Does anyone know if there is a mod that makes the spell icons look better (such as in IWD2)

Well...there's a mod out there called Icewind Gate that's a total conversion that takes BG2 in to the IWD2 engine. Haven't heard much about it lately, other than that it is still in beta. :bad: :rolling:

Icewind gate, sounds interesting.
Whats a "beta" version and where would i get it?

Beta means unfinished... I don't think Icewind Gate is what you need. It is reputed for being buggy and although the idea was great it is dubious it will ever be released in a complete version. http://weidu.org/iwg2/index.html

I think there is a mod out there that changes the spellcasting animations, I can't think of any mod changing the spell icons.

It's a component of the BG2 Tweak Pack over at Gibberlings3.

DtD

^Yes it changes spell casting spheres of BG (the animations based on the school of magic you are casting) with the IWD's cooler animations. I highly reccomend them!

There was a spell mod which added a lot of D&D type new spells AND seriously upgraded some spell animations, so that cone of cold looked really transparent, flowing and spiffy and all...I can not remember the exact name though. Sorry.

As far as spell icons, well, I do not think there is such a mod. Maybe you can edit them via some game engine editer or such. Any thoughts?

Icewind Gate is fine if you know how to use the console, and either know how to fiddle with the globals (and how to get the right variables to begin with) or follow Beren's excellent IWG walkthrough (http://www.sorcerers.net/Games/dl.php?s=IWD2&f=IWD2/IWGWalkthrough.rar) you should be allright.