First IA experience, Thoughts from a new player, and some (hopefully) constructive criticis Options

[Zarion]

I just found this mod a few weeks ago, and I've been playing this mod for about a week. In my current game I've just left the Underdark with my Evil Party (m/f, Korgan, Edwin, Viconia and Valen(without her lvldrain)) everyone have at least 4-5 high-level abilities and so far I've enjoyed the mod. The scripts are well done and make most battles more challenging. The upgrades are really cool, and the components from “harder” enemies makes them seem deserved.

But even though I like the mod I won't be using it after I'm done with this run-through. This is mainly due to the way you have made the enemies more challenging. You seem to have taken the use of resistances to the hearth, and that is ofcause one way of making the game harder, but I must admit I dislike it. At the moment the only spells Edwin and Viconia gets to cast are “pre-battle-buffs” and dispel effects since almost every (challenging) enemy I'm meeting are very resistant, not only to magic, but to most elemental and magical damage as well. For me that drastically cuts down on the “fun”, since it takes away the “group feel” where every class is needed to win a battle and have something to do during the battle... other then standing in a corner hiding so they won't die.

My suggestions to improve the feeling of the mod is to cut down on some of the 100% resistances this mod adds especially on “none-boss-fights” (ie insane dwarf, Firkraag-party ect.) and give them 75% resistances if you still want them to be “hard” or perhaps 50% with one or two 100% so the player have to try a bit before finding the right type of magic. Another way to do it could be to build up the resistances though the use of “forcecast” scripts on certain hp percentages. Ie; the opponent starts with 25% resistances to none melee damage, and then builds up to 50% at 75% hp and so forth.

The constant use of regeneration also bugs me a bit, especially in groupbattles where you it foceres you to focus on one target at a time, but it keeps the pressure on the player, since it means no more running out of combat to get healed, and that is a good thing .

Well, I think that is about all I have to say, unless I find anything to add at a later time , thanks for the mod, and all the hard work put into it.

[muddymissfit]

Um first thoughts?

Make teh bad man stop

Coming from a point of playing the original BG2 + TOB completely , finding no new challenge in the game , having done the RP and power gaming to the point of boredom - I even abandoned a game or 3 when the characters were just too powerful - F/M/C , F/I come to mind.

I then installed IA 3 - boy did I get a sharp shock when I went to visit Mr Pebblecrusher and co.

Without waffling too much - many thanks to Sikret and co. You have breathed life ( and no small amount of death ) into a true classic.

I really appreciate all the hard work you guys have put into creating and balancing the game, and I simply love all the new content / nasty surprises.

Then I tried version 4 , Yike!

While a few changes I found were slightly frustrating - lack of thieving etc. ( while I do see your point RE the stores and the gold exploit , making ALL stores - even the illicit outdoor fences , non loot-able,was a bit much - I do agree with the zero resell however )

I did love many other changes implemented - the item randomisation is a great idea IMO

I just wish I had more time to play - so as such i think I'll have to await IA 5 , on the constructive crit. side , I understand the need to be tactical and choose your battles properly ( a factor which only adds to the tension and suspense factor - something I thought lost ! ) but if your plans / tactics involve a spell or an item that gets nerf-ed along the development path , it just creates frustration. No I'm not defending cheese tactics , I'm a -by the rules kind of player - exploiting AI / design flaws do not make for a rewarding game experience IMO .

That said I do acknowledge the delicate balance of items that end up wielding the players ( +12 hackmaster anybody ? ) and a legitimate challenge to players looking for a new edge to their game play.

I'm just coming from a position of a berk with minimal play time - I've had to restart / reinstall a couple of times ( yes I caused a non supported mod crash now and again -my fault for being greedy i guess ) , so id rather wait for V 5 , which will coincide with me actually having the time to give this this GAME ( mods too light a word methinks ) the time it requires. Well that and I cant seem to walk away from a challenge

Many thanks again