Does anyone know which rule set this game will be using. I kind of hope it will use the 3e AD&D rules. I think they give you much more freedom for customization of charachters.

The game will use 3rd edition DnD, and Troika have said that the implementation will be the best one thus far.

Cool, sounds like fun I can't wait to play it. But to be honest with you I'm a bit behind. I haven't even beaten IWD2 yet. And ToEE is going to come out pretty soon. I have actually been playing games alot less since I became a member here at sorcerers place. It's like a new addiction.

ToEE will not "be out pretty soon". Remember that we haven't even seen a single screenshot from the game yet.

The policy with the Screenshots is in hands of Infogrames (game publisher).

Tim Cain from Troika said that certain parts of the game can already be played.
However, if screenshots were available now, what would they put on the net next month? More screenshots? And then more and more? Hmmm, I don't like the idea to check all thousands of screenshots from one single game.

As far as Troika's claim to being the best 3E implementation ever ...

If they were only aware of P of R at the time, that would be a very easy claim to make and fulfill.

Where IWD2 is concerned, that may be a tall order to fill. I liked IWD2, and while there are some valid complaints against it (e.g. too linear), you have to admit that they did a wonderful job on the 3E implementation.

If Troika can do them one better, than I'm all for seeing it for myself!

Well, if they implement 3.5e rules that will automatically make their implementation better than the old 3e, no matter bad their implementation is. :D

True Tal, but IIRC Tim Cain said that "3.5e rules - yes or no" is undetermined yet.

3.5e rules That isn't a joke?

No, it's not a joke. Seriously.

I have to admit, I actually like the 3e rules. (Though I'll miss being able to create a kick-*** elf fighter/mage that can slaughter everyting in sight).

What major changes does 3.5e bring in that will make it such an improvement over 3e?

No grave improvements, obviously, otherwise they'd call it 4e, not 3.5. But general revision of everything and tweaks in most places for better play.

Regarding screenshots, Tim has said they have TONS of screenshots, but Infogrames has yet to release any.

As for the state of the game, he did say in an interview that you can play through the majority of the game and have fun, so it's definitely not in early beta, from the sounds of it.