Rating: 
Summary: A little disappointed
Review: I loved BGII so much I played through it multiple times with different characters and trying to complete all of the romance subquests. When I finally got the expansion, I was disappointed to find the entire thing was one long, tedious, drawn out battle and you no longer had the freedom of wandering wherever you wanted. Also, the NPC interaction and subplots and the romances were the most interesting part of BGII and were for the most part absent from the expansion. As much as I loved BGII, this left me disappointed.
Rating: 
Summary: The single best RPG I've ever played
Review: Baldur's Gate II is without a doubt the single best RPG I've ever played. It is one of the few games that I have played through multiple times and loved every minute of it. The game is not completely linear and you have the freedom to wander around completing adventures as you see fit, while increasing your level and power. When you feel like continuing the main storyline, you can choose to do so. In addition, the NPCs that you will join with are one of the most interesting aspects of the game. They are interesting and have thier own stories and subquests, which really bring them to life. In addition, the romances the main character can have with 4 of the NPCs add a whole new level of depth and is what kept me coming back for more. You will want to play multiple times to complete all of the romance subplots.
If you have not played this game yet, don't even think about it, just do it. You won't be sorry until you complete the game multiple times and realize that you have done everything there is to do.
Rating:
Summary: The best PC RPG of all time.
Review: If your getting sick of playing those console RPG games, involving turn based battle systems and text dialogues, then here is a great gift for you, Baldurs Gate II. This game is deeper, bigger, and flat out better then any console RPG you could play and on top of that, it is most likely the best PC RPG ever made. I would give this game only two falts: the very beginning of the game, which can scare off a lot of players before they get through it (which isn't hard), and the graphics, which are good but not the best.Like I said, this game is deep, consisting of 2nd Edition Dungeons and Dragons rules. Just think of Diablo with a party, 20 times more depth and a world that is 50 times bigger. The game is huge; there is just so much to do and so many places to go to. From what I remember, there are over 300 different quests, so this game will keep you busy for a long, long time. What is also amazing is that all of the side quests (hundreds) are just as fun to play as the main quests. Just when you think the quest is over, a plot twist will occur, making the quest that much more interesting and longer. If you can get off Final Fantasy for a minute, then go to the store and buy Baldurs Gate II. I guarantee you, if you give it a chance, and learn how to play the game, you will be staying up all night playing wondering how the time went by so fast.
Rating: 
Summary: Must-have for Baldur's Gate II players only
Review: This is an expansion and should be considered like one. It does not improve upon the original Baldur's Gate II so much that I would buy BGII just to play this expansion (the way I would buy Starcraft just to play its expansion, Brood Wars). For those who already own BGII, however, this is an investment more than worth the money. The new areas (especially the now-infamous Watcher's Keep) are fairly challenging, the new spells, skills, and items are almost mind-boggling in their sheer ...-kicking power, and there's a brand new (if not terribly original) storyline to boot. You'll definitely want this expansion if you wanted to play the Bhaalspawn saga to its bloody end. As an added bonus, Throne of Bhaal allows players to use the 'Tab' key to highlight items on the ground, chests, doors, etc. While this may not sound like much of an improvement, now that I have it I can't imagine playing BGII without it.
Rating:
Summary: Greatest of the Great
Review: Now that Baldurs Gate 2 is out, I have built another temple in my backyard in which to place it at night. By day i sing praters and hymns in the temple and then at noon i begin my most pleasureful pastime... Baldurs Gate Baby.
On a more serious note. I've been a DM for fourteen years and this is the closest thing to heaven for a RPG buff. I put it up on my TSR/WOTC game shelf next to Eye of the Beholder, Dragon Strike, Legends of Valor, The Summoning and Veil of Darkness (BTW if you know and have played all these games. U ROCK!)
This game unlike Final Fantasy is what RPGing is all about PERIOD
Rating:
Summary: Amazing characters; A game that is close to my heart.
Review: Baldur's Gate 2 is a labor of love. It is a rich, staggering epic (to coin a term) that only gets better with repeated play, as you discover new class-specific subplots and new NPC interactions. The characters are the most believably alive, the most richly endearing cast I have ever seen in a game. The writing and especially the voice acting (villain Jon Irenicus must be heard to be believed) rivals the acting in my favorite movies. The NPC's are complex individuals, and any illusion of stereotypes is abolished once you get to know them. The NPC's travel with you and react to situations in their own way; although you control their actions in combat, they have their own opinions and will leave your party if what you're doing strongly opposes their own moral alignments. Baldur's Gate 2 is more than professional, more than "entertainment product," although it IS smashingly good fun. It is artful. It is alive with possiblities. It is a game that you will cherish.
Rating: 
Summary: Can't get the right software...
