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

• Several hundred hours of addictive play

  
  By A1YEPFLLH42OU1 on 2005-01-02
  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.
  
  

• The Best RPG EVER on the PC, Play It Before It's Too Late

  
  By A8DJ4WKJJ8T4J on 2004-01-11
  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.
  
  

• Best. RPG. Ever

  
  By A3MZW0TIJ63TTO on 2005-11-06
  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.
  
  

• As I Write I Play it Minimized...

  
  By A7FVX0OOEIHYZ on 2004-09-10
  There have been a lot of great RPG's lately, especially in the Massively Multiplayer arena. And there have been a lot of great RPG's in the past as well. Baldur's Gate is a great RPG that seems to have fallen right in the middle of the golden age of RPG's however.
  
  Few can deny the ease one can slip into a game of Diablo or Dungeon Siege. Few can argue how fun it is to build a deep character on Everquest or Arcanum. However, few of these games ever appealed to me like BG did. Here is why...
  
  First, Baldur's Gate makes the unusual RPG decision to let the gamer control ALL of the party members, their every move and spell, something I wish was picked up more for other RPGs. This means that while maybe its not very "realistic" the player can really be sure what direction a battle goes. Also, BG lets players pause and give commands at will and does not give the player any trouble with setting up chains of spells or items. This is nice. Finally, BG is very story driven and, not unsurprising, the story is fantastic. You play as the son of a dead god who is swept away by the currents of your destiny. Between Shadows of Ahm and Throne of Bhaal, your avatar will be put through many a grinder and it will amaze you how great it all is.
  
  Some have found BG less fun because of its hardcore D & D roots. Armor is counted by how many dice roll points are removed from each attack i.e. a -13 armor must be attacked by a +3 weapon and a dice roll of...10. It's more complicated than that though. I obviously managed to play the game without really knowing what was going on technically so most others can too. Its surprisingly idiot proof. Also, for those of you out there who like to gather stuff in game, BG is awesome because the magic items not only each have a story but are wonderfully varied rather than being simple level ups or + weapons. It adds a little something.
  
  Problems? Besides replacing crack in most lives as the new addiction, BG has few. There are some persistent bugs that even the newest patches fail to fix and, for all its efforts to the contrary, getting into the game at first can be a hurdle. Graphics are dated by any standard and will not drop any jaws as Dungeon Siege did. Naturally none of this really effects playability but it's worth noting. Lastly, the story is great, no doubt. Some people, however, may not like how it ends.
  
  

• Hands Down, This Is The Best RPG Ever

  
  By A1MP9DM9QDZ7BJ on 2004-11-12
  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.
  
  
• One of the Defining Games of the Decade
  By A21SKRZ0ZFT4AX on 2005-09-03
  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.
  
  
• Cool game, but tedious ...
  By A2JEZYHH7997PL on 2006-03-02
  Baldur's Gate II (BG2) is a highly polished game. The designers have really put in special touches to make the gaming experience unique. Unfortunately, these special touches ultimately make the game tedious and unnatural.
  
  ** Minor Spoiler **
  
  First, the good -
  1. Good graphics. Not the cutting edge, but the graphics really brings out the medieval atmosphere.
  2. Many, many weapons and spells. All unique. You will be trying new weapons throughout the game.
  3. Unique classes, with their unique bonuses. You will really appreciate the difference between a monk and an archer.
  4. Monsters are tuned and unique. Different monsters have different strengths and weaknesses, and require different kind of weapons/spells to kill.
  5. NPCs will initiate dialogs. You don't have to go around looking for things to do, NPCs will come to you with their problems for you to solve. This gives the game a special twist.
  
