its graphics and engine, which reviewers considered to be outdated. G4 called the engine "old" and "clunky", and PC Format said that "the whole thing is limited by the creaking engine". On the other hand, certain sources praised the engine. Game Informer called it "the best role-playing engine that has ever been invented", and GameSpot said that "'immortal' may be a better word to describe the engine, because the fact is, Icewind Dale II plays great". In regards to the graphics, GameSpot said that "in many ways Icewind Dale II represents the best use of the Infinity Engine's prerendered, isometric settings to date, [but] that doesn't change the fact that Icewind Dale II generally looks dated". IGN thought the sprites had become out-dated, and that "the animations are crude by today's standards". New Straits Times agreed, saying that although some of the effects were attractive, the "dated Infinity Engine" could not compare to contemporaries Dungeon Siege and Neverwinter Nights. Computer Gaming World believed that "it consistently offers the same striking and imaginative environments that establish the tone and immersive charm of the game", and Computer Games Magazine said "it may not look like much, but it's got it where it counts". The game's pre-rendered backgrounds received praise. IGN said that "the artwork is attractive, both conceptually and in its final form", and Game Informer called them "beautiful". Many reviewers complained about the game's pathfinding AI, which PC Zone called "outrageously bad". Game Informer called the writing and story "on par with any fantasy novel". PC Gamer said it had "some of the richest and most enjoyable dialogue since Planescape Torment", and an "impressive storyline". GameSpot called the story "engrossing", and said that "the game is very well written, offering up a number of strong characters and serious themes". PC Zone noted that, "thanks to the excellent NPCs, the battles have a lot more meaning, as there is a strong storyline behind the endless hacking and slashing". PC Format thought that "Icewind Dale II also suffers, like its predecessor, from a story irrevocably weakened by anonymous central characters – the six you create". In regards to the audio, GameSpot said that "Inon Zur does a truly fantastic job that's perhaps even better than Soule's effort in the original Icewind Dale", and that "the voice acting in Icewind Dale II is as great as you've perhaps come to expect from a Black