Baldur's Gate II: Shadows of Amn

 PC
User Score
9.2

Universal acclaim- based on 1654 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 1,520 out of 1654
  2. Mixed: 53 out of 1654
  3. Negative: 81 out of 1654
Buy Now
Buy on

Review this game

  1. Your Score
    0 out of 10
    Rate this:
    • 10
    • 9
    • 8
    • 7
    • 6
    • 5
    • 4
    • 3
    • 2
    • 1
    • 0
    • 0
  1. Submit
  2. Check Spelling
view
per page
  1. gecko007
    Nov 6, 2016
    1
    This game is awful,its doenst matter in what settings i play ! doesnt matter what i do ! its always laggy ! GOD ! EVEN IF I PLAY WITH NO SOUNDS, NO GRAPHICS, WITH NOTHING ! THE GAME STILL LAGGY ! being a old game is not a excuse since i eve play fallout 1,2,deus ex all that games run smooth.

    i already try every **** thing to make this game stop laggyng:Disable hardware accelaration,run    This game is awful,its doenst matter in what settings i play ! doesnt matter what i do ! its always laggy ! GOD ! EVEN IF I PLAY WITH NO SOUNDS, NO GRAPHICS, WITH NOTHING ! THE GAME STILL LAGGY ! being a old game is not a excuse since i eve play fallout 1,2,deus ex all that games run smooth.

    i already try every **** thing to make this game stop laggyng:Disable hardware accelaration,run other compatibility,ddraw fix,generalized briffing,increase priority,turn everything on low.NOTHING WORKS ! my pc is very good should be running this **** game at 8.000 fps with no framedrops.

    INFINITY EGINE IS THE WORST ENGINE EVER !!!!    … Expand
  2. CenkAlp
    Jan 3, 2018
    5
    Hikaye = 8
    Oynanış = 4
    Grafikler = 4
    Sesler = 4
    Keyif = 4
    Atmosfer = 6
    Süre = 4
  3. redsky1205
    Jul 10, 2018
    3
    game system is very difficult and battle has so slow tempo, it's boring. also story is not fun to me. so I don't like this game.
  4. Avariel
    Jan 24, 2020
    10
    The story is one of the most immersive I’ve played. The characters are memorable and charismatic. The music and the art is magnificent. The art style is beautiful and will never fade. As a fan of DnD I love the gameplay. This is a masterpiece in everyway.
  5. mr8kc
    Sep 9, 2020
    0
    I can think of no finer way to waste your days than sidequesting your way through the Forgotten Realms. This game is immense, and doesn't punish you for doing it your way. Incredible.
  6. bananabrainok
    Mar 20, 2022
    9
    Minx and boo.

    Loved this game. Best story telling and exploration at the time.

    Had so much fun building classes, DnD vibes are spot on.
  7. RRrpgManiax
    Mar 1, 2022
    10
    A quintessential gaming experience. This is one of the most definitive RPGs ever made. D&D come to life in a manner that simply hasn't been recreated all these years later. Buy a copy and let your dreams come true!
  8. Lokizarro
    Apr 17, 2018
    10
    Still my best game of all time with Dark Souls 1 tailing it. There's nothing else like Baldur's Gate 2, especially nowadays. and I feel that it's highly overlooked by many, possibly due to its genre.

    The level of customisation and deep character and NPC interactions, the variety of play styles, classes, spells, abilities, enemies, bosses and the epic story with fantastic, rewarding, and    Still my best game of all time with Dark Souls 1 tailing it. There's nothing else like Baldur's Gate 2, especially nowadays. and I feel that it's highly overlooked by many, possibly due to its genre.

    The level of customisation and deep character and NPC interactions, the variety of play styles, classes, spells, abilities, enemies, bosses and the epic story with fantastic, rewarding, and compelling side quests to partake in. The amount of spells to play with as a mage alone go into the hundreds, with all of them being unique and many of them having new added effects when you level.