  The bad -
  1. Monsters are too powerful. It's not that you cannot kill them, but many of them have annoying abilities (instant kill, mass confuse, level drain etc.), so it's either you kill them in 3 seconds, or they kill you. But remember monsters are highly unique, so you need the right kind of weapon to kill each of them. So either you are constantly switching weapons, or many times half of your party get the annoying "weapon ineffective" message.
  2. Pre-memorization of spells. Because monsters can instantly kill you, you really need magic support. Unfortunately, the spells available to a mage are pre-determined the previous night. So either you have to guess right, or you won't have the proper spells to deal with specific monsters (Did I say many monsters have UNIQUE weaknesses). This is contrary to the exploring and adventure spirit of an RPG game.
  3. NPCs initiate dialogs way too often. When you enter the Copper Coronet Inn, no less than four NPCs will approach you with their problems. That's four quests force-fed on you all at once. You either accept each quest on the spot, or reject it with an INSULT (no other alternative). Nifty. Your party members will frequently leave your party to sort out their personal issues, without warning (read: messed up). I find myself constantly halting my current quest just to hunt down run-away party members. It gets old very quickly.
  4. Meaningless, unreasonable choice-making. Many times you will be faced with decisions that will change the outcome of the game. Supposedly this makes the game "non-linear." Unfortunately each choice has a right answer and a wrong answer, and choosing the wrong answer can often be detrimental. So it's up to you to guess the "right answer," or suffer reputation loss or worse.
  5. At the end of the day, the game felt interminable because NPCs constantly interrupted my work by piling new errands onto me. And yes, it really felt like work.
  
  BG2 really has LOTS of unique classes, unique weapons, unique spells and unique monsters. They are like good toys for you to play around with. Ultimately a role-playing game should be about exploration, adventure and problem-solving (with occasional trial-and-error when facing big bosses). It's not the constant save/load and "guess the right answer" that BG2 requires. You may find playing this game with a walkthrough more fulfilling than without.
  
  
• Find an original copy
  By A32GNUXLVY92ZL on 2005-01-13
  Baldur's Gate II is the best RPG I've ever played. That being said, this is an poor release. The original box came with a durable spiral-bound manual/reference guide; very useful in a complex D&D-based game such as BGII. "The Ultimate Collection" includes the same 263-page manual in PDF form on the game CD, which means you'll have to alt-tab out of the game every time you need to look something up, and deal with the awkward Adobe Acrobat software. I recommend buying a used copy of the original game off Amazon or eBay.
  
  
• The absolute best
  By A1FMCBUQXZFQBX on 2005-07-18
  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].
  
  
  
  
• Goes to show graphics are not everything.
  By A3MHS3MYKIQX2F on 2005-12-09
  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.
  
  
• one of the best role-playing games ever
  By A2PZ9DUWMYZ338 on 2006-04-24
  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.
  
  
• Addictive Fun
  By A11ACYSV0GRHX0 on 2006-07-22
  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!
  
  
• Anything less would be uncivilized.
  By AIZQ1W9G3IDXJ on 2004-07-26
  Simply put, this is the best CRPG I've ever played. The only recent CRPG that comes close to is NWN:Hordes of the Underdark, and even then it's far too short an experience to make it the equal of BG2 and BG2:TOB. Words cannot express the beauty of this game and many hours I've spent playing it. I've beaten it many times, each time enjoying it. There are several decent mods on the net that add depth to it as well, the most polished of them being The Darkest Day mod, which really fleshes out the gaming experience. I love this game, I'd marry it if marriage wasn't a bankrupt institution and this wasn't a piece of virtual code on a computer instead of a human being.
  
  
• Best Role Playing Gave Ever Made
  By A15P2YIRKT2OAX on 2005-10-20
  Really.
  
  This game is on my list of "reasons to be alive"
  
  
• Yeah, its that good.
  By A2Y70AOI3NG37J on 2006-07-17
  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.
  
