Baldur’s Gate II: Enhanced Edition

This is the classic game and sequel to Baldur’s Gate based on the popular Dungeons and Dragon role playing game. You play as the same custom character as from the first game, and go on all new adventures with friends both old and new. I only partially played through the first game, but I’ll still jump into this one.

Read about my thoughts on the first game here.

Thanks to swaswj for the game. Find it on Steam. Or GoG if you prefer.

The first thing I did upon gaining control of my character was accidentally push the sleep button. And I was in the middle of a mad mage’s lair. But my character took a rest, and my party even commented on it, and we had a small chat. That was a fun touch.

This game pretty much runs exactly the same as the last game. Since they are both the enhanced edition, I think they use the same base engine, so everything there is also here. The same problems I had with the last one are also present, such as the need to have everyone in the party bunched up next to the exit point before you’re allowed to transition screens.

I used the same strategy in this game as I did Baldur’s Gate 1, lots and lots of save scumming. I’m not well versed in Dungeons and Dragons rules and don’t know how to properly build a character. Things are probably harder for me than for someone that does. So I retry battles until the dice rolls go my way.

You can customize a character and recruit a variety of companions to fill out your party. There are some old, familiar faces and some new people to meet. You can have up to 6 people in a party, though oftentimes, you’ll be fighting in small tight spaces where characters will get caught on each other, and any area of effect magic is probably doing to have a lot of friendly fire.

Party members are chatty, and you can learn about them through direct conversations, or them chatting with other party members. There is a wide amount of interesting people that will join you with various alignments. So you can do a good character playthrough, an evil character playthrough, or someone in between. Though sometimes, they pick inopportune times to do so, like in the middle of a dungeon. There are a good amount of characters, and they’re all interesting. They have some kind of quest or other they need your help with as well.

Sometimes, when your companions ask for help, you only have a limited time to do it before they get upset with you for putting it off. So be careful about accepting everything before you’re ready, because you could be too weak to complete certain quests.

Though I find the possible choice of responses for your character makes you kind of a jerk. Out of many options, there’s usually only one that’s kind of polite. The others are all insulting, even to your own companions.

The story of the game takes place away from Baldur’s Gate. You’re in a different part of the world where none of that old baggage is important. Now, you’re on the hunt for a bad mage that has kidnapped you. There are lots of other things to do. The city you start in is pretty big with lots of quests around. Doing that will certainly help you get more powerful by leveling up and getting gear.

The game has a focus on the story and the world. And you’ll have to explore if you want to experience all of it. There is a lot to see and do. The journal system is more old school, noting down only general information. You’ll need to pay attention to know exactly where to go to accomplish stuff.

There is also an expansion, Throne of Bhaal. I haven’t touched that, but I hear it is as big as this game, so Baldur’s Gate II: Enhanced Edition is like two games in one.

Baldur’s Gate II: Enhanced Edition is a classic RPG. It may play a bit rough compared to all the modern amenities games have, but it is still a solid experience. The writing is strong. Find it on Steam or GoG.