    They simply don't make games like this any more, and with this level of complexity. Pillars of Eternity is a decent effort but I think there's going to have to be a far greater attempt to dethrone this game.    … Expand
  9. GeekusPrimus
    May 28, 2016
    10
    This has become one of my all-time favorite games. The story is good, but you'll probably get so sidetracked doing fun side quests for goodies that you'll forget there is even a main quest. The characters are fun, and the game is serious when it needs to be and humorous when it can be. Combat is addictive. It is challenging enough that you feel like a boss when you win, but fair enoughThis has become one of my all-time favorite games. The story is good, but you'll probably get so sidetracked doing fun side quests for goodies that you'll forget there is even a main quest. The characters are fun, and the game is serious when it needs to be and humorous when it can be. Combat is addictive. It is challenging enough that you feel like a boss when you win, but fair enough that you never give up in total defeat when you lose. On the surface, it seems like a simple matter of getting the best equipment and winning the dice rolls, but you begin to see that there is actually a lot of strategy involved. It's a masterpiece that every semi-serious gamer needs to play at least once.… Expand
  10. QweSteR
    Nov 13, 2017
    9
    [9.2] Эпохальное продолжение культовой Baldur's Gate! Сюжет сиквела начинается незадолго после событий предшественника. Потомки Баала стали жертвами экспериментов могущественного волшебника, при побеге из лаборатории преодолеют череду испытаний, а уже на свободе потеряют друг друга, чтобы встретиться вновь и отомстить своим мучителям. Главному герою предстоит отправиться в невероятное[9.2] Эпохальное продолжение культовой Baldur's Gate! Сюжет сиквела начинается незадолго после событий предшественника. Потомки Баала стали жертвами экспериментов могущественного волшебника, при побеге из лаборатории преодолеют череду испытаний, а уже на свободе потеряют друг друга, чтобы встретиться вновь и отомстить своим мучителям. Главному герою предстоит отправиться в невероятное путешествие на поиск сестры, в ходе приключения посетит города людей, лесной город эльфов, морской город сахуагинов, пройдёт в сумраке подземных пещер дроу и иллитидов. Помогать потомку Баала будут старые и новые спутники, а противостоять ещё более свирепые противники. Baldur's Gate 2 предоставляет игроку значительно больший опыт приключения и отыгрыша роли, сюжет и локации насыщеннее, а визуализация качественнее. У игры отсутствуют существенные недостатки.… Expand
  11. Kraeth
    Dec 29, 2017
    10
    Baldur's Gate 2 is by far the best rpg made. It's baffling just how much dialogue, sidequests, actual quests and quality you could include in 4 cds... If you're wondering, BG2 and ToB are a single package for me. When I see my nephews play fotm, and skip this... It makes me very, very sad.

    For it is a timeless masterpiece wihtout comparison.
  12. Freeportaa
    May 24, 2018
    10
    Been gaming 30+ years. This game provided me with some of the most memorable moments I've ever experienced as a gamer!
  13. Kai82
    Dec 27, 2019
    10
    One of the best RPGs of all time. It is still the gold standard that I compare all new RPGs with. It has the most memorable cast in video game history, great story, an amazing world and lots of side quest. The characters are not only well written but also interact with each other. I always enjoy their dialogue. Also if you make decisions that go against their believes you will lose them orOne of the best RPGs of all time. It is still the gold standard that I compare all new RPGs with. It has the most memorable cast in video game history, great story, an amazing world and lots of side quest. The characters are not only well written but also interact with each other. I always enjoy their dialogue. Also if you make decisions that go against their believes you will lose them or worse they will attack you. The side quest are interesting and deepen the connection to the lore and world. Each class gets its on base within the game and unique follow up quest. All characters have their side quest and character development. Also it is amazing how well the graphic still looks today (Yes it is outdated but look at the newer Neverwinter Nights for comparison). The Music is still good. The best part is the D&D part. You can develop your character in many ways and abuse some mechanics. The tactical potential is endless and there are no hard enemies if you know how to fight them. The different character classes give also lots of replayability (I used a Monk, Mage, Fighter / Thief combo and more). The villain is also really good. He started a typical stereotype but that's only a facade. I almost fell pity for him at the end of the story. This is a must play and deserves all the praise. I also recommended the Throne of Bhaal expansion which conclude the story in a satisfying way.… Expand
  14. bskierys
    Jun 18, 2023
    9
    The sequel to the great game, that does better almost everything that made the first game so great. Your companions feel more alive, the story goes global into the heroic tones of fighting half-gods and saving the world.
    The combat mechanics are still a little enigmatic as there are a lot of dice rolling behind your back and stats are not helping if you are not familiar with AD&D system.    The sequel to the great game, that does better almost everything that made the first game so great. Your companions feel more alive, the story goes global into the heroic tones of fighting half-gods and saving the world.
    The combat mechanics are still a little enigmatic as there are a lot of dice rolling behind your back and stats are not helping if you are not familiar with AD&D system. This can get overwhelming especially when you need to level up your character.
    But the story and the atmosphere of classic dungeoning is what makes this game great. You will be visiting big cities, discover dark secrets and completing quests for characters that seem to fit just right into this world.
    There is a lot of reading and the combat is hard to figure out but it is worth it.