  
• My favorite computer game!
  By A1TG903LLEH1N0 on 2004-01-16
  This game is, without a doubt my favorite role playing game that I have played on a computer. I even think I like it more than the various and sundry Final Fantasy games I have played recently. Granted, those games have better stories and more detailed characters but there is something about Baldur's Gate that sets it apart and ahead of the competition, for me anyway. I think that it would have to be the ability to shape your won character. In a lot of console RPG's you seem to have very little control of your character. You only seem to be watching a movie that you happen to control and you sometimes don't seem to have much choice in the outcome, but this game allows you to choose many different paths and make many choices, some good, some evil.

  My favorite part of this game is building relationships with the non player characters that travel with you. Not to mention all the various side quests that are in the game. Each character class has different quests that are unique to each. For example the warrior has an opportunity to inherit a keep and protect it from bandits and the wizard can inherit a tower and train apprentice wizards in the magic arts and then have them create magic items for him. Because of these many sidequests this game has much replay value. And that's without the expansion pack. The throne of Bhaal adds another level to the gameplay. I must confess that I still haven't beaten the expansion pack but I have gotten far enough to know there are many plot twists. Another cool addition that wasn't in the first Baldur's gate is the ability for your character to fight with two weapons at the same time.

  In conclusion, this game is probably the best thing you could buy if you like old school rpgs. However, be prepared to save often. Like the first Baldur's gate this game is incredibly hard but that makes it all the more satisfying when you finally beat it.
  
  

• Best Party-based CRPG for the PC
  By AP5OGIKX0M25E on 2004-07-18
  Based on a hybrid version of 2nd and 3rd Edition D&D rules, this games allows you to create one character and pickup up to five others to round out your adventuring party. Unlike most games where the NPCs just do what you tell them, these will complain if quests aren't being done, or if they don't like each other (or your actions). There is also character romance between males and females (which can be turned off). In this regard, there is actual role-playing in this game.

  The side quests are fun and some are very challenging. The landscapes and monsters are well done visually though much less of BGII is dedicated to wilderness adventures unlike BGI.

  The main plot has a good story (and would have made a better movie than the one they made) and has interesting characters. The NPCs are characters that can (and will) affect you in several ways (good and bad).

  I gave the game 4 stars instead of 5 based on 2 'issues' (unrelated to AI issues with NPCs getting lost) or interface.
  1. At a certain point in the game, it becomes 100% linear. You have no more choices of what to do. Coming about halfway through an amazing game, that was disappointing to see).
  2. Some encounters, as you become very powerful, become absolutely ridiculous in terms of how many monsters are present.

  Overall a very fun game (it should get 4 1/2 stars). Much better than TOEE, Pool of Radiance 2, and Icewind Dale (all of whom are hack, slash, and repeat a naseum). If Bioware made a 3rd game in this vein, it would be very much worth getting based on BG and BGII.
  
  

• Ultimate Computer RPG... EVER!!!
  By A27HLEUM11IDFI on 2004-11-03
  This is without doubt, the best computer roleplaying game I have ever played - and I've played many over the years, including many since this one. For D&D fans or not, this game has some of the best plot, story, graphics, battles, and variety. The mage battles are the best, with the most amazing powerful spells rocking the scene and terrific sense of gritty realism. The game goes on and on; I played it obsessively for months, and it just gets better and better as your party get more and more powerful, and in turn take on more powerful and sinister opponents! This game is astounding value, when you consider how much enjoyment you get out of it - and especially now that the price is so low! I want Black Isle (the creators) to be successful so they'll write more games like this (maybe even another sequel??), so please support them! They are brilliant at everything from big action battles to the tiniest details and rich isometric backdrops and storylines. BUY THIS NOW!
  
  
• Good Lord!
  By A1Y72DDB8Z6AWD on 2005-01-09
  Is this a great game or a great game? well i can tell you its even beter it's one of the best games ever made. When you have start played it you will never play anything else ever again you will only play this game for the rest of your life. Well meby not but you will play it for some time i can tell you but to be honest its not that big that everyone say its is. ok its biger then most games but not that very big that you may think it is, it was smaller then i thougt it whuld be atleast. But whatever you dont whont it to end thats for sure. it is a litle old but that doesent mather much for sutch a great game its the story that is the great thing with it. All in all a must have game.
  
