Ok. I admit.... I am an unapologetic noob. Even though I was in my teens when BG2 came out, I was more interested in Diablo. I have since come to realize the glory of open worlds and non-linear story lines. I played elder scrolls oblivion on x-box in 2010 and was reborn. my question is: Do you customize every character in your party before you begin the game, or can you only customize your own character?

You customize only your own character. It's been far too long since I've played it, but I think you do get to choose how your party members level up.

in Baldur's gate 1 and 2 you only build your character the rest of your party are pre-made, Icewind Dale 1 and 2 on the other hand you create your entire party.

Yes, you do get to choose how your party members level up after you initially acquire them. They'll be at a fairly low level, so most of their growth is dependent on your leveling choices.

Thanks for that. I honestly considered buying the Icewind Dale series, but I was armed w/ testimony from those older than myself (I'm 27, they're at least 56) that this was the game to beat. so I bought this one first. I have extensive experience with non-d&d games but this is my first in this realm/template/engine... I have high hopes. Thank you for the informative answer.

And yet, I found Icewind Dale much easier when I only made one character and soloed the whole way through.

Well, I'm soloing w/ this one (BG2). I hadn't figured that this was an mmo. Everything I've seen tells me that I can clear it myself.

Soloing in reference to BG2 means going through the game with only your created character (PC) and not recruiting any NPCs along the way. It can totally be done like that. I'd recommend taking a party along though (you can have up to 5 NPCs) and it will be a much richer experience. I waited to solo through until a few times completing the game with a full party.

If you are soloing you wont have Minsc...shakes head sadly :(

This.

If you want to create your whole party, just start a LAN multiplayer game, and you're all set.
But it will severly damage the story in some ways.
Remember, party members in BG2 have their personalities, choices, life goals. Talking with them is one of the most beautiful thing in RPGs ever.

This, and then Boo will be sad too :(

Been a while, but couldn't you have NPC's join you anyway in multiplayer games? Pretty sure I rounded out an evil alignment party with Korgan, Edwin and Viconia using some self made characters.

You can customize your party. Do a multi player session, and copy the save to your single player folder.

Yes you can, of course.