    Update after fresh playthrough in 2023: Still the great game but some solutions seems dated. I love the freedom of exploring the first 3 chapters, but the the quests are not connected to world or each other and are quite fetchquesty. With almost every of them, it looks like the designers had one solution in mind (combat usually). It is visible when we compare old quests to the ones added in enhanced edition, as they are usually better. What is more, after playing modern games like Divinity: Original Sin 2 or Solasta, the combat and leveling in BG2 is significantly worse. I quickly resorted to lower difficulty with auto combat. Also, managing equipment is a pain.    … Expand
  15. zimmer600
    Aug 18, 2017
    9
    Real power is eternity, and one who agrees for less, in fact has nothing ...
    Almost above my predecessor in everything. (Still one of the best RPG of the old school).
  16. NanteN44
    Aug 6, 2016
    10
    My brother told me to play this game after he finished the whole series himself. And after playing through both of them I just wanna go again, to try out all the different companions and classes that are available. This game revolutionized the way I look at games, until this I had no real standard for how a well written character should look like. Every little part of this games is justMy brother told me to play this game after he finished the whole series himself. And after playing through both of them I just wanna go again, to try out all the different companions and classes that are available. This game revolutionized the way I look at games, until this I had no real standard for how a well written character should look like. Every little part of this games is just brilliant. The writing is superb, the story is amazing. The amount of time put into every individual is really impressive. The combat is challenging and offers a lot variety. The game does have a learning curve, but imo that was a good thing. I've never felt so rewarded for figuring out something in a game before. I had my doubts when I looked at the year of release at first (I played GOG original version with a few mods) but now after finishing it, I'm quite convinced that this is probably the best game ever to be released on all platforms. It is simply stunning and a must play for anyone.