  
• Excellent game, especially if you enjoy 2nd Edition D&D
  By A1SXAX6RYJI1FC on 2005-06-01
  The Baldur's Gate line of games all use 2nd Edition Dungeon and Dragons rule sets. If you are a fan of 2nd Ed. you will definitely enjoy this game.
  
  The review by Island Girl East is not accurate by any means. The "non-labeled' buttons she referred to are actually labeled. Simply hold your mouse over something you are curious about and after a second or two, a small text scroll will pop up telling you what the button does. It is very customizable, even to the point where you can tell the game how many or few seconds you want to have to hold the pointer over something before this text scroll pops up. I never once read the instructions and was able to figure out most of the game. All of the spells and special abilites have great explanations of what they do and how long the effects last. If you are unfamiliar with D&D, you may want to read up on things like how long a round lasts and what a saving throw is.
  
  As far as the comment about the PC not being kind. You can customize the game to the extent where the game will pause after every turn, OR you can manually pause the game at any point using the SPACEBAR on your keyboard. While the game is paused, you can tell each of the characters in your party what action to perform. Once you unpause, they will all do what you told them while it was paused!
  
  Overall, the game is great. It has a really good interface, is very customizable to different play levels, has great graphics and effects for this type of game, wonderful music and ambient sounds (which you can also turn up/down/off), the voiceovers and story is fantastic, and it is a great intro to the world of Dungeons and Dragons...the most popular RPG on the planet!
  
  At the price being offered here, it is a BARGAIN!
  Happy gaming. =)
  
  
• Three years after buying it I STILL love this game!
  By A3RVXXEEDC6EQT on 2004-04-23
  Let's face it...most computer games you buy will present an interesting novelty for MAYBE a couple months at most before you get bored and retire it to the shelf or sell it used to someone else. Not so with this great game!! It's still novel even after owning it several years!

  I can't think of any other game that has been on the market this long and still sells in software stores today for over $10. And for great reason! There are so many ways to play this game that even after three years of trying I STILL haven't explored every facet and possibility! When this game was released in 2000 I wrote it off as a bit too expensive and complex for my taste. The following year the price had dropped slightly and I was itching for a new game, so after reading all the great reviews, I bought it. Wow! I couldn't believe the combination of depth, entertainment value, variety, and graphics a single game could produce!

  I can absolutely GUARANTEE that anyone who likes role-playing will love this game. While you only start with a single character, you pick up other NPCs along the way, each one with their own unique personality, race, goals and behavior pattern, splendidly illustrated by voice-over sounds, dialog, and portraits.

  Just a few examples...there's Minsc, the bald and brusque ranger who takes all his best advice from a small space hamster Boo, and loves to give any evil a "good butt-kicking!" Viconia, a seductive, almost liquidic evil dark elf (aka drow) who thrives on subtle innuendo and lust for power. And Imoen, the sweet, the innocent, slightly naive but ever-supportive mage who has stood by your side as a sister since childhood. There are a slew of other characters just as interesting, some you can take with you, some to provide you with quest clues, and some who only want to kill you. And you can even romance some of the party characters based on your dialog choices. If you play a male, you can even go so far as to get one of the female characters pregnant! (I won't give away which one).

  The many possible permutations of the game let your quests and sub-quests vary greatly, depending on factors such as who you have in your party, your alignment, your ability scores, your class of choice, who you might choose to romance, and in some cases even the items you carry. Change any one or more of these and you are presented with different plot lines and conversation choices for your many quests. But one thing in common with ALL plot lines is that none are boring, and many will make you laugh. In repeat play, I saved every 2 minutes just to explore the different possible quest and dialog paths.

  I think I've played this game about 60 times now, and I'm STILL happily exploring it.