Review: I haven't had the chance to play this game yet. It shipped originally with the software for the expasion pack: tales of the sword coast. Tales is a supplement to Baldur's Gate, located on cd 6 (along with the installer for Baldur's Gate). This game is shipping with only the first five cds so I can't even install it. I have returned it twice and have finally asked for a refund.
Rating:
Summary: Best Game Ever is an Understatement
Review: I got this game in X-Mas of Last year. I am still playing it. The branches the story takes you on are varied and fun. The company AI and the fact that each person has there own story is amazing. Different party members interact differently to you and the world. Their are different paths you can take which determine whether you become good or evil. If you want an engrossing story and cast of Characters, BUY THIS GAME!!!!!!!!!!!
Rating:
Summary: Be A Card Carrying Member of BGA
Review: Overall: Yes, I'm a member of Baldur's Gate Anonymous, too. And I couldn't be happier about it. In short, this is a totally killer game.
TECHNICAL: -- With adjustment using BG2's configuration program, game is playable even on a 200mhz PC
-- Few bugs without patch. Can't find any bugs now that I've installed the patch.
-- Loading time: happens often and is about 30 seconds long on a 450mhz p2.
-- Needs LOTS of HD space Ah, if only it were always this easy. Okay, fine. If you want the full install (makes loading time way shorter), then the game takes up an ungodly amount of space. (2.5G, I think. Not sure.) But if space is of no concern, then you've got it made. Loading time can be a pain in the butt, but it isn't really that big of a problem. GRAPHICS: -- Nice, beautifully drawn 2D scenery.
-- Bird's eye perspective.
-- Import your own character graphics/sounds! If you are in it for groundbreaking graphics, BG2 may not be for you. Don't get me wrong... the graphics are pretty good but they aren't revolutionary. Buildings and areas are drawn with meticulous care. Black Isle definitely took their time plotting and planning this wonderful little world. Funny thing: architecture of buildings is quite different in different areas. Niiiice touch. Be that as it may, I suspect Black Isle spent more time and effort developing the story and gameplay than worrying too much about graphics. Good choice. After a while, you don't notice the pretty little pictures, anyway. SOUND: -- Good music. You won't be humming these tunes for days afterwards, but they fit the game. GAMEPLAY: -- You have one major quest and a myriad of miniquests that pop up *everywhere*. Really nicely done.
-- Free control over how you act. Be a jerk. Be a hero. It's seriously up to you.
-- Structured, yes, but not so firmly that it interferes too much with your free will.
-- Hint: Save a lot
-- High replayability factor The first part is a tad on the slow side, but it makes up for it big time later. CHARACTERS: -- Customize your character from the gender, class, race, biography, and more!
-- Customize your very picture and sound!
-- Creepy bad guy. Who *was* the fellow who came up with the major baddie? I don't know whether to congratulate him... or run for my life. Read the manual. Be acquainted with the ins and outs of each of the races/classes before you choose. It will save you a bit of heartache later on. BG2 allows you to import not only a portrait to be used in the game, but also sounds! Really neat. I wish more games did this. In fact, not only are you encouraged to roleplay during this game, it actually seems to work better that way. Roleplaying will keep your decisions consistent and that will help you in the long run. FEMALE PERSPECTIVE: -- Ability to choose female as player's character -- NPCs and situations do react to gender. Not only can you choose to be female in this game, NPCs will act as though you are one. Dialogue depends not only on the decisions you make, but also your gender, as well. In fact, I would say that this is the first game I've ever played where they succeeded in making the main character actually *feel* like she was a female. Really great if you are seriously into RPG... and if you are reading this, I am assuming you are. *grin* All isn't perfect if you choose to play a female character, though. Quests, NPCs, and events are more detailed if the main character is male. A few times, NPCs will even call you "Sir", only to refer to you a moment later as "Milady". Males even get a better romance thing going on (what's with *that*?). In all honesty, though, Black Isle's commitment into making this a more femme character-friendly game shows. Females even get the opportunity for romance... (although the fellow will probably inspire more death-threats than fantasies). As far as RPGs, BG2 is definitely the best one I've come across when it comes to feminine perspective. MULTIPLAYER OPTION Since my internet connection is terrible, I haven't explored this facet, yet. Therefore, I can't comment on this... but know that the option for playing online with others is there. CONCLUSION: Baldur's Gate 2 is doomed to become a classic. It's addictive. It's HUGE. It's put together extremely well. This is roleplaying at its finest. BG2 is quality, quantity, and a darn good time all rolled into one, reasonably-priced package. If you like RPGs, then Baldur's Gate 2 belongs on your shelf.
Rating:
Summary: Not made for X
Review: This game is incredibe, although it's game-play is a little slower than Diablo II, the story is rich and you have many choices, but be warned! When you play this USE OS9, NOT OSX. On OSX the movements become choppy and can slow down because this game was made for 9, not X.
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