Customer Reviews

Baldur's Gate 2: The Collection (Shadows of Amn and Throne of Bhaal)

5 star:		(71)
4 star:		(26)
3 star:		(12)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(6)

 

 

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.

Have you ever pulled out one of those old games that you remember as a classic and while YOU can still fully enjoy the game, OTHER gamers that have become accustomed to the current standard for graphics and production value have no idea how great the game is they're playing? Luckily, this doesn't apply to Baldur's Gate 2 yet. It still has comparable graphics and the story, voice acting and brilliant playing engine still make it better than any RPG on the market right now but that won't hold for long. If you've never had a chance to play this classic RPG, grab it now before it's too late! I've played RPG's since the days of the early Ultima games and Baldur's Gate 2 is probably the best one I've ever played. Now, you do need to be familiar with Dungeons & Dragons. So if you don't know how the classic D&D system works, you may not find Baldur's Gate 2 as appealing as I did. It also uses the older D&D ruleset which is good or bad depending on which one you prefer. Ever since playing (and replaying) this title, in my mind it has set the bar for RPG's and I compare all RPG's since to Baldur's Gate 2. The expansion isn't as great as the game itself but you can't go wrong buying the collection edition which includes both. Also, if you plan on playing the first Baldur's Gate, I'd recommend you play it first because it begins the story that concludes in this game. But you don't need to play the first game to understand what is going on in the sequel because it feels like it's own story. Baldur's Gate 2: The Collection is cheaper than current titles and a better play. If you're and RPG fan that hasn't tried this game, buy it now, you'll thank me later.

I would even go so far as to call this the best video game ever. Computer, console, you name it. Shadows of Amn takes the already high standard set by the original Baldur's Gate and brings it up to a level of near-perfection. Sure, the graphics are dated and probably were when the game came out. But as entries in the Final Fantasy series have so expertly demonstrated, great graphics do not a great game make.

What makes BG, and particularly SoA, so good is the gameplay, which I find to be the most important aspect of a game--followed closely by character and storyline. All three of which are handled wonderfully in this game and interwoven to a degree that one can't help but be drawn in by all three.

Previous experience in any of the D&D universe I believe to be completely unncessary; before I played BG, all I knew vaguely was that it had been a popular board game at one time. Sure, I don't understand all the statistics that go into combat and the armor and weapons and the like, but the computer works in figuring all that out. And I wouldn't consider having played the original BG necessary--anyone with an interest could get into a game like SoA. However, I find it preferable to have played BG first--not only did it give me greater appreciation for the continutation of the story of your main character, but it also helped me in starting out with the gameplay and the controls and so forth--combat in particular was unlike anything I had previously encountered and took a while for me to get a hang of; plus the magic system in this game expands to one so complex and with such potential, I am more than certain I have yet to fully utilize it. I think the person who complained that this particular item does not come with a manual has a fair point; I remember being disappointed when I originally opened the package to find only the disks and an advertisement for Dark Alliance. But all in all, it's not too hard to figure out if it's your first time; and there are multitude of helpful guides, FAQs and walkthroughs that can be found online.

One of the many things that makes SoA so great is the way it feels like the creators tried to weed out the dozen or so minor annoyances of the original BG; annoyances I didn't even consider to be real flaws until I played SoA. For example, while level progression takes forever on account of the experience point distribution system (divided equally among your party members), experience points come more frequently in this game, and in larger portions (you can receive them for doing anything from having you thief successfully disarm a trap or pick or lock, to having your mage successfully learn a new spell). Plus, BG only allowed no higher than level 7, whereas SoA has a cap off at about level 20 or so. I also spent frustrating amounts of time in the inns recovering from battle, and appreciated the ability to set my party members to sleep until they've all recovered. And these are just to name a few.

As has been stated by so many, graphics aren't the greatest--but you've got to appreciate what's there. There are some truly gorgeous backgrounds--the elven city and parts of the Amnish city Athkatla (in which the game is centered) like the Temple District, in particular, contain some real eye candy. Sure, it's not 3D--but 3D graphics don't guarantee a game as great as this one.

