Baldur's Gate II: Enhanced Edition

 PC
User Score
7.6

Generally favorable reviews- based on 424 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 299 out of 424
  2. Mixed: 44 out of 424
  3. Negative: 81 out of 424

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  1. MikeZillaGames
    Nov 17, 2013
    10
    BG2 is one of the greatest RPGs of all time. And with this recent release, the game is still just as great.

    When I was young, I bought it expecting something like Diablo...but BG2 is much bigger, and much deeper...the game is huge. Funny thing was I had no idea how the hell the AD&D rule set worked when I bought the game. I didn't even know what numeric values like "2D6+1" meant    BG2 is one of the greatest RPGs of all time. And with this recent release, the game is still just as great.

    When I was young, I bought it expecting something like Diablo...but BG2 is much bigger, and much deeper...the game is huge.

    Funny thing was I had no idea how the hell the AD&D rule set worked when I bought the game. I didn't even know what numeric values like "2D6+1" meant because I had never played D&D and never made the connection to "2 six-sided dice plus 1 damage" til much later. The whole game was a learning experience, but ultimately when you do get some understanding of how it works the D&D rule set makes the game all the more enjoyable because of the sheer number of cool spells and items and character customization options that the D&D rule set allows.

    This game was way ahead of it's time, too. The voice acting and writing are great, and the alignment system makes interacting with other characters interesting and adds replay value. Each party member is interesting, with the own personality, alignments, and side quests to perform. You can even establish a romance with a party member if you treat him/her right.

    I can't really recommend this game enough. The one thing I would consider before buying it is the game's length and learning curve...which aren't that problematic.    … Expand
  2. orctown-troll
    Nov 15, 2013
    10
    I strongly disagree with views this game is over-priced.

    Beamdog is doing great work extending the long term viability of these classic titles. The enhanced version of Baldur's Gate was superior to the GOG version (which I also own). This version is a legitimate rebuild and extension of a great game that allows it to seamlessly function on new systems. Thanks for a great rebuild of a    I strongly disagree with views this game is over-priced.

    Beamdog is doing great work extending the long term viability of these classic titles. The enhanced version of Baldur's Gate was superior to the GOG version (which I also own). This version is a legitimate rebuild and extension of a great game that allows it to seamlessly function on new systems. Thanks for a great rebuild of a great game! If you at all have any love for this game, be sure to support all the honest efforts to extend its playability into the future. People who moan about $26 as 'too much' for a game like this are losing perspective on the true value of work in this industry and perchance need spend less time playing games and more time working in the REAL world. You want the industry to support classic games? Support mods by all means, but also definitely BUY games like this so that the teams doing the work can continue to provide great games for all of us. Buy the GOG version. Mod your original version AND buy this. Then you will truly be in a position to give an honest (and constructive) review. I wonder how many 'fans' ready to score bomb this are sitting on big libraries of torrent-stolen games.

    Most irritating thing is that if these butt-hurt moaners really can't afford it, they only have to wait a few months till they can get it for pennies on a Steam sale. How painful that is NOT!

    Get some bloody perspective!

    Orctowngrot    … Expand
  3. hazsch
    Apr 8, 2020
    10
    Baldur's Gate 2 is, to many people, the best RPG of all time (myself included).

    I'm unsure of what people are complaining about with the price... it's $20. It also goes on sale all the time. I've played well over a 300 hours of the original and spent a good chunk of time with the Enhanced Edition. The new content Beamdog added has been fantastic (though I wish we'd get some Siege of    Baldur's Gate 2 is, to many people, the best RPG of all time (myself included).

    I'm unsure of what people are complaining about with the price... it's $20. It also goes on sale all the time.

    I've played well over a 300 hours of the original and spent a good chunk of time with the Enhanced Edition. The new content Beamdog added has been fantastic (though I wish we'd get some Siege of Dragonspear related content in here... Corwin and M'Khiin, anyone?) and the base game is what should come up when you search "perfection" on Google. The characters, areas, music and story are absolutely phenomenal. The way the game shows you the mechanics and the numbers of the game has been completely streamlined by Beamdog, and you no longer actually have to understand THAC0 to be good at the game.

