Absolute Mastepriece still in 2025.

Strips out the RPG depth of Baldur's Gate for a fun linear romp through the very well realized titular Icewind Dale. Dungeons are very solid, artwork and atmosphere is top-notch. A lot of the game has a tendency to just absolutely dump enemies all over the place later on. Writing and story are definitely the weakest aspect. Yes it's fair to say it isn't the focus, but I don't think I'm insane to hope for a bit better from a Black Isle game. But it focuses on what it wants to and finds success as a hack-and-slash because of that focus.

Word to the wise, if like me, you are getting this to play with friends, as of June 2025 you are ♥♥♥♥ out of luck because the servers are now closed. Nice of them to pass that on before anyone else bought it. Otherwise, it looks like a good game, but obviously I haven't played it so not sure about anything else.