Baldur's Gate II: Shadows of Amn Review

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(More customer reviews)Its graphics may be a bit dated (they were even when the game came out) but if you can look beyond that, this is one seriously awesome collection. Baldur's Gate 2 has incredible RPG depth, a strong tactical aspect, and great replay value. The expansion is bigger than most, and adds significant epic-level capabilities for your characters.
The game picks up several years after the events in Baldur's Gate, and continues the plot. If you didn't play that first game (a shame- go get it) there are a few quick recaps of the key points. You can play in single play mode, in which case you make your one main character (or import from Baldur's Gate); multiplay with just you, in which you can make your whole party; or multiplay with friends, in which everyone can make and control one or more characters. In any case, your party has up to six people at a time, and you can dismiss or add characters at will.
Add to this a whole lot of classes, including special 'kits' that are akin to 3rd edition prestige classes (save that you can take them immediately) and you have a whole lot of room for party customization. There's a host of NPCs that can join your party, some better than others, but all very interesting and with unique (sometimes very extensive) side quests. You can have romantic relationships with some of these potential party members, and some will even have romances with other NPCs.
Almost all of the dialogue in the game is spoken, and although there's not much full motion video, when there is it's well done. The plot advances through chapters, and there are numerous side quests that take you to many varied game world locations. The rewards for some of these quests are awesome, and some of the monsters you'll run into are equally so. This is where the tactics come in- your party composition is crucial for winning these big fights. For example, dealing with that red dragon is going to be exceedingly difficult without some protection from fire and fear effects. There are also many ways to solve the various problems you run into. For example, a thief laying some traps in a doorway can turn a tough band of charging enemies into so much cannon fodder. Then again, if you don't have a thief or aren't a very subtle type, you can just fireball the lot of them and clean up what's left with a good old-fashioned sword charge.
I mentioned earlier that the graphics are dated. This is true, but it doesn't really detract from the play. The area backgrounds are actually very nice, though also largely static. Spell effects look decent, if less flashy than newer games like Neverwinter Nights. The music and voice acting are also top-notch, and don't get old even after many times through the game (which is likely to happen once you get hooked). The latter in particular really lends character to the people you meet. It's a testament to the developer's success in this regard that you'll have strongly varied feelings toward nearly all of the NPCs- just as you would expect of real people.
As for the story, it is superb. The scope is truly epic, and the side quests actually interesting. This is more than can be said about much of Neverwinter Nights, for all of the polish and vaunted expandability of that title. Though generally linear, the campaign doesn't seem to be linear. When replaying, though you'll be going to the same places and doing the same things, the different characters you have along will make it seem like a different game. There's also a ton of secrets and hidden areas- you might just find something you didn't see before.
That said, it's worth mentioning that although there are no official tools for editing the game, there are unofficial ones. These have been put to good effect, and there's a host of mods and add-ons available for free download. There's even a mod that converts the interface to Icewind Dale's more attractive look (though you must have that game for it to work) and thus significantly improves the graphics and changes the somewhat clunky 2nd edition rules to 3rd edition.
I think the value of this title can be summed up by the fact that I played it through at least 5 times, which is something I've only done for two or three other games (the original Baldur's Gate being one of them). Even if you're not into D&D, don't particularly care for RPGs, and don't give a hoot about Forgotten Realms, this game comes highly recommended.

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Enter a World of Intrigue, Adventure, and FierceCombatProduct InformationExplore unseen lands as an epic conflict wreaksdevastation on a scale never before seen in the Forgotten Realms campaign. Face foes and an uncertain future in this adventure filled collection that includes two full version titles.

Baldur's Gate II: Shadows of Amn
Baldur's Gate II: Throne of Bhaal


Baldur's Gate II: Shadow's of AmnWelcometo a world of intrigue,adventure and fierce combat. Every world has conflict.Good and evil. Friend and foe. Safety and danger. In Baldur's Gate II: Shadowsof AmnT, you'll find yourself between these factions. This epic sequel willimmerse you in a world of intrigue,adventure and fierce combat where yourability to discern the difference between these sides - with the assistance ofsteel and spell - determines your fate. In Baldur's Gate I, you defeated yourevil half-brother Sarevok and prevented your fatherBhaal, the dead Lord ofMurder, from returning to the Forgotten Realms. Now, in Baldur's Gate II:Shadows of AmnT, the stakes have become much higher. Will you resist the evilwithin you, and forge a legend of heroic proportions? Or will you embraceyourmonstrous inner nature, and carve a swath of destruction across the Realms?Your story begins anew in the exotic southern kingdom of Amn, amidst theopulence of the sinister capital city of Athkatla. Journey through the fierce,unforgivingwilderness of Amn, and through the treacherous caverns of theUnderdark, in your quest for artifacts of awesome power and treasure ofinestimable wealth.. even challenge dragons, if you dare. Such is the life of alegend.

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