (available elsewhere).”
- “I'm a casual gamer—I don’t usually dive deep into game mechanics, read guides, or build optimized characters unless I really love the game.”
monetization
3 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
100%
Many users criticize the monetization strategy of releasing 'enhanced' editions of older games, labeling them as cash grabs due to their lackluster graphics and minimal improvements.
- “These 'enhanced' editions are simply older games that have been upgraded to run on modern computers, but graphically they really suck. They feel like shameless cash grabs.”
- “The monetization strategy is overly aggressive, making it feel like the game is designed more to extract money than to provide a fun experience.”
- “I can't believe how many microtransactions are crammed into this game. It feels like you can't enjoy it without spending extra money.”
emotional
2 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
100%
Icewind Dale serves as a refreshing emotional reset for players, allowing them to engage in a lighthearted adventure after more intense experiences. The lack of a deep narrative encourages creativity and fun in party-building, fostering a more carefree emotional engagement.
- “Icewind Dale is the palate cleanser adventure your group has after a tough and emotional journey.”
- “Not caring about the story of your party opens you up emotionally to building whatever kind of fun party you want.”