"Possibly the greatest RPG ever!"

Dungeons and Dragons can be regarded as the first fathers of RPG. Although to gamers of the new generation, the idea of rolling dice and exploring dungeons created by another player (known as the Dungeon Master DM) may seem primitive, it is however this style of gameplay that constitutes the base of most RPGs, even of today.

Thus it is no surprise that many PC games were produced using the Advanced Dungeons and Dragons (AD&D) rules, whilst adding visual and audio effects which can further immerse the player. However, most of the early products in the early 90's fell short of expectations, mainly due to the poor graphics standard and abundance of text. A pity since some of those games were really good, if players were only willing to find out by spending time with them.

However, all is about to change. RPG fans are about to embark on a journey that is so great, so vast, so grand, that over 200 hours of time can be spent trying to uncover the next secret in Baldur's Gate 2 (BG2) - Shadows of Amn.

Overall (10) - definitely!

The game is truly an epic and if made into film, it definitely must form a series as the storyteller is way too ambitious with the scene that he/she is trying to create. Not that it is a bad thing though. BG2 is really excellent!

Let me now attempt to share some of my experiences of the game:

Graphics (8) - The visual effects are good, but not the best of today's standard. Perhaps there are more to what I have seen, as due to hardware limitations, I was not able to utilize all the features available. There is support for 3D acceleration (for a variety of cards) but even without one, the graphics are beautiful. The game can run in both 640 x 480 or 800 x 600, the latter obviously being of better quality. As to the actual screens, the characters have animations, such as when attacking opponents, each will have different attacking styles (eg slashing, stabbing). The characters, when putting on different armor and weapons, will change their appearances as well. Spell effects are colorful and varied, but overall nothing special. It is not that the graphics of this game are bad but rather that recent games have placed a lot of emphasis on getting the visuals right and BG2 has, it seems, chosen to dedicate more time to perfecting the overall experience. Basically, for this game, you get the usual fare of movies, animations, and intro and ending sequences.

Music & Sound (10) - The music is brilliant!!! I have yet played a game where the music is so good that the perfect atmosphere is created. When you travel, the music makes you feel like you are going on a grand journey. When you fight, the music makes you feel like you are fighting a final confrontation for your empire. It is impossible to explain how good it is. It is like the Matrix - you have got to hear it for yourself. The sounds are there, fighting clashes to peasants talking in the background, and is satisfactory. The voice acting is generally done well, even though some of the characters may sound a bit exaggerated at times.

Gameplay (9) - As mentioned above, BG2 uses AD&D rules as a framework. Thus you can expect to see familiar terminology and phrases such as saving throw, critical hit etc. The characters are also defined by AD&D stats like Strength and Wisdom. Even though this means that a well - established game system has already been provided, it also means that users who are have not been exposed to AD&D might have to spend some time familiarizing themselves with the system. Other than this, the control mechanics are the usual - hot keys, mouse and keyboard combination, point and click for movement etc The only problem I have with the game mechanics is that it is sometimes difficult to guide the characters around. Even the advanced AI technology of today is not sufficient to prevent my fighters continuous walking into walls instead of around them!

Addictiveness (10) - This game will steal your life. Once you get into the game, there is no leaving it. There are many quests for you to partake on and millions of items to collect. Note that the quests are not independent branches, but rather subplots that players should dedicate time to finishing - as doing so will not only bring about experience points and treasure, but one will also get a better understanding of the overall plot, which I think is the best part of this game.

Story(10) - I regard the storyline as being the most important part of an RPG. And BG2 has a great story. It is so big and deep that one will struggle to uncover everything. The history is there and so are the conspiracies. One can look for friendship and romance. Twists to the tale are everywhere. What more can one ask for when BG2 already gives you an epic? Basically the game follows from BG1 where the main character (which you create through a long, involving process), who is the son of an evil God, must learn to understand his/her powers, whilst teaming up with other characters to uncover the evil plot beset by a certain mage known as Jon Irenicus. However, the real evil at hand is far greater and hidden. I think I have yet to understand everything about BG2!

Finally, after all that I have said, I must warn the reader that BG2 is not a game for everyone. It takes a lot of time figuring out battle strategies and in general, deciding on what to do next. There is a fair amount of detail to consider, and the game can be confusing at times. However, for all RPG fans out there and players who would like to try out one of the best games of all time, Shadows of Amn is waiting for you!

Reviewer's Score: 10/10, Originally Posted: 03/05/01, Updated 03/05/01