  Another pleasant thing about this game, if you are an advanced computer hacker, is that it is relatively easy to modify...which, naturally, has produced PLENTY of unofficial expansions and modifications available on the web, providing you with even more ways to play (my personal favorite is a modification called "The Darkest Day", which you can easily pick up from any web search engine).

  In a nutshell...I can't think of a better PC game investment than this one in terms of playing time, interest, entertainment, humor, and modifiability, than to buy BG2. Still going strong 4 years after release!
  
  

• THE BEST RPG GAME EVER MADE
  By A1I6KETQ4CEIXS on 2006-03-28
  A sequel to the awesome Baldur's Gate...
  
  I was addicted to this HARD CORE and could play it again and again. This game is excellent. One of the best I've ever played. You can travel with up to 5 companions making it a 6 party in all and with the HUGE modding community, well, as with Morrowind, this game is pretty much endless as well.
  
  Even though it's an older game, it's probably the best for its time. No other game, not even Diablo II can top Baldur's Gate II for that year, no way! It was tops then and still is one of the best ever created.
  
  More than just hack 'n slash here. You have a superb storyline where I tip my hat to the creators.
  
  You start in a prison dungeon where your lil sis Imoen shows up, frees you. Then, you plan your escape and little by little, you seek and destroy the evil that so dared to mess with the Child of Bhaal!
  
  For those with the gripes about the monsters being too powerful, well, you have to BUILD your character up ... try going as the Undead Hunter (no level drain) and give him a two-handed sword ... trust me, by levels 30, 40 and 50, he'll go through them like a hot knife through butter! Yes, you will be a GOD! :)
  
  Any ways, SUPER GREAT game and worth every single penny...
  
  FIVE STARS!
  
  
  
  
• One of the most lauded RPG games ever.
  By on 2003-06-22
  After earning several Best (RP) Game awards in the past, this particular RPG series is still doing relatively well. At least it may be considered a big classic in the genre of fantasy CRPG. I don't need to rehash what others have said in greater detail concerning the quality of game play (not merely dungeon-hacking), but I will point out that ALL of the Baldur's Gate games (Baldur's Gate, Baldur's Gate: Tales of the Sword Coast, Baldur's Gate II: Shadows of Amn, Baldur's Gate II: Throne of Bhaal) work in Windows XP. Due to the complexity of the software (e.g. the original Baldur's Gate is 6 cd-roms, if I recall correctly), a number of other factors may render the game unplayable. I have all the BG games installed on my Windows XP machine just fine. Recommended: Patch the XP OS (SP1a minimum), make sure you have the latest game patches, check your DirectX, and so forth.
  
  
• Simply the most captivating game franchise I've ever played.
  By on 2003-12-14
  With all the reviews about this game, you probably already have an understanding of what it is about, so I won't go into it. I will say that of all the games I've played, only a handful (if even that) has ever kept my interest enough to play them all the way through. Most of these so-called "Great classics", for me, tend to get boring half way through where I just lose interest, and I fail to understand what the big deal is about them. This would include games such as Half-Life... there are others, but I mention this because that game is still talked about. So, I am a tough customer to please.

  The Baldur's Gate series is one of the few games that has captured my attention to play the entire series all the way through numerous times, and at the end, still being disappointed that there isn't more. It is a shame that there will probably never be another game like this one. Neverwinter Nights doesn't even come close. I would HIGHLY recommend BG2:SoA and ToB. Go pick up the original BG as well, as it may help you to appreciate you character more being able to develop it from the beginning.
  
  

• No Manual !!
  By A1MRYYNUYZBWOP on 2004-01-08
  This is a review of the collection. Being a fan of the Icewind Dale series, and wanting to try a game that was more an RPG and less a hack&slash, I ordered this game. I just opened it and started playing last night, and while the game seems great so far, I'm very disapointed that a manual was not included. If I would have known, I'd have gladly paid the extra $$ to buy these 2 games seperately. It's probably going to turn out to be a 5 star game, but this product only rates 3 because of the missing manual.
  
