Metascore
87 out of 100

Generally favorable reviews - based on 29 Critics

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 29 out of 29
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 29
  3. Negative: 0 out of 29
  1. 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.
  2. On a slower machine, frustration sets in. But when played on a machine that allows the total scope of this game to shine through, it is a fantastic journey. Tough, you bet – but a lot of fun.
  3. For those of you that may not be sure -- try it!
  4. I enjoyed the game immensely, and would recommend it to anyone seeking a good, wholesome CRPG experience.
  5. I found myself hopelessly addicted to this pseudo-dungeon crawl, and I have a feeling it isn't just me.
  6. Wonderful setting, evolving story, varied gameplay and excellent music and acting all converge to create one of the more balanced titles around. Highly recommended.
  7. The combat intensive dungeon romping is fantastic fun, and recreates the table top AD&D experience like no other game before it.
  8. May bear some flaws but it's definitely one of the good computer RPGs, and one of the best titles of the summer.
  9. Heads and shoulders above other games currently on the market touted as RPG's, and I have confidence that even if this game does not sell well it will become a classic RPG.
  10. 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.
  11. You get the whole enchilada – cool characters, tough villains and a deep storyline all wrapped up in superlative graphics and inventive gameplay with real-time combat to top it off.
  12. 88
    Once in a while, a game comes along that completely takes over your life.
  13. 88
    The game oozes quality like a sponge saturated with some extremely viscous liquid, but it fails on the grounds of lack of innovation and occasional lapses into cliched role-playing game territory.
  14. Entertaining and largely compelling fantasy adventuring of Tolkienesque proportions.
  15. The brightest side of the whole project-the sound effects and the soundtrack.
  16. Though it's based on the "Baldur's Gate" engine and is also set in the same "Advanced Dungeons & Dragons" universe, Icewind Dale's originality and fast pacing make the game uniquely satisfying.
  17. With gameplay that's addictive and rewarding, you'll find yourself playing it into the wee hours of the night.
  18. Lends itself much better to multiplayer adventuring as there is no central character and, more importantly, the dialogue trees are kept to a minimum while the exploration and adventure are maxxed out.
  19. A great game for those who loved the hack-and-slash parts of "Baldur's Gate." [Oct 2000, p.110]
  20. The combat, first and foremost, is just plain awesome. With all the tools of the 2nd edition AD&D system available, Black Isle have created some awesome encounters for you to tackle.
  21. It doesn't try to do anything new or revolutionary, and as a result, is remarkably fun and easy to play.
  22. If you’re looking for a quick dungeon crawling, hack-and-slash trek through the frozen north with a peppy little story and some great combat then this is definitely a title to get.
  23. 82
    I'm so in love with this game. If you liked "Baldur's Gate" or "Planescape: Torment," you'll love this game.
  24. It should leave the most seasoned adventurer hungering for more. The hack-and-slash battles and the progressive storyline should keep the most demanding RPGer happy.
  25. The game is a kick, finally letting players fully exploit the upper end of the AD&D goodie bag, including cool spells and magic items.
  26. If you were scared off by some of the puzzle-solving elements of "BG II" you might find the action-oriented aspects of Icewind Dale more to your liking.
  27. Bottom line is this: anyone who enjoys traditional fantasy role-playing games will love Icewind Dale.
  28. It’s a very solid, attractive, and entertaining game, in a very traditional way.
  29. It has plenty to keep you on your toes so try this one if you are feeling energetic and itching to swing your sword and throw some fireballs.
User Score

Generally favorable reviews- based on 45 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 7 out of 7
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 7
  3. Negative: 0 out of 7
  1. It's just a not complicated "team" hack'n'slash, where a really average story is just an excuse to fight stronger and stronger enemies. Well, it's a Baldurs Gate with worse story and different locations. Doesn't mean this game is bad! It's really entertaining, epic, soundtrack kicks your mind, and that's all what I was expecting from this game. Great atmosphere just makes it better. But I just fail to see any role playing game here. Character development does not make a RPG. Full Review »
  2. 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. Full Review »
  3. 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 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. Full Review »