    The mod support for this game is out of this world. Not as robust as Neverwinter Nights, but there are people out there today creating amazing content for this game, as there have been for the last 20 years.

    I could go on, but there are people singing their praise about this game everywhere. Every "top 10 RPGs" list has this game on it. It is the RPG that defined the genre as something truly incredible. Baldur's Gate 2 sits on a throne, and the Enhanced Edition is the definitive version of it.

    Buy it. Play it. Love it.    … Expand
  4. Finneous
    Nov 20, 2013
    10
    $25 for countless hours of quality entertainment...well worth it, especially considering that this is an enhancement of the best computer RPG ever made, and it plays excellent on a Mac! You can't even take your girlfriend to the movies for $25 these days, a measly 2 hours of entertainment. It takes all freakin' night just to finish 1 dungeon in this masterpiece. If you enjoy fantasy$25 for countless hours of quality entertainment...well worth it, especially considering that this is an enhancement of the best computer RPG ever made, and it plays excellent on a Mac! You can't even take your girlfriend to the movies for $25 these days, a measly 2 hours of entertainment. It takes all freakin' night just to finish 1 dungeon in this masterpiece. If you enjoy fantasy role playing games, this game is required playing!… Expand
  5. Khyron
    Nov 21, 2013
    10
    The vanilla game was fantastic, but the game engine is dated and very unappealing now.

    Beamdog's done a great job in overhauling the game engine, stabilized it, made it more visually appealing and added a lot of new great content.

    Worth every penny of the pricetag.
  6. Nioshi
    Nov 18, 2013
    10
    This is an incredible game that has been graced with amazing enhancements. I've loved this game for a while now and was so happy to see it was getting an upgrade. I disagree with others that the game is overpriced. Many HD remakes are either similar in price or even more expensive. I have and will play this over and over again because of the quality. The artwork for the black pit area wasThis is an incredible game that has been graced with amazing enhancements. I've loved this game for a while now and was so happy to see it was getting an upgrade. I disagree with others that the game is overpriced. Many HD remakes are either similar in price or even more expensive. I have and will play this over and over again because of the quality. The artwork for the black pit area was amazing! Beamdog is doing amazing with what they have and I will continue to buy games from them… Expand
  7. mforww
    Nov 21, 2013
    9
    First, let me lead off with why BG2EE is the best version of Baldur's Gate 2: the EE version actually allows me play BG2.

    The glitchy old Infinity Engine has been overhauled by Beamdog so that it's now compatible with newer Intel chipsets. Previously, I had been unable to get the game to work on my computer despite digging through a bevvy of mods and forum-post fixes that were dated    First, let me lead off with why BG2EE is the best version of Baldur's Gate 2: the EE version actually allows me play BG2.

    The glitchy old Infinity Engine has been overhauled by Beamdog so that it's now compatible with newer Intel chipsets. Previously, I had been unable to get the game to work on my computer despite digging through a bevvy of mods and forum-post fixes that were dated anywhere from circa 2005 to 2011. So when I heard of the Enhanced Edition I knew I would pony up whatever the asking price was regardless of what other "extras" they threw in.

    What I didn't realize was that the game would ultimately sell me on the legitimacy of its $25 price tag. Obviously with this being a decade old game and available on the cheap at GOG.com, the price tag is the enormous elephant in the room for any purchaser, and accordingly this review wouldn't be complete without a discussion on the bargain-value proposition. Are you getting your money's worth for the extra $20?

    In two words: hell yes.

    Once you see the quality and content of the new NPC's, their new personal quests, the Black Pits, the new areas, and the general overall graphic improvements (including the ability to zoom way out praise the lord for this) you'll be sold. Not only those features, but the inclusion of altogether new classes like the Shadowdancer and Sun Soul Monk help keep the game fresh. Considering the going rate for DLC these days (as I look pensively at the $29.99 price tag for the new X-Com expansion on Steam) I can say that BG2EE is worth it.