Sound and music are top notch--the background noise in particular helping to create the excellent atmosphere. If there's one thing BG does well, it's creating a genuine atmosphere--including some that were intense and enveloped me in the world like no other game I've ever played. Whether it's nighttime in the docks district hearing the courtesans or daytime in the bridge district and the call of the merchants--or walking through a forest wondering whether or not something big and scary is going to attack at an inopportune moment. And music, like most entries in the series, is used sparsely--but the tunes are excellent. Most are very area specific, probably no more than a minute or so, very appropriately composed to fit that area, and only playing occasionally as you explore a given area. Some are so good, I would pause the game just to let it finish before I walked into a building or went on to a new area. And the opening title music for both SoA and Throne of Bhaal are among my absolute favorites.

Voice work is the best I've ever heard, wonderfully helping to develop the already strong characters. It also helps tie into the game's appealing and unexepected and appropriately integrated sense of humor--which comes about with such particular characters like Minsc and Jan. (One must play the game through at least one time with Minsc in your party.) The absolute best comes from the villain, Irenicus, who comes across as a genuinely creepy and fascinating character. And the storyline and gameplay are so wonderfully integrated into the way you develop through the game, learning both more about yourself, but also about Irenicus, and how he came to be so interested in your character as a Child of Bhaal.

Also as others have stated, replay is the best I've ever seen; not just with the new class choices, but also in the wide option of characters you can pick from to make up your party--which in turn also determines some of the sub-plots that are presented and how they play out. I have yet to discover all the different directions--minor or otherwise--in which the game can go according to my decisions. And while I did enjoy the second chapter--in which, should you choose, you can spend most of it building up experience in the dozen or so sub-plots presented to you--it was actually in the linearity of the later chapters when I really got hooked. But that can also be attributed to the undeniably fantastic storyline.

SoA is the very best that the series gets, in every way. Sadly, I can't quite say the same for ToB. I enjoyed it at the start, and was glad to have it to keep going with the story after the end of SoA, but not very long into the game, I felt like it had dissolved into combat combat combat. It definitely helped me to realize that, while combat is a large aspect of what I enjoy about BG, it's not the *only* thing that makes the game as good as it is.

It does introduce some fun and interesting new progressions--like the special abilities you can pick for each party member every time they up a level. There are also sneaky new things like your enemies sometimes being able to see you before you see them; and the fact that the game no longer automatically pauses when you view your map. Both of which foul up more than one strategy. Plus, you have the ability to transport your entire party to a pocket plane reality at almost any point in the game, where you can rest and recover, and also switch around your party members--with the option of bringing in literally every NPC from SoA. You also have the ability to bring Sarevok (the villain from the original BG) into your party, which is practically a must.

The overall impression I get from this game is that the creators read all the complaints regarding the experience point cap with the original BG, and decided to compensate by making a game that was entirely about gaining experience points through combat, and progressing as high as they could make it (your characters can reach all the way up to level 40.) It really makes me wish they had decided to make ToB as a sequel, rather than an expansion--it would've given it more time to develop as a story as well, rather than just a long series of fights.

Despite that, I would still recommend buying this particular product--to just about anyone who has ever considered themselves a fan of video and computer games. It's worth it alone just for Shadows of Amn, and Throne of Bhaal brings a nice end to it all. And all of it ultimately demonstrates why nothing could ever be as great as Baldur's Gate in its prime.

Baldur's Gate 2 (plus Throne of Bhaal) is hands down the best RPG I've ever played. How in the world did I ever miss this one? It must be over 5 years old now, and I've been gaming on the PC for over 10 years. All I can say is shame on me!! I used to wonder how people could get involved with RPG's that consist of tiny action sprites and a static overhead "camera" view. Now I know -- do I ever!

Note that this game is an absolute killer if you have any kind of life. I would sit down after dinner just to play for a couple of hours and the next thing I'd know the clock would show 3:30 AM (with a workday coming up). Make sure you eat and do other "chores" -- like taking a shower -- BEFORE you sit down to play.

I know absolutely nothing (and don't really care) about D&D rules (2nd version vs the 3rd, etc.), but it doesn't matter. Create a character that appeals to you and just role play. As you become more comfortable with the system, go for a dual class character.

Your party of 5 NPC's quickly become like old friends with their own opinions, romances, squabbles, likes, dislikes, etc. If they are strongly at odds with your decisions or if your reputation is too low/high, they will complain often (very annoying) and even leave the party. Many of the walkthroughs I've seen seem to stress the hack and slash aspect of this game, but I feel the character interaction is equally if not more important. It is what truly sets this game apart from the others (this game is the beginning of the Bioware "touch" which you can see in later games like KOTOR 1). And if you can choose one of three very different female NPC's to romance, why not go for it? Most fun of all is to have a party composed of people with different alignments (good, neutral and evil). Some of the byplay this creates is truly priceless.

