It's something that many of us try, but few succeed at.
You don't like HoW?
I don't feel much love to IWD series even from ex-BIS designers especially compared with that to Fallout and Planescape:Torment. Also, they are not considered as success either in terms of commercial one and one as independent works. However, personally, I don't think they are totally bad since it tries to introduce some legends/myths which are not so familiar with AD&D players. Probably, historical/religious knowledge of the members played a certain role. Talking of it, we all know even the basic concept of The Black Hounds are based on the story of Irish hero. I liked the arts direction of them, too.
Although the above is just my personal opinion, while quite many people seem to have forgotten, you cannot ignore the impact of the music on the later works. Where do you find Zur or Soule, before this series?
Of course, compared with FO and PS:T, they are not as good as they are but are they really just garbage?
Personally I loved IWD (after I learned the rules system that is). I didn't find anything I didn't like in it bar the back-and-forth loot-lugging. And a game with Michael Bell is awesome by default.
I see.