    If you're on a budget I would encourage anyone to pick up BG2 in any form that they can get it (well, assuming you can get the old version to work on your computer, at least). But, if you can spare the extra change, you'll be picking up the best version by a mile with BG2EE.    … Expand
  8. bld249
    Nov 21, 2013
    10
    Great update to a phenomenal game. Extra characters/quests/items are nicely worked into existing game plot and a worthy addition. While the game is $25, it is worth every penny if it brings us that much closer to BG3.
  9. AmongstYou
    Nov 15, 2013
    9
    Definitely an improvement. I really love revisiting a classic like this and finding it better than I remember.
    I wish Overhaul the best with their endeavors. Here's hoping we get Baldur's Gate III.
  10. socokid
    Nov 17, 2013
    9
    To every other person that has either never played this game, or it has been over a decade (Hi!), the $25 is definitely worth it. I had forgotten how satisfying this game is. So, much, fun...

    The responses by die hard fanatics of the original game seem meaningless to me. If you have been playing BGII for 10 years straight, modded up to your eyeballs, then I would certainly suspect that    To every other person that has either never played this game, or it has been over a decade (Hi!), the $25 is definitely worth it. I had forgotten how satisfying this game is. So, much, fun...

    The responses by die hard fanatics of the original game seem meaningless to me. If you have been playing BGII for 10 years straight, modded up to your eyeballs, then I would certainly suspect that $25 may not span the difference between what you have, and what is offered. *shrugs*

    However, speaking to the "norms" out there, this game is absolutely highly recommended. I felt just a little bad having to leave the game to type this...    … Expand
  11. Seorl
    Nov 20, 2013
    10
    The game works flawlessly. If you enjoyed the original Baldur's Gate, you will love this game too. The new companions are very interesting and their storylines made me want to keep playing. The graphics are also slightly better and allow for more zooming in or out. There are also more interesting items and different class kits to spice things up. Definitely would recommend!
  12. HivanGrosny
    Nov 18, 2013
    9
    Nice graphics, nice improvements, amazing new areas and companions. Finally multiplayer-based, you can enjoy Baldur's Gate II with your friends or people from all over the world and, finally, role-play like a boss. A classic brought back to life, in the best way. The only problem (if "problem may" be called, assuming you don't play videogames very often) are some nasty bugs. But hey, we'reNice graphics, nice improvements, amazing new areas and companions. Finally multiplayer-based, you can enjoy Baldur's Gate II with your friends or people from all over the world and, finally, role-play like a boss. A classic brought back to life, in the best way. The only problem (if "problem may" be called, assuming you don't play videogames very often) are some nasty bugs. But hey, we're waiting for the new patches.… Expand
  13. Buttercheese
    Nov 20, 2013
    10
    The original was already my most favourite and by far most played game of all time but Overhaul completely blew my mind with the enhancements. They added way more new content than I expected with hours over hours of new gameplay, engaging new characters, hilarious new dialogues and simply beautiful new areas.
    Job very well done.
  14. purudaya
    Nov 20, 2013
    9
    This game is by no means over-priced. Not only did they completely revamp the UI and add new classes/kits to play, they included over 300,000 words of new content. To give you an idea of just how much that is, the average novel contains around 100,000. The new characters are great, the new locations are rich and detailed, and the new battles are challenging and rewarding.

    The    This game is by no means over-priced. Not only did they completely revamp the UI and add new classes/kits to play, they included over 300,000 words of new content. To give you an idea of just how much that is, the average novel contains around 100,000. The new characters are great, the new locations are rich and detailed, and the new battles are challenging and rewarding.

    The developers really poured their heart and soul into making this game come alive again and it shows. If you've never played before, twenty-some bucks will get you over 100 hours of entertainment. If you are a Baldur's Gate 2 veteran, the Enhanced Edition offers high quality content that you can't get anywhere else.    … Expand
  15. Hart
    Nov 22, 2013
    10
    I played this game back in my college days and had pretty much forgotten about it until I heard the enhanced editions of BGI and II and was thrilled to hear about them being on the ipad, but keeping in mind this is the PC review.

    I am having a blast playing this game again. It may be debatable if it is the greatest RPG ever, but it is in my mind. I feel the price is great, when I saw    I played this game back in my college days and had pretty much forgotten about it until I heard the enhanced editions of BGI and II and was thrilled to hear about them being on the ipad, but keeping in mind this is the PC review.

