Darren Monahan Interview

Although Icewind Dale II was only officially announced earlier today, GameSpot was able to snag an interview with the game’s producer, Darren Monahan, about what the game is going to offer. An excerpt to follow:

Q: Will Icewind Dale II be using any of the new features from Baldur’s Gate II, such as character kits, high-level spells, monsters, and so on?

A: You bet. Some really great features from our BioWare friends will be showing up in Icewind Dale II, as well as a number of new ones. For example, dual wielding, class kits, high-level spells, monsters, and much more. We’ve taken some of the features BioWare made for Baldur’s Gate II and expanded upon them for Icewind Dale II, like adding new character kits such as the mercenary, dreadmaster of bane, and the votary. We took the kit idea a step further, and players can choose from a number of subraces like drow elves or tieflings. We also have more than 50 new spells, bring the total over 300, at all power levels (including a number of ninth-level spells, like executioner’s eyes, aegis, and more). The biggest improvement has been the implementation of some 3rd Edition rules. Say “bye bye” to THAC0 and negative AC.