"That isn't to say that IWD2 adds nothing to the RPG genre. While not the first game to utilize the 3rd-Edition AD&D ruleset, IWD2 certainly stands out as one of the best. Notably, it provides a wealth of useful information both in the print manual as well as in the game itself. This allows the player to plan character development in great detail. Because character attributes have an impact on dialogue choices, a charismatic paladin will have a different set of dialogue choices than a surly thief. The result is that character development has a direct influence on gameplay, a key characteristic of a good RPG. However, IWD2 lacks much of the personality found in the Baldur's Gate games. Without scripted character interactions or strong personalities, the IWD2 adventurers feel like just another group of generic swordarms working their way through the storyline."​