    I am having a blast playing this game again. It may be debatable if it is the greatest RPG ever, but it is in my mind. I feel the price is great, when I saw the game was out not once did I think “Wow, I am not paying that much!” I would have liked to see more refined enhancement in a few places, but it’s still a must buy for any RPG lover and a wonderful improvement.

    I echo another reviewer that talked about the diehard fans that have been playing to this day with all sorts of mods and are upset by the price If you are that hardcore about the game with mods then skip it, but the cost is cheap for those of us that don’t want to mod the game and the hundreds of hours one could spend playing– and beamdog’s great forums takes input on what changes and patches people would like to see. That makes the game price seem like a real bargain to me!!!!    … Expand
  16. revianblue
    Nov 24, 2013
    10
    -New, beautifully stylized UI
    -Amazing Dorn quest line
    -Stunningly beautiful new areas -Improvements on the spell effects -Tons of new content Actually, there are lots of pros in this one, especially compared with the first release. This game deserves all the money i've spent on it. Normally i would give it a 9 because of certain small bugs, but after considering the fact that it    -New, beautifully stylized UI
    -Amazing Dorn quest line
    -Stunningly beautiful new areas
    -Improvements on the spell effects
    -Tons of new content

    Actually, there are lots of pros in this one, especially compared with the first release. This game deserves all the money i've spent on it.
    Normally i would give it a 9 because of certain small bugs, but after considering the fact that it revives one of the best game of all times in a succesfull way, i give it a 10.    … Expand
  17. Kurumi
    Nov 21, 2013
    10
    One of the best RPGs of all time got even better through lots of new features and the best is, that it will be even further enhanced and supported in the future, too. There is but one score I can give.. a 10 for the game.. and it's community!
  18. romaltya
    Dec 9, 2013
    10
    Best RPG ever! no debates, no arguments.. I loved the game when I was in college, I loved the game when I was at the university and it can be argued that my poor grades was in no small part due to my love of this RPG.. I've played good guy, bad guy, ranger, cleric, mage and ofcourse the ever present thief..

    Never was I bored, never disappointed.. As to the storyline itself beamdog    Best RPG ever! no debates, no arguments.. I loved the game when I was in college, I loved the game when I was at the university and it can be argued that my poor grades was in no small part due to my love of this RPG.. I've played good guy, bad guy, ranger, cleric, mage and ofcourse the ever present thief..

    Never was I bored, never disappointed..

