This is my favorite game among the Infinity Engine games, even though Planescape: Torment and Baldur's Gate offer more interesting storylines and complex characters. It reminds me of a Dungeons and Dragons session where a variety of adventurers come together for a great quest. A quest that is nothing short of epic, as the game offers an immersive experience and great atmosphere. Most importantly, if we talk about atmosphere and feel in a game, I can't overlook the astonishing sound design and the soundtrack which played a significant role in making this game truly magical... (Probably the best of Jeremy Soule's works.)

As for the adventure in this setting, you can be drawn into old conflicts and mysteries, exploring ancient lost civilisations and unravelling the region's rich history. Someone may say that the plot in this game is not on the strong side or not good enough, but that's not entirely true. It's just not a personal and more expositional story.

So, if you are seeking a well-crafted and immersive gaming experience closest to a tabletop D&D session, Icewind Dale proves to be a compelling choice within the realm of classic RPGs.

P.S. It saddens me that Icewind Dale 2 is not included in the Steam store.
Heart of Winter features a more interesting plot than the base game.