Certain other reviews have stated that the game should come with a printed manual (instead of the electronic one that is on one of the disks). I've found this to be unnecessary. The game controls are very intuitive, and you can identify any item or button immediately by placing the cursor over it and pressing the TAB key. No need to wait. Also, try to realize there is no way you can see everything in this huge game (150-200+ hrs.) during a single play-through (don't frustrate yourself by trying). It takes AT LEAST two times through to learn how to use magic properly, do all the quests, learn the difference proper strategy can make, the effect of higher/lower intelligence, wisdom, charisma, etc. Playing through as a different character class, using different NPC's and making different choices re the main quest will turn each play-through into a completely different game.

In this vein, I would suggest that new players check out one of the many Baldur's Gate sites to learn some of the more advanced features of the game. Examples include how to use the "wish spells", the Deck of Many Things, how to have custom armor and weapons made, create and use "familiars", etc. Using magic (probably the most powerful force in the game) correctly seems to be the hardest thing to master.

Finally, I would recommend installing both Baldur's Gate 2 and Throne of Bhaal at the same time (if you intend to play the Throne expansion). This makes the transition between the two completely seamless (as a single game). The expansion is not quite as good as the main game, but it offers a definite and final end to the saga. It's a bit combat-heavy, but I still enjoyed it. And all this for 20 bucks -- what a deal!

[Edit: 7/17/06: Be sure to check out the many mods available for BG2 and ToB. There are easily installable mods for new party members, improved weapons and other items, additional quests, improved gameplay and just about anything you can think of. Go to www.pocketplane.com, Gibberlings3 or Chosen of Mystra (check Google for the addresses) to check these out].

I just got this game about half a year ago and I have to say its not only one of the best RPGs but one of the best games ive played. The storyline and social interaction is excellent, you actually feel like your part of it. Even party members converse with you and eachother and in extreme cases, fight eachother to the death or leave your party. Given the right conditions, some party members may even attempt to romance with you with somewhat mature themes. There is a coop multiplayer mode that basically goes through the single player map with 2-6 players. Also, on both multi and singleplayer the party combat is very tactical and hack 'n slash wont get you everywhere. This said, the rules for the game are based off of some D&D rule set and take quite a while to get familiar with (I knew nothing abot D&D rules when I first got the game). However, in the long run, the complicated rules are what makes the game so fun. However, if your part of the "horde" of gamers who like mindless hack & slash games with little or no storyline, I might not recommend this game to you.
The graphics are the only shortcoming. Graphics are on a similiar or perhaps slightly lower scale than a game such as diablo 2. However, I still give a solid 5 stars because my overall experience with this game surpasses that of most other games. This is probably one of the top 5 games ive ever played. I only wish the newer games coming out today concentrated more much on an immersive storyline and tactical combat over mind numbing hack and slash.
After my experience playing Baldur's Gate II and its expansion, im planning on getting some of the other older RPG titles, maybe Fallout 1&2 or even BG1. Particulary because two or three older games cost same as a single new game.

I remember playing the original Baldur's Gate many years ago and loving it. Since then, technology has obviously advanced a lot, and I have enjoyed playing many of the modern games. However, none of today's games seem to have the same charm as Baldur's Gate. So, when I decided to purchase Baldur's Gate 2, I somehow knew I wouldn't be disappointed.

I'll just list what I feel are the pros and cons...

PROS:
- It has an intricate plot that will keep you entertained. In addition to the main quests, there are tons of sub-quests to keep you busy. A self-updating journal keeps all your quest information organized.
- You have a lot of flexibility when it comes to arranging your party and creating your own characters. There are plenty of unique characters you can recruit and you can dismiss party members at anytime. You can import images for your own personal character portrait.
- The amount of items (weapons, armor, potions, scrolls/spells, gems, etc.) is incredible. You'll certainly never be bored with this aspect of the game. The item illustrations are very beautiful and detailed. The item descriptions are also interesting, and usually little stories within themselves.
- The game scenery is nicely intricate. I really enjoyed the designs of the towns/buildings and landscapes. The character portraits and brief cut scenes are also well done.
- LOTS of different monsters/creatures to battle. This challenges you to come up with different fighting strategies, because the creatures have different weaknesses.
- The soundtrack is pleasant.
- The dialogue is always clever and often amusing.
- Personally, I feel you have more control over the characters and storyline in this game, than in others. You can plan and initiate your attacks in pause mode, you can control the actions of up to 6 party members, and you always have several dialogue response options.