    I'd give 20/10 if I could    … Expand
  17. Thunderer
    Mar 1, 2020
    10
    What can I say? From the writing, to the combat, to the characters this the pinnacle of the genre.
  18. zampaconi
    Jul 3, 2016
    10
    Il gruppo di compagni si sta spostando nelle foreste nei pressi di Athkatla, deciso a trovare un modo per conquistare il covo del drago rosso Firkraag. All'improvviso, dagli alberi si manifestano uno, due poi sei, otto arcieri e maghi. Uno di loro apostrofa Jaheira - sono Arpisti, ed il comportamento della mezzelfa amica della progenie di Baal si è scontrato con gli obbiettivi dellaIl gruppo di compagni si sta spostando nelle foreste nei pressi di Athkatla, deciso a trovare un modo per conquistare il covo del drago rosso Firkraag. All'improvviso, dagli alberi si manifestano uno, due poi sei, otto arcieri e maghi. Uno di loro apostrofa Jaheira - sono Arpisti, ed il comportamento della mezzelfa amica della progenie di Baal si è scontrato con gli obbiettivi della confraternita. Anche il tentativo di risolvere pacificamente la situazione non va a buon fine, lo scontro è inevitabile ed ovviamente epico. La vittoria è amara, perchè i compagni sanno di aver ucciso proprio quelli che sono i Buoni.
    Questo è un singolo incontro. Un unico frammento di un viaggio epico, che si innesca solamente se si ha un determinato personaggio nel gruppo, e se si portano avanti determinate scelte. Firkraag è uno dei mostri più potenti del gioco, e NON è "il cattivo" nè vi è collegato in alcun modo. Si tratta solamente di un'avventura, all'interno di un'altra avventura, costruita in maniera magistrale. Tutto il resto (gameplay strategico, effetti visivi e sonori, visuali dipinte) è il degno accompagnamento per questo capolavoro.    … Expand
  19. fredexxdemon
    Mar 4, 2019
    10
    This game builds upon dozen of dozens of really well made quest that will keep you on you toes and into the game.
    There is simply so many ways to play the game that you could play it for years without end, whether it is new choices, classes or multiplayer, this game got what every real RPG needs. Its not for nothing this game is known as the Grand Father of All RPGs, the game that    This game builds upon dozen of dozens of really well made quest that will keep you on you toes and into the game.
    There is simply so many ways to play the game that you could play it for years without end, whether it is new choices, classes or multiplayer, this game got what every real RPG needs. Its not for nothing this game is known as the Grand Father of All RPGs, the game that resurrected the PC RPG game genre !    … Expand
  20. Byrne2020
    Sep 12, 2018
    10
    Like the first Baldur's Gate, this one is every bit as good (if not better). The storyline is probably one of the most engrossing I have ever had the pleasure of following. And the characters have there own personalities and feelings on most of the choices you make. I have lost count of the amount of times I have played this game. The simple fact is they don't make games like this nowLike the first Baldur's Gate, this one is every bit as good (if not better). The storyline is probably one of the most engrossing I have ever had the pleasure of following. And the characters have there own personalities and feelings on most of the choices you make. I have lost count of the amount of times I have played this game. The simple fact is they don't make games like this now days. Masterpiece is the best word to describe this game.… Expand
  21. HarijanD
    Sep 7, 2016
    10
    The best game of Dungeons&Dragons settings until now, and probably forever.
    All unique classes and features united in a spectacular script, with some of the best characters ever created, astonishing voice actors with great dialogues.
    From time to time I'd install and play, and don't matter what kind of party I do, which characters I choose to follow me, it is never boring or easy. I    The best game of Dungeons&Dragons settings until now, and probably forever.
    All unique classes and features united in a spectacular script, with some of the best characters ever created, astonishing voice actors with great dialogues.

    From time to time I'd install and play, and don't matter what kind of party I do, which characters I choose to follow me, it is never boring or easy.

    I do cry alone thinking about how much time I'll have to wait until something like that touch my soul again.    … Expand
  22. graablikk
    Jul 11, 2017
    10
    I played many games before BG, but this game really made me into a Gamer. Finished it many times in many different ways, destroyed my desk in rage, laughed out loud a lot, cried at the end and compared the experience to every game ever since. Baldur's Gate saga is awesome on so many levels I can't even express it. I'll love this game till death!
  23. fartdoctor2525
    Dec 2, 2016
    10
    "Sixteen years later, it is still the greatest game I've ever played, and it is still one of the best games available to fans of the RPG genre." I recently said this to a friend, to be told that there is no way that a two-dimensional game with no real multiplayer from the year 2000 could possibly be that good.

    To prove him wrong, I came here - to Metacritic - and checked the top PC    "Sixteen years later, it is still the greatest game I've ever played, and it is still one of the best games available to fans of the RPG genre." I recently said this to a friend, to be told that there is no way that a two-dimensional game with no real multiplayer from the year 2000 could possibly be that good.

    To prove him wrong, I came here - to Metacritic - and checked the top PC games of all time. Sure enough, right there at number 6 was Baldur's Gate II. So tickled was I that I felt compelled to leave a review.

