Party of four in IA, avoiding 4-party burnout Options

[kilolima2]

My last few games of BG2 I have used at most 4 party members (including the PC) with a few "guest npcs" for special sections.

I feel that any number over 4 makes control difficult. I also like to use powerful npcs (like Valen or Solafein) which make other npcs dead weight. In the beginning of the game a small party can make the game very difficult and a tactical challenge. But since they gain more exp per kill (even using multi-class characters), by mid-game my party is way over-powered and the game starts to get boring.

However, the appeal of a < 6 party is the increased exp reward, so I don't want to use a reduced experience mod. Can IA provide a satisfying gameplay experience for a small party from beginning to end? (or will my 4-member party just get their collective butt's kicked?)

I guess this question doesn't really have an answer, but I'd like to hear if anyone else has had a similar experience.

cheers,

kilolima

[Sikret]

Most of the new quests in IA v4 are also best suited for non-evil parties. Playing a ranger protagonist will give you the most possible oppotunity to see new quests/encounters in IA v4. Playing a non-evil mage/sorcerer stands as the second best choice.

I recommend to play IA v4 for at least two times: once with a ranger and once with a non-evil mage/sorcerer, because playing with a ranger protagonist you will not see the mage's new quests and playing with a mage you will not see the big quest added to the ranger stronghold.

[kilolima2]

Thanks thetruth for your comments. I'm excited to hear that soloing a sorcerer is no longer possible when using IA. This should stir up the tactical challenge!

I recommend to play IA v4 for at least two times: once with a ranger...

Sikret,

What's it like playing a ranger in BG2? In BG1 there's lots of forest and low-level animals to befriend, but in BG2 most of the game is indoors, IIRC. What's that do for role-playing a ranger? Do you use them as a stalker? Is a stalker better than a thief? Having never played as a ranger before I don't know how I would really use them.

Is it possible to apply the tactics multi-stronghold mod and play both strongholds? Just because playing the game twice isn't very realistic given the amount of time it takes.

cheers,

kilolima