CONS:
- Well, obviously, the graphics are dated. However, that doesn't make it any less fun or beautiful. I've enjoyed Baldur's Gate more than some of the most graphically advanced games out there. It is, after all, a fantasy game, and I personally believe that some things should be left up to the imagination of the player.

Anyway, I hope you enjoy this game as much as I have!

Before Baldur's Gate, Dungeons & Dragons was something only known in dimly lit basements with a gaggle of awkward teenage boys. While still far from mainstream, the Baldur's Gate series takes the complex D&D system and brings it into the mainstream, pairing it with an interesting story and an easy-to-use playing system.

More than its predecessor, Baldur's Gate II is an engaging game with something for everyone. The game has one main quest, and dozens of sidequests, large and small. While the fighting is still entertaining, with many challenging battles, it does not dominate the game. The largest improvements, however, are the addition of romances, strongholds, and kits for each class.

The romances serve no real purpose in moving the story along, but rather intertwine with the entire game, and are worked in very well with the main quest as a whole. More than anything, the romances simply add a personal side to the game, with the character(s) being romanced changing over the course of the story as the romance developes. A woman protagonist has only one romance option, which is a shame because he starts out an utter ass (though his personality does improve over time) and men have three women to flirt with, though each woman is extremely different. Overall, a wonderful addition to the game.

Strongholds, one of the other great additions, are accessed after you finish the stronghold quest. Any class can complete the stonghold quest, freeing the actors, saving the keep ect., but only one quest grants a specific class access to their stronghold. For example, the bard class can aid a group of actors in getting home; once the quest is completed, the bard gets the departed actors' playhouse, and performs a play there for an audience. Every class has a different stronghold, and each stronghold has entertaining quests. Overall, a great addition to the game, one that really adds to replayability.

The Ultimate Collection is valuable because it contains Throne of Bhaal and a bonus disc. Throne of Bhaal completes the Baldur's Gate saga, and adds an interesting end quest, as well as extending the romances, but also adds kits. After a certain level, each class gains extra abilities. With mages, these are extra spell slots and new, awesome spells; thiefs have the most interesting kit abilities, like gaining the ability to use any item, regardless of class restrictions.

The bonus CD is lamentably sparse. It adds virtually nothing of substance, and a few extra files that can be easily downloaded from any self-respecting BGII website. However, the Ultimate Edition is the version of the game to buy, simply because the Bonus CD is a little interesting, and, more importantly, it's impossible to buy any other version new. Also, $15 is a great price even for just BGII and Throne of Bhaal, so the bonus CD almost seems free.

In all, the Baldur's Gate series was a definitive RPG, and it's aged incredibly well, as the time since it was released has only served to make the load times faster and the play sweeter, since most games now are strategy or online. The graphics have aged well too, since they were paintings, which means that they retain beauty and elegance even when outclassed by the 3D games of today. Definitely an essential to anyone who likes interesting quests paired with a good story.

This is the game the transformed me into from a once-in-a-while-gamer into a hardcore gamer.

Why is BG2 so great?
BG2 has the ultimate non-linear story line. You can play it loads of different ways, all with different outcomes, because the decisions that you make will impact how the story line unfolds. This is the only game I ever played where I'd take a break from it and go into the kitchen for something to eat, and spend a long time wondering what decision I should make in the game, and what effect that would have in the game and on my NPC's.

The NPC's are fantastic. There are many to choose from who will join you - up to 6 can join you at a time. In most games, NPC's are merely an extra fighter to help you out. In this game, they talk to you while you are walking along, they argue with you when they don't agree with your decisions, and they even tease and argue with each other. Plus you can have a romance with one of them. So while you are traveling from one part of the game to another, these NPC's entertain you. And with certain decisions you make, some NPC's will leave you. There is no other game out there that has put so much effort into developing all aspects of NPC's. I wish there was. To me, it's what really makes BG2 the greatest RPG ever.

Last, the story line really immerses you and this is the only game that when I finished it the first time, I cried. I was that involved.