    As to the storyline itself beamdog haven't changed it (thank god).. There are those who argue that the game should be cheaper, but considering the amount of replayability there are in this game it shouldn't be the price that holds u back. Buy it, enjoy it, love it.. But I quote the original game developers "don't forget to eat, we don't want to lose any dedicated players"    … Expand
  19. Ziminair
    Dec 7, 2013
    10
    Great re-release for this franchise! A lot fewer bugs compared to BG EE. The extra content is nice. I am enjoying the game.
    I can't wait for them to make Baldur's Gate 3!!!
  20. Brenno
    Nov 17, 2013
    10
    Great game! I had the original release, which I loved, and am very pleased with this new release also. For myself, the greater clarity, the widescreen resolution and the added content have proven very effective at revitalising this classic game. I thoroughly recommend this game to both old fans and new players alike! A special shout out to one of the new NPCs, Hexxat. A very cool story arc! Enjoy!
  21. Ohrwurm
    Nov 18, 2013
    10
    This is the best game ever made and people complain about paying 25$. The enhancements are more than enough since 1. You should support the devs for putting the love in this and hopefully if it makes enough money they'll make BGIII, 2. 25$ is pocket change compared to games like CoD:G that offer you 5hrs of SP and looks like it was also made 10 years ago, 3. extra contents that mods do notThis is the best game ever made and people complain about paying 25$. The enhancements are more than enough since 1. You should support the devs for putting the love in this and hopefully if it makes enough money they'll make BGIII, 2. 25$ is pocket change compared to games like CoD:G that offer you 5hrs of SP and looks like it was also made 10 years ago, 3. extra contents that mods do not have and 4. who wants to spent hours on end trying to get the game to actually work with mods?! this takes a few clicks, 10 mins of download and you can play!… Expand
  22. IndigoFox
    Nov 18, 2013
    10
    Once again I can't be more happy that my favorite game has been remastered. A huge improvement over the original and the redesigned multiplayer is a huge plus, and like the first re-release of Baldurs Gate I can't wait for it to be released on the iPad so I can multiplayer across systems. I will continue to play this reminiscing for hours. Thanks beam dog
  23. Cmill98
    Nov 18, 2013
    10
    This is the greatest RPG ever made, everything about it is flawless. I have played this game my whole life and love it! How people give it a 0 because it is overpriced is truly stupid. Also compared to the priceof games today, you get one of the best games ever for 35$ cheaper than the standard 60$ price tag. Get this game and love it as much as I have!
    10/10
  24. tchaymore
    Nov 18, 2013
    9
    A brilliant throwback to a day when RPGs were longer on story, if a bit shorter on graphics. I really enjoy using the isometric graphics. It lets me relax about instantly responding to threats and instead think about how I want to play the game.
    My only complaint about the graphics is they look a bit washed out and I would like a bit more differentiation in the color scheme. Sometimes    A brilliant throwback to a day when RPGs were longer on story, if a bit shorter on graphics. I really enjoy using the isometric graphics. It lets me relax about instantly responding to threats and instead think about how I want to play the game.
    My only complaint about the graphics is they look a bit washed out and I would like a bit more differentiation in the color scheme. Sometimes hard to find my characters on the screen.    … Expand
  25. Bman86
    Nov 18, 2013
    10
    I don't get why someone who likes this game would proceed to give it a 0. "It's the greatest RPG ever made, but I give it a 0 herp derp" If you're so in love with the mods, then don't pay the measly $25 for this quality touch up. No one is holding a knife to your throat, and all you're doing is hiijacking other peoples fun...while you're at it, don't play baldur's gate 3 when/if it comesI don't get why someone who likes this game would proceed to give it a 0. "It's the greatest RPG ever made, but I give it a 0 herp derp" If you're so in love with the mods, then don't pay the measly $25 for this quality touch up. No one is holding a knife to your throat, and all you're doing is hiijacking other peoples fun...while you're at it, don't play baldur's gate 3 when/if it comes out off the back of the funds raised by these enhanced editions. Short sighted describes you perfectly.

    As for people genuinely interested in the gameplay aspects, this game is the same game, just enhanced...funny that. Widescreen, UI freshen up, new NPCs and in game content. It's not breaking any boundaries, it does exactly what the title suggests, it enhances one of the greatest RPG's of all time. One of the founding fathers of the Infinity Engine era of RPG greats. If you're an old fan, get in on it! If you're new and have always wondered what the hype was about, get in on it!    … Expand
  26. bodik10
    Nov 20, 2013
    10
    People who worried about the price, are you serious? BGII is the greatest RPG of all times. It's normal to pay few bucks for remastered version that perfectly works with new machines and looks great on HD screens.
    And now you talk about mods for original game... I don't have a time to deal with bunch of buggy mods that do "pretty much the same". I want just download and play.
    Enjoy    People who worried about the price, are you serious? BGII is the greatest RPG of all times. It's normal to pay few bucks for remastered version that perfectly works with new machines and looks great on HD screens.
    And now you talk about mods for original game... I don't have a time to deal with bunch of buggy mods that do "pretty much the same". I want just download and play.

    Enjoy this masterpiece. It's pitty but nowadays there are no games like BG.

    PS. By the way, the steam price is only $15... and Christmas sale is coming    … Expand
  27. the_sextein
    Nov 21, 2013
    10
    Visually it's not a large improvement outside of the natural benefits that come with higher resolution. it is nice that they added a zoom feature so that you can set the scale to whatever you are happy with at your monitor's resolution. It is easier to install plus saves and loads are much faster. The backgrounds have been re-mastered which adds a little bit of improvement to theVisually it's not a large improvement outside of the natural benefits that come with higher resolution. it is nice that they added a zoom feature so that you can set the scale to whatever you are happy with at your monitor's resolution. It is easier to install plus saves and loads are much faster. The backgrounds have been re-mastered which adds a little bit of improvement to the overall color of the image. The sprites have not been reworked I think one of the reviews I read had that backwards.

