Baldur’s Gate:Dark Alliance 2
Overall grade-B
At the bare minimum this is what a sequel should be. It didn’t disappoint or let me down as many sequels do. Dark Alliance 2 is basically the same as the original but the game developers improved on those most notable aspects lacking from the original. Well, except for a couple of things, but I’ll leave those complaints for later. Essentially, if you enjoyed the first one or like Diablo style clones in general you should play this game. There is a high re-playability factor in this game so it is a good candidate for purchase.
Gameplay is the same as in the first one. Tight controls and easy to use buttons make this an easy game to sit down and immediately get into the action. Every button on the controller does something, not always the case with game systems, and is fully customizable. The details in graphics are lost because the camera never gets us close enough to the renderings to see all the goodies. From a wide-angle of the game, everything looks the same as it did in the first. If you’ve played the first game it is also a pretty good idea to start with the Difficult level and not Normal, otherwise there won’t be much of a challenge for you.
The storyline takes off right after the first one and is much of what you’d expect from a Dungeon and Dragons RPG. Each character has its own substory, which is a nice touch. You’ll find yourself playing as each of the five characters presented because of the unique storylines. Unlocking the game will also present two other characters and classes.
Item creation. This is a new feature to Baldur’s Gate and adds a unique aspect to this sequel. Instead of waiting to find an item, either through your adventures or at the weapons shop, adventurers can purchase the components necessary to construct a specialized item suited to meet their needs. This is probably the most noticeable feature and potentially one of the best. Giving players something to look forward to besides just leveling up and killing monsters on the road down the storyline, item creation is a genius addition.
-Complaints
-Dwarven Thief, Moon-Elf Necromancer? What were they thinking?
-Didn’t maximize the potential of the graphics card. Could’ve done more to make this game stand out as a graphical improvement over the last game.
-Only 26 save slots. Sounds like a lot but if you play with a friend or multiple characters this is eaten up quickly.
-Only 2 player compatible on a 4-port system. There was no reason not to make this a four player game or even support online play. This is a big draw back to the title.
-Cut scenes. Storyline cut scenes are fine, but there are unnecessary scenes for upcoming battles.
-Background music when present sounds a lot like Lord of the Rings. Otherwise, there isn’t a great music score in this one and sound isn’t spectacular. Only supports stereo sound. (no rear speakers)
-Continuity with difficultly between levels. One mission will be very difficult and the mission immediately following it is exceedingly easy in comparison.
-I’d like to be able to make my own customizable character.
What I like
-The great aspects in the first game are present here as well. If you liked the first you’ll love this “expansion” pack of the first.
-Item creation. Item creation. Item creation.
-More characters. More items. More skills and spells. More playability and re-playability in this game.