    Here it is: this is still one of the best RPGs on the market - in my opinion THE best. If you've never played it, buy it right now.    … Expand
  24. LuckyLuky
    Jan 10, 2023
    10
    One of the best RPGs of all time. Great story. Great combat. Finished the game with a Paladin, a Wizard and a Rogue. The combat changes a lot and its allways fresh. The complexity of the wizard character is amazing. Very weak and protected at the beginning and develops into the most powerfull character easily. Besides.. Go back to a era were adventuring were free of woke messagesm andOne of the best RPGs of all time. Great story. Great combat. Finished the game with a Paladin, a Wizard and a Rogue. The combat changes a lot and its allways fresh. The complexity of the wizard character is amazing. Very weak and protected at the beginning and develops into the most powerfull character easily. Besides.. Go back to a era were adventuring were free of woke messagesm and annatural genders, and racial psychosis. A must.… Expand
  25. Lordjosh286
    Mar 9, 2017
    9
    A game that will be forever immortalized in my heart. I grew up playing the original and Shadows of Amn. When I picked up the enhanced edition it brought back the feeling of a well designed top down RPG that gave you a challenge and had you feeling rewarded at the end of the day. All the hours I've poured in this game has been worth it.
  26. Draconis13
    Apr 28, 2018
    10
    When a transcendent level of BOTH Quantity AND Quality collide, you get Baldur's Gate 2: Shadows of Amn, the great Magnum Opus of our time. One of the most revolutionary video-game series of all time, and THE most ground-breaking RPG saga ever. A perfect rendition of Dungeons and Dragons and one of the best gameplay designs in gaming history. A High fantasy setting and tale that rivals TheWhen a transcendent level of BOTH Quantity AND Quality collide, you get Baldur's Gate 2: Shadows of Amn, the great Magnum Opus of our time. One of the most revolutionary video-game series of all time, and THE most ground-breaking RPG saga ever. A perfect rendition of Dungeons and Dragons and one of the best gameplay designs in gaming history. A High fantasy setting and tale that rivals The Lord of the Rings. The template for every open world game that came after. Games that you thought were revolutionary, like TES Morrowind or GTA 3, were literally just 3D renditions of Baldur’s Gate 2’s world designed with perfect content-density. In this game, a sword features more character development and better voice acting than the entire Elder Scrolls series.

    -Captured by Mind Flayers
    -Find out What Happened to Montaron
    -Find Proof of Mae'Var's Treachery
    -Gain the Services of Sir Sarles for the Temple
    -Inside the Planar Sphere
    -Investigate and Destroy the Cult of the Eyeless
    -Investigate the Deaths in the Umar Hills
    -Rescue Gerran's Child from Firkraag
    -Rescue Raelis and Haer'Dalis from the Planar Prison
    -Seek Out and Investigate the Fallen Paladins
    -Solve the Riddle in the Sewers
    -Solve the 'skinner' Murders in the Bridge District

    The above would be among the best RPG main stories ever, but they aren't, they are SIDE quests! All for one game, one game that still stands in 2018 with a game world of unparalleled scope, atmosphere, and intrigue. Each of the above-mentioned quests takes hours, and there are dozens more that I didn't even mention, but there's always more to do, even after you finish them.

    The massive scope of Baldur's Gate 2 is decorated with mostly text-based dialogue (though the main story line is almost fully, and fabulously, voice acted). Despite featuring the best side-content in all of gaming's history, the main story is still the best part of the game. Dialogue that represents the best writing the gaming industry has to offer. BioWare's storytelling in this game hasn't been matched for 17 years. Baldur's Gate is not a story about saving the world, like countless other RPGs. Instead, it is a personal story about your character's struggles with his own evil inheritance and corrupted lineage that has led to the people around him suffering because of your tainted blood.

    But it features everything else we all love about the best BioWare games. BG2 Probably still stands as the best cast BioWare has written. 20 deep and intriguing, well developed characters make up the cast of NPCs you get to choose from to form your party of 6. Each of those party members will banter with each other, and will question your decisions, and sometimes your decisions will lead to them leaving you, or even trying to kill you. And if you manage to keep them all there's a classic BioWare style quest that is unique to each companion, and will ultimately shape your relationship with them, for good or for bad.

    There's plenty complex gameplay that overlays a massive adventure here. 7 races, dozens of classes, and HUNDREDS of abilities and spells are all yours to experiment with as you clash with HUNDREDS of different kinds of enemies and monsters that represent some of the coolest beasts in Dungeons and Dragons, who all possess abilities and spells of the same complexity. Decorated with a fantastic inventory UI, THOUSANDS of epic weapons and other equipment to customize your party with, visually stunning spell effects and surprisingly immersive sound effects, this game still boasts the most epic RPG fights in the history of gaming. There's always something new to learn about the combat, so this gameplay will never cease to engage and interest you.

    The main quest features many more well-written characters besides the 20 NPCs that you get to choose. A quest that will take you on unforgettable adventures, not only through the Forgotten Realms, but through human emotion. Torture, imprisonment, war, death, suffering, betrayal, deceit, love, redemption, and atonement are all features in this wonderfully dark and gripping tale.

