Black Isle Studios, a division of Interplay, recently announced Icewind Dale II for the PC. The game utilizes Wizards of the Coast's Dungeons & Dragons game system, while the plot is based partly on novels by best selling author R.A. Salvatore.

Icewind Dale II expands upon the original game's system by adding over 50 new spells and over 100 new special items. New armor, items, and monsters will also be available. Players will explore the Forgotten Realms campaign as they crawl through dungeons utilizing deep strategy to defeat their foes.

Icewind Dale II uses a heavily modified version of BioWare's Infinity Engine. The modifications include dual-wielding, class kits, new classes such as the Sorcerer and Monk as well as new 3D technology. Some of the new class kits include Mercenary, Giant Killer and the Dreadmaster of Bane among others, plus new sub-races including the Drow and Tiefling.

The game takes place a generation after the first game. A new threat has enveloped the land; A vicious horde of goblins, orcs and bugbears have gathered beneath the mysterious banner of the Chimera and are advancing. It is up to the players to destroy the oncoming threat and discover the deep secrets of the shadow of the horde.

Icewind Dale II will be available for the PC on May 28th, 2002.