"Great Story+Best Battle System Ever=One of the Best Games Ever"

Introduction

This in one of my favorite games of all time, so naturally, I decided to write a review. This game may be only a few years old, but it is already a classic.

Graphics

The graphic system to this game is now dated, but the graphics are still decent. The textures are smooth, the environments are pretty detailed, even by today's standards. The characters are okay, but I think that there isn't enough variety between character modules. The portraits are nice and the fact that you can import your own portraits into the game is a great addition. Some of the spell effects are simply amazing, and some, such as Dragon's Breath, are just plain great.

Sound

The sound is also decent. People and monsters make nice little noises (and not so nice comments) and you can even import your own sounds into your character file! You'll be able to record your own voice and have your character sound exactly like you.

Story

The story to this game is great. If you played the first game in this series, (which you really should have, it's also a great game) you already know that you're a child of Bhaal: The Lord (god) of Murder. This game picks up a little while after the first game left off. You were camping outside of the large city Baldur's Gate, when you were attacked and brought to the ''lab'' of a mage named Irenicus. He plans to experiment on you, in order to unlock your godlike powers. You escape during an attack on Irenicus's lab, but once you get outside you witness Irenicus effortlessly killing off his assailants one by one. Imoen attacks him using magic, but then, several Cowled Wizards (the magic police of the area) show up and arrest Imoen and Irenicus, because magic is illegal in Amn. (Amn is the country where the game takes place) The game then leaves you trying to find a way to rescue Imoen, but things get much deeper and darker from here.
It is also interesting how open ended this game is. While not have as many ''paths'' as say, Fallout 2 or Planescape: Torment, what you say will affect what happens next. You can play through as a friggin goody two shoes paladin, helping the weak and ensuring justice, you can play through as an opportunist taking whatever job will benefit you the most, or you can even play through as an evil bastard killing anyone who pisses you off.

Gameplay

The gameplay in this game is deep and complex. With a more or less open ended diplomacy system, the best combat system in any game, and the ability to customize your character's abilities from head to toe, makes this one of the best games ever made.
The combat in this game is complex, rich, and deep. You'll have to think through every step of a difficult battle, which I consider a good thing. You won't win a battle simply through trail and error, you'll have to think about what you're going to do. Killing monsters such as dragons or greater demons can be very fun and challenging, and you feel greatly rewarded after you've finally defeated them.
You'll want to have a balanced party to be able to handle every situation. Having a party of straight out fighters will be slaughtered by a few good spells, a while a party of pure wizards will easily be killed of by a quick rush by fighters if they don't have fighters of their own to cover them. You'll also want a thief, and a healer of two to help keep your party in shape. You can easily lose hours creating your very own perfect party, or you can create your own little character, picking people to help you up along the way.
Negotiating with people can also be enjoyable. The game gives you some very interesting dialogue options, and you will actually be rewarded by listening what people have to say.
It's funny having a party containing both good and evil characters, because they often get in fights with each other. The level of interaction with your fellow party members helps to bring this game to life and there are even three female NPCs that your character can have a relationship with. (there is one male NPC for girls, but he's a fruitcake, so who cares)
The game is also long, with dozens and dozens of hours of gameplay. There are also hours of side quests you can do. And the side quests in this game aren't short little gopher quests either. Many of them require hours of input to complete!
The multiplayer in this game is also pretty good. You and a few friends can each create a character or two and play through the entire game!

Overall

This game, simply put, has the some of the best gameplay you ever have, and ever will find in a computer game. This is a must buy title for any strategy game fan.

Reviewer's Score: 10/10, Originally Posted: 01/04/04