    The mage Jon Irenicus, the best videogame villain of all time, tries to strip you of your powers, tortures you, and interrogates you on your abominable and inhuman nature. These atrocities will linger with you for the entire game, and often come up in strangely philosophical nightmares whenever you rest. He takes your friends from you, and he steals your very soul, and leads you on the most enthralling fantasy adventure that has ever been crafted, as you chase him through Elven forests, Catacombs full of vampires, alternate planes of existence, cities below the Ocean, Mage Asylums, Islands ruled by barbaric Pirates, treetop Elven cities, The Underdark, Drow cities, Beholder lairs, Mind Flayer cities, a lair of Dragon Demi-Gods, a city besieged by an army of Fire Giants, Gnomish Cities, the ancient prison of the Prince of Demons, and even to the Deepest circle of Hell.    … Expand
  27. Joebotdestroy
    Aug 2, 2017
    10
    I bought this game new as a teenager and dumped many hours into this game. I am now 32 and found myself bored with current video games thinking about the Baldur's gate and icewind dale series. I discovered the enhanced editions and have been playing both ever since. I am really hoping they make icewind 2 EE. Baldurs gate 2 is the best of the series. Deep story, quests for days, and, massive maps.
  28. UncleEd
    Nov 30, 2017
    10
    As an amid RPG fan, I always knew something will be missing as long as I did not finish Baldur’s Gate 2, the best computer RPG ever made, according to many. As a fan of the first game, I did play this one when it came out but could not beat it due to a problem with my save files. I have finally decided it was time to beat this and get it out of the way and yes, I do agree this is among theAs an amid RPG fan, I always knew something will be missing as long as I did not finish Baldur’s Gate 2, the best computer RPG ever made, according to many. As a fan of the first game, I did play this one when it came out but could not beat it due to a problem with my save files. I have finally decided it was time to beat this and get it out of the way and yes, I do agree this is among the best cRPGs ever made.

    First, let me start with some small criticism. Firstly, the open environment sandbox/exploration feeling of the first game is missing in the sequel. Adventuring in BG2 means mostly dungeons and things feel more linear than the first game. Second small drawback is the fact that some chapters are quite overwhelming, in the sense that you obtain dozens of long quests which can at times lead to confusion.

    That being said, the effort that has been put into making this game is absolutely mind blowing. Baldur’s Gate 2 is as much dialogue heavy as Planescape Torment and as much combat focused as Icewind Dale. It perfected both dialogues and combat and mixed them beautifully into a single game.

    Each quest can be completed differently, usually by choices depending your alignment be it good, neutral or evil. We get to see some of the familiar faces from the first game, yet it is perfectly possible to enjoy it without playing Baldur’s Gate, since the story is not tightly related. I would say the quests are usually more interesting than the main story, which in my opinion was lacking in comparison to the first game.

    Notwithstanding the small criticisms, Baldur’s Gate II by all means is a masterpiece. With its epic soundtrack, awesome NPCs, party interaction and immersive atmosphere, it is a very deep 150 hours journey. It is not noob friendly and applies hardcore D&D 2nd edition mechanics, but once you can familiarize himself with the ruleset, you will find an unforgettable gaming experience.    … Expand
  29. Woltcher
    Feb 25, 2018
    10
    That's what I call the pinnacle of RPG genre. Every character has it's depth, the story is immersive, there's a lot of side quests and locations. Romance options, different approaches, a lot of tactic options. Novadays, triple A games don't even have a quarter of what Baldur's Gate 2 had to offer back in the day. This game just puts those to shame. Absolute must-play.
  30. Amorph0us
    Dec 9, 2021
    10
    By far the best rpg story-wise and for adnd (2n ed.). A legend for its genre and for pc gaming overall.
Page:

Awards & Rankings

1
#1 Best PC Game of 2000
3
#3 Most Discussed PC Game of 2000
1
#1 Most Shared PC Game of 2000

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
95

Universal acclaim - based on 30 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 30 out of 30
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 30
  3. Negative: 0 out of 30
  1. Antagonist
    98
    I'd like my life back, Black Isle.
  2. Electric Playground
    95
    For the first time in a single player game, I truly felt I was playing my way through a pen and paper fantasy campaign.
    Read full review
  3. GamePower
    100
    It's not just vast, but flooded with quests and side adventures. There is always something to do in this game and, after that, there's always something more.
See all critic reviews »