I bought the Baldur's Gate 2 Ultimate Collection from Amazon for Christmas of 2005, and I've been nothing but pleased with the game itself. It certainly lived up to my expectations, having played the original Baldur's Gate many times since 2001. If you're interested in an engaging, party-based Dungeons and Dragons experience that will probably chew up at least 60 hours to go through once, I would highly recommend it.

Gameplay: Excellent. The only drawback I can mention is the opening sequence, which gets a little old after a few replays. The game is, of course, from 2000, so don't buy it expecting advanced 3-D graphics or fully-voiced dialogue. BG2 instead has beautifully rendered 2-D artwork, which in my opinion is the best of its class (and seldom seen in later games), and the majority of dialogue is purely textual. What voice acting there is, however, is quite good and often very funny.

The interpersonal dialogue among party members, including possible romantic relationships for the player, is one of the best parts of this game. How you act throughout the game, and what members you keep in your party, may affect how the other members act; some may even get fed up and leave forever if they do not like how things are going. The AI isn't perfect, of course, but for a game of this era it's solid and a definite improvement over the original Baldur's Gate.

Technical Issues: None, so far. I installed it on my old Compaq, running on a 350 mHz processor with 96 MB of RAM; the install went smoothly. The game runs fine on this system, which uses Wndows 98 Second Edition.

Packaging: The only reason I gave it 4 instead of 5 stars was the utter lack of hard copy documentation for the game. Inside the box were six compact discs in paper slip cases: four for Baldur's Gate 2, one for the expansion game Throne of Bhaal, and one "bonus CD" with such things as conceptual artwork, item descriptions, and audio files. That was it; no manual, no reference card, not even installation instructions. There is a game manual and reference card on disc 1, both in PDF format. This was disappointing, especially after having purchased two separate copies of the original Baldur's Gate (one in 2001, one in 2003) each of which included thorough and helpful paperback manuals. I know that using on-disc documentation saves space and weight, but I just think it's somewhat inconvenient for the user. The lack of hard copy installation instructions was especially glaring; if you're not an experience computer user, you may not know where to start after purchasing this game.

All in all, though, I am very glad I purchased The Ultimate Collection, and I would definitely recommend it.

Baldur's Gate II and its expansion pack may collectively form the best game that was ever created. Sure, the graphics are not the greatest. Sure, antiquated 2nd edition rules are used. Sure, some of the puzzles are corny. Sure, there are some annoying bugs. The game is not flawless, but it is infinitely replayable and almost as addicting. I don't know what it was in this game, but the moment that I beat it the first time around, I was immediately tempted to start another game with a radically different party and with radically different objectives in mind. Through this review I will try to identify what it is in the game that makes it so... um... good!

The story line is good. Now, many a gamer will say that story matters in gaming just about as much as accordions matter while hunting. I will say that those unfortunate souls are wrong as a good story is often the most important aspect of the game. For example, look to Icewind Dale II. The storyline was lame and so was the game. The story follows shortly after the first Baldur's Gate game, in which you as a child of the Lord of Murder must choose which path to pursue. Ok, it might not sound that great from here, but you're a freaking God in this game, thus you can do a lot of things that are pretty great. The expansion pack focuses even more on your divine powers.

The game is hard (especially if you play on insane mode, and downloaded various tweaks that made the game more difficult, as I did), but not too hard. Some battles will have you stuck for a little bit, but fret not. You can always go and do something else and gain enough experience to make short work of a formerly impossible battle. This is probably the greatest aspect of the game. You don't have to do most things in order and can do them whenever you feel up to the task. You do not have to follow the straight and narrow path, but can instead follow any path which will get you to where you want to go. And if you don't want to go into an entire area, then often you will not even have to do this.

Now, I already spoke of this game's addictive properties, but let me stress the intensity of the addiction. Every night when I went to sleep at 4 AM (playing this game of course, in this way, the game is a lot like cocaine because time just stops mattering), I would think about when I would wake up to play the game again (typically around 8 AM). When my friends would come over to hang out I would be angry that I would have to open the doors to let them in. Many of them threatened to format my harddrive and remove the game. But, the most dangerous element of the game is this. This game was not even on my computer, but rather on the computer of my brother who lives in a different state than I do. I would be addicted to it for a few weeks, then would return and face terrible withdrawal in my own state.

Yeah, its that good. If you are the type who thinks that graphics are more important than game play and everything else that makes computer games good, then I am sure that there is something better for you out there, but for the rest, I suggest playing this game.