    Overall it looks a little better but it is nice because it works without any hassle and you don't have to mod the game to get it to support your setup.

    They have also added an expansion pack worth of new characters, items, and areas to explore (30+ new areas).

    Personally I am really happy to see this game get new content 15 years after it's release. The content is up to the same standards as the original game and some of the characters they have added are more developed then the originals.

    Text is easier to read, small bugs that were never fixed are patched up now. Over all it's not a huge improvement but it is a noticeably better experience and the extra content and support with possible future DLC options makes me give this a high score. I won't be going back to the original that is for sure.    … Expand
  28. CNaish
    Nov 18, 2013
    9
    I loved BG2, but trying to get it to run and look half decent on Win8.1 just isn't worth the hassle. Along comes BG2:EE with some extra characters, zooming in/out, and TONS of bugfixes. I can't wait to see more from the Beamdog team and would happily recommend this to friends. Yes, it's 25$, but I also think of it as crowd-funding their next game, which could even be Baldur's Gate 3.
  29. detrimental2
    Nov 18, 2013
    10
    This was my favorite game back when I was a young teenager and now it is becoming my favorite game of today. I would play it for hours and hours back in the day. I can happily say it's still the game I remember with the added benefit of having been modernized! The new UI is amazing, love the new characters/quests, and the quick loot button has made looting much more enjoyable. I can't waitThis was my favorite game back when I was a young teenager and now it is becoming my favorite game of today. I would play it for hours and hours back in the day. I can happily say it's still the game I remember with the added benefit of having been modernized! The new UI is amazing, love the new characters/quests, and the quick loot button has made looting much more enjoyable. I can't wait to really get back into this game so I can experience it all over again. Very excited!… Expand
  30. AquinasWI
    Nov 21, 2013
    10
    Outstanding update to one of the best computer games of all time (and easily my favorite computer RPG).

    The game runs very well haven't had any troubles at all after many hours of play. The new content is strong too definitely more polished and interesting than the new content in BG1:EE. There's been many cases where I've held up an old game in my head as wonderful and wished I    Outstanding update to one of the best computer games of all time (and easily my favorite computer RPG).

    The game runs very well haven't had any troubles at all after many hours of play. The new content is strong too definitely more polished and interesting than the new content in BG1:EE.

    There's been many cases where I've held up an old game in my head as wonderful and wished I could replay it, but then when given the chance it doesn't quite live up to those expectations anymore. Definitely not the case with BG2:EE....I'm flat-out loving my return to that game.

    As a Mac user, I obviously prefer the Beamdog conversion vs. getting it from GOG.com and having to run it through Parallels. For that reason as well as the new content, I think the $25 price tag is well justified. I honestly don't get why someone would rate the game a 0 because of that. If $25 is too much, don't buy it.

    In short, if you loved BGII and have longed to play it again, this is a no-brainer....plus you get interesting new content.

    Awesome job, Beamdog.    … Expand
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Awards & Rankings

80
#80 Best PC Game of 2013
62
#62 Most Discussed PC Game of 2013

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
78

Generally favorable reviews - based on 34 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 24 out of 34
  2. Mixed: 10 out of 34
  3. Negative: 0 out of 34
  1. Everyeye.it
    Feb 14, 2014
    90
    It's a great chance for all the fans out there to relive history of western RPG. Enhanced graphics and interface make this a great remaster of an immortal classic.
    Read full review
  2. God is a Geek
    Feb 3, 2014
    80
    There’s no doubt that Baldur’s Gate II: Enhanced Edition is a product of its time, but there’s also no doubt that it’s an absolute classic of the RPG genre.
    Read full review
  3. PC Gamer
    Jan 31, 2014
    84
    Doesn't do enough to be the uncontested definitive version, but provides a fresh perspective on an exceptional RPG. [March 2014, p.72]
See all critic reviews »