Icewind Dale
Reviewed by Dean Browell

ESRB Rating: Teen

System Requirements:
Works On: OS 8.6-9 and OS X
Power Macintosh G3/233 MHz; 128 MB Ram, 690 MB Hard Drive space required

Reviewed On: A very plucky Lime 400MHz iMac 640MB of RAM

MacPlay.com
for ordering and more information

     ATTENTION ADVENTURERS: This is one of those out-of-the-box smiling kind of games. Yes, an argument can be made that this game is too late compared to the shelf-life of the Windows version, but you simply cannot argue that it's too little too late and not worth giving a shot. Detractors of the game will point to ground already covered in Baldur's Gate 2: Shadows of Amn in graphical boundaries, and the occasional spot where a gameplay trick or two in BG2 isn't present, but most players will find comparative flaws quickly invisible. Give this game the chance it deserves, and you'll be rewarded with engrossing gameplay and a high level of player-ownership in the characters. Let's be frank and upfront to newcomers: this is a largely 2D flat-graphic roleplaying game. It contains hours of gameplay and replay value, includes a refreshingly non-linear storyline, and can really suck up an afetrnoon/evening. That being said, it doesn't break any ground and attempt to waltz into the game hall of fame. But, for what it provides in absorbing gameplay and fabulous setting, it's stellar.

     The player-ownership trait begins with the most immediate difference between BG2 and Icewind Dale: you make your own characters. Note the plural. If there is a sole reason BG2 players should give Icewind a fair shake its the from-the-start citizenship that comes from creating an entire cast yourself, from portrait (selected from pre-existing and beautiful D&D art, or ad your own) to class, to abilities. I am a huge fan of party creation and single-player creativity, and this offers both. Diving in and cobbling together the best of your imagination's characters to instantly test the compatibility of a dream party is fantastic, and truly sets Icewind apart for previous BG2 players. Further leading it ahead is the level-advancement system, a D&D staple that fits nicely with the underlying system Icewind Dale offers.

     Of course, beyond character creation you can ignore the system underneath and just play the game, which works just as well. Most RPG's are based on a convoluted system the players never fully understand anyway, but the BG series, Icewind no exception, is solidly grounded in the 2nd edition D&D rules. So much so, if you do choose to pay close attention to the variables and system at hand, you'll find far more interesting, involved and rewarding gameplay. It's a testament to both the original creators and the smooth transition to OS X.

     It's your party now, so you have no one to blame but yourself when your members start dropping like flies in this faster-paced dungeon crawl... And a dungeon-crawl is exactly what it is and what many gamers (especially D&D pen/paper ones) will like about it. The setting is the fantastic (and familiar to many readers of the Icewind Dale Forgotten Realms book series by one of my favorite scribes, R.A. Salvatore, currently doing the Episode II novel) and brings a unique fantasy geography briskly to life. Geographically the game looks great and plays well, and unless you hate snow you're in for a treat. The role-playing aspect (beyond just hacking and slashing) is best felt in the varying alignments you have to choose from with your party, which will determine the nature of your quest and the reaction of those you meet. Online the game shines quite bright as well. With your own party or one made up of friends, the more aggressive, action-filled storyline plays well over a network or through Gameranger.

     Compared to BG2, this game is an adequate, fun semi-sequel that can feel a bit old. Particularly jaded gamers will find things to gripe about. But it's unique setting and more personalized gameplay make it worth trying and easy to enjoy. Anyone that has ever played D&D will recognize that this is the equivilent of a campaign box-set or adventure; Icewind Dale is not meant to trump any other Baldur's Gate experiences, rather offer a unique and interesting setting and alternative, which is does very effectively.

     On its own, in a perfect world where we don't know how old this game is on the PC side, this game shines very brightly. In the shadow of the real-world comparisons to Windows versions of this game and the recently released BG2, it's just slightly more in the shade. I'm happy to say that new gamers will find a lot to like, and old ones will certainly find a worthwhile experience. Does it blow everyone away? No. But if you wait to only pick up breakthrough games you'll be only getting one new game a year, if that. But if you're looking for a lot of fun and more great gameplay from the folks that brought you the Baldur's Gate and Fallout games, this is perfect.

First Impressions:
• Unfortunately, like cousin BG2, it's based on the now "old" D&D 2nd Edition rules, so you won't get your 3rd Edition initiation here.
• OS X compatible
• Says it has multiplayer, and does have multiplayer! And it's fun!
• Set in the fantastic, much loved Forgotten Realms wintry wonderland carved out best in R.A. Salvatore's adventures with Drizzt and company...
• Hack, slash, repeat. And it's fun!

Lasting Impressions:
• Exemplifies the frustration Mac gamers have with titles that have been out for eons on Windows machines.
• Like it's BG2 cousin, a rich, lush world filled with NPC's and handy spells, items, visuals...
• Unlike it's BG2 cousin, sometimes things aren't quite as rich, lush and the items and spells not so handy.
• One of the better games available for the Mac right now.

FINAL VERDICT:
8 (Out of 10) Give It A Try
But it's a 9 if you're adept at ignoring Windows videogame aisles...

REVIEWED BY:
Dean Browell

MORE INFO & ORDERING:
MacPlay.com

MORE REVIEWS:
Ghostmac.com (Skewed Perspective Mac Reviews)
Skewed Perspective.com General Reviews