  
• Baldur's Gate 2: The Ultimate Collection
  By A3BYRN3LI9GN1L on 2005-09-12
  Marvelous! It took me three weeks to get it awary from my son. Had to give him a guilty conscience so he'd tell me where he'd hid it.
  
  
• No documentation
  By ALESRKSKR2GJT on 2006-01-30
  There were no instructions with this game. No Quick reference card, no game manual, just the disks. If you do not have the first game, Baldur's Gate you may have a hard time playing this one.
  
  
  
• Older game, still very entertaining
  By A2EEY7A3BM4XGA on 2006-08-21
  As others have said, the graphics are dated but the storyline and structure are not.
  
  A few other reviewers stated that there was no manual and no reference card included in this collection IN PAPER FORMAT. They do, however, exist as PDF files in the "BG2 Manual" folder of disk #1. I prefer the printed manuals as well, but for the game plus expansion and bonus disk I paid only $13.77, including shipping that took 3 days. In other words, I can live without the printed manual when everything else works out in my favour.
  
  I purchased from "playongames-com" from within Amazon's site, first time purchase from them. Well boxed, fast delivery, and arrived in an original box (still sealed). What deal.
  
  
• WHEN cRPGs TOUCHED THE SKY...
  By A74TA8X5YQ7NE on 2007-10-11
  This was the LONGEST the MOST FUN game I have ever played! And, mind you, I am not an easy customer (feel free to browse through my reviews, you will see what I mean...)
  
  The original BG series was excellent in all of storyline, gameplay, music and stability. Now, nowadays, sequels usually mean a graphically-improved expansion (at best). BG2 is a rare exception of the sequel clearly SURPASSING the original. And in the case of such great original, this means a lot!
  
  Words fail to describe the perfect harmony of brilliant ideas, emerging story-line and detailed coding that makes this game an unsurpassable classic! This COLLECTION contains all the sequels, patched with the latest fixes. Do not let the slightly outdated graphics discourage you. They were cutting edge only some years ago - and you will be able to unleash their full potential even on mid-range PCs!
  
  I have yet to meet anyone who has played it and not raved about it! Hard-core D&D funs will find the character building, fighting checks and balances and overall experience very close to the actual pen-&-paper games.
  Casual computer gamers will notice none of the tedious stuff of other cRPGs as the gameplay runs smooth and beautifully.
  You even have the choice to turn it into either a turn-based or an action game by tweaking the auto-pause options! I am telling you: this is how computers games should be!
  
  You will let yourself get lost in the deep dungeons of the labyrinthic story; you will be laughing out loud to the humorous dialog; you will be surprised as to who is a double and triple-agent.
  There is an evil beyond imagining unleashed and only you with your party can stand in its way.
  Party members offer a multitude of unpredictable balancing points and diverging story-lines of their own: side quests, conflicts and love affairs enrich the story in so many original ways!
  
  An unsurpassed classic!
  
  HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!!!
  
  
• Worth It For Anyone Who Hasn't Played BG Series
  By AA471VZS2UFW5 on 2003-06-24
  Not quite sure what the other guy was talking about. Baldur's Gate series runs fine on Windows XP so long as the instructions are followed.

  Anyway, this does in fact contain the BG2 collection, again not sure what the other guy was talking about. BG2 and it's expansion ToB defined what it meant to be a CRPG. It's the game all CRPGs are compared to, and single handedly revitalized the CRPG genre. Any fans of CRPGs would be doing themselves a great disservice by ignoring the Baldur's Gate series.
  
  

• PC Gamer (1-year)

• Neverwinter Nights: Diamond Compilation Pack (DVD-ROM)
• Icewind Dale Ultimate Collection
• The Elder Scrolls 3: Morrowind Game of the Year Edition
• Baldur's Gate Original Saga with Tales of the Sword Coast Expansion Pack
• Baldur's Gate