User Rating: 9.4 | Baldur's Gate II: Shadows of Amn PC
Baldur's Gate II is an excellent game and a great sequel to the original. The game has a great story that is well interwoven into the game. Perhaps the biggest thing that stands out about the game is its sheer size. That are lots of side quests that you can partake in if you so choose. These side quests are also interesting and never fall into the uninteresting pattern of "gofer" quests. They also contribute to a strong sense on non-linearity to the game as you can do many of these quests at any time in the game. The graphics are definitely the next generation beyond the original game. The painted backgrounds look very good. Every area is also very detailed and serves some function. There are no random areas in the wilderness you have to trudge through that have no interesting elements to them other than killing enemies. Each area in BGII contributes in some fashion toward your quests. The sound is also very good. I particular like the rain the accompanying thunder that occurs occasionally throughout the game. The character are also very fun. It's great to get characters in your party who know each and who randomly engage in interesting and often witty discussions with each other. Of course, there's the return of Minsk and Boo, "Sword, meet evil. Evil, meet my sword!"
