Baldur's Gate: Dark Alliance II

"Baldur's Gate Dark Alliance II definitely delivers as promised."

Baldur's Gate Dark Alliance II is a an action/Rpg dipping deeply into the action, but basically skimming the top of Rpg. It has the basic elements of an rpg, meaning you interact with NPCs, gain levels, and can swap equipment generally customizing your character how ever you want. While it does have those basic elements on an RPG, it is very heavy handed when it comes to action. All though it has a classic Dungeons and Dragons story line at it's heart it is a hack and slash game. There is magic and spells which is common in an RPG, but for the most part there is no real strategy involved which is critical in an RPG, hence the hack and slash comment.

Graphics-9
The graphics of Baldur's Gate are were it shines the most. From excellent backgrounds and areas, to beautiful spell effects, the graphics are stupendous. The water affects, which were the talk of the town in the first are back. The character models are highly detailed and with the added ability of customization really give you a feel of what each character type looks like. The creatures are well drawn as with the settings and characters.

Gameplay-7
Another shining achievement of the Baldur's Gate series on consoles has always been game play. It’s a very easy game to pick up and play. Not to complex, but at the same time very addicting. The only real short coming here is it starts to feel a bit repetitive after a while. But even with that you'll keep coming back for more. Another set back would be it seems a bit easier then the first, but that can be over come by just adjusting the difficulty to your liking, as with any game.

Sound-7
Sound is one of the only true let downs in Baldur's Gate. True there is a fine amount of voice overs and creature effects. But the music is very lacking, with most of the game being done in silence. Not that that's bad since there are setting sound effects such as dripping water and falling rocks. It still feels rather quite and not to exciting. But I do give Baldur's Gate and A on voices, every one talks and there really is no bad acting as far as I can tell, which is a good thing.

Control-8
Controls are basic and well done. The characters are responsive to your commands and there really seems to be no problems at all fighting, casting spells, or just running around jumping over things. In fact they are down right great, nothing like jumping up on a table and taking down a horde or Goblins to make you feel better. With the addition of button mapping to the left trigger you now have more access to spells and feats, which is quit nice in it's own right.

Overall-8
When it comes down to it, though not all lot has changed the fun factor and lore on the last Baldur's Gate is kept intact making this sequel a worthy successor. From battling Orcs and Trolls, to the darkest dungeons and the meanest dragons Baldur's Gate Dark Alliance II definitely delivers as promised. For fans of the first this game will most definitely make a fine addition to your library. Any one the likes games like Diablo or Gauntlet will also do well to pick this gem up. All in all a great game the disserves it's acclaim.

Reviewer's Score: 8/10, Originally Posted: 01/30/04