Baldur's Gate: Dark Alliance

 PlayStation 2
User Score
8.6

Generally favorable reviews- based on 162 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 132 out of 162
  2. Mixed: 22 out of 162
  3. Negative: 8 out of 162
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  1. Singh
    Nov 10, 2011
    10
    This is the game that sets the standards for RPG's on the Plyastation 2, why? It is the first RPG on the PS2, every PS2 RPG to come after it has some resemblance, though minimal at some point, they do bear resemblance. While it may bear more resemblance to an action-adventure game, it is still a RPG at its core, being played out in chapters, a very D&D level up system and an incredibleThis is the game that sets the standards for RPG's on the Plyastation 2, why? It is the first RPG on the PS2, every PS2 RPG to come after it has some resemblance, though minimal at some point, they do bear resemblance. While it may bear more resemblance to an action-adventure game, it is still a RPG at its core, being played out in chapters, a very D&D level up system and an incredible graphics engine. What is not to love about this RPG?

    Its not about the hack and slash, but its rather the intriguing story that goes behind this Call of Duty for Storytellers. It has incredible graphics, D&D monsters, D&D setting, D&D spells, D&D level up system and lots of blood and gore in great graphics. I say again: Whats not to love?    … Expand
  2. AlexA.
    Jan 11, 2002
    10
    It is the best game I have ever played, surpassing GTA3. I am overwhelmed by how good the graphics are e.g. amazing when you run through the water, and the interaction with the characters in the game...as I said 10/10.
  3. GianniR.
    Jan 17, 2002
    10
    The best PS2 game i've tried... It was much time i didn't see a so good game!
  4. XanderS.
    Mar 18, 2002
    10
    King of the RPG castle, a must buy title rivalled only by GTA3 in terms of sheer "they've thought of everything-ness."
  5. Jane
    Mar 27, 2003
    9
    My first PS2 game. And it's still my favourite!
  6. QuestorJ
    Mar 18, 2009
    10
    This is a great game!!... Just wanted to make sure that people know the sequels to Dark Alliance 1 and 2 is called Champions of Norrath (3rd game) and Champions of Norrath:Return to Arms (4th and as of March 2009, the last installment). Hopefully Snowblind or whomever now owns this great RPG engine will continue the series. I have played all 4 games now at least three times each and This is a great game!!... Just wanted to make sure that people know the sequels to Dark Alliance 1 and 2 is called Champions of Norrath (3rd game) and Champions of Norrath:Return to Arms (4th and as of March 2009, the last installment). Hopefully Snowblind or whomever now owns this great RPG engine will continue the series. I have played all 4 games now at least three times each and can't wait for some new adventures.… Expand
  7. DaleS.
    Jul 30, 2002
    10
    I gave this rating because of the interesting story line, great graphics (best I seen on all new games) Detailed characters, Weapons and NPC's, but one flaw I found was you could only use 1 of 3 pre-made characters, not letting you get into the game to much by developing a character you love and know.
  8. JoeW.
    Feb 25, 2004
    10
    This game Rules.
  9. IMOENL.
    May 7, 2005
    10
    Amuzing, intresting, had me. cant be sure why im rating it so high: maybe cause i love fantasy or maybe cause its realy one of the best games ive played, good graphics, story line, characters personalities, WEAPONS,
  10. JackA.
    Dec 6, 2001
    10
    This is the best RPG I've ever played!!
  11. HirschM.
    Jan 16, 2002
    9
    This is a very good game for hardcore D&D fans. I would reccomend turning on the damage counter to really get the most out of combat. The graphics are very good but not perfect. Using an S-Video connection helps quite a bit. I would liked to have seen more characters or a custom character designer, but overall it works very well.
  12. MattB.
    Jan 17, 2002
    8
    Brilliant game, Especially With two players. A bit short lived though...
  13. AndrewK.
    Apr 20, 2002
    10
    I like that it is not all about killing and getting a strong weapon but involves some thinking. I like the idea of having diffrent Characters with diffrent ablities.
  14. TonyA.
    May 22, 2002
    10
    Absolute best game I have ever played, except that the fact I heard that it only takes 10 hours to beat, i was heartbroken, but the 10 hours that you put into it are the greatest 10 hours of your life!!!
  15. BobB.
    Jul 21, 2003
    10
    It's beautiful the best rpg adventure game to be relased yet! the sequal is going to be even better! and comes out 7/14/03 i believe. and also the water effects in this are WAY better then any xbox game has ever laid eyes upon!
  16. Aussiegirl
    Sep 26, 2003
    10
    WOW!!! I played this game ages ago. It is still my FAV game EVA! This has to be the BEST game. I can't wait 'til we get the sequel. Which should be even better. If that is possible.
  17. Alexmich
    Jun 10, 2004
    9
    This was a great game. It was action-packed and way too fun. Me and my brothers stayed up all night playing it...even though it was a little too short, thats the only reason it gets a 9.
  18. Cody
    Sep 13, 2005
    10
    It was the best game I've ever played. all the fighting yeah my kind of game. I only played it at my cousins house for two days and already I'm saving my money up for it. I haven't beat it yet but I'm going too.
  19. KatelinJ.
    Nov 18, 2006
    10
    This game is so cool and I can not wait for the 3rd Dark Alliance Baulder's Gate to come out! I enjoy playing them soooo much! Please hurry on the thrid one I have played the first and second one three times already.
  20. MikeyG.
    Dec 27, 2001
    10
    Awesome, replayability. Gauntlet and extreme modes much harder, and Drizzt rocks!!
  21. AndyG.
    Dec 27, 2001
    9
    Great game! More character choices would have been nice, but still very good.
  22. KyleB.
    Oct 22, 2002
    10
    This game was great! This game was a more complete version of diablo. The combat system was blessfuly simple and the magic look good. The graphics were a marvel to behold and the water will take your time up just jumping in to it. The ripples look very nice. The weapons also look very cool such as the frost weapons or fire ones. The characters look awsome. The armor changes the characters This game was great! This game was a more complete version of diablo. The combat system was blessfuly simple and the magic look good. The graphics were a marvel to behold and the water will take your time up just jumping in to it. The ripples look very nice. The weapons also look very cool such as the frost weapons or fire ones. The characters look awsome. The armor changes the characters complete look, I personally like the full plate. The bosses are acually difficult considering the kind of game it is. This game is a great game to rent or buy.… Expand
  23. platguy4
    Apr 23, 2011
    8
    This is a prime example of a dungeon crawler. Its addictive, has great characters, and a good range of environments. From the moment I finished the first dungeon I was sucked in, and for the short 10 hours it lasts its worth every penny. What I simply dont get is why there is such rave reviews - its good at what it does but its lacking in so many respects. In short; you go throughThis is a prime example of a dungeon crawler. Its addictive, has great characters, and a good range of environments. From the moment I finished the first dungeon I was sucked in, and for the short 10 hours it lasts its worth every penny. What I simply dont get is why there is such rave reviews - its good at what it does but its lacking in so many respects. In short; you go through dungeons, try and find the best weapons, and level up your skills. Thats it.
    The game could have been greatly enhanced if there were side quests or other things to find. As it stands its fun and addictive but is not on my top list of great RPG games. Even still, its definitely worth a pop.    … Expand
  24. ReinholdH.
    May 31, 2002
    6
    This game is "Gauntlet" with better graphics but no four- player capacity. As a D&D player of ten years, let me assure you that this title does NOT use the 3rd edition rules as promised. The spell choices are poor. You have, like, two: burning hands and magic missile. You have only three character types (which are not even real D&D character classes) from which to choose, and all stats This game is "Gauntlet" with better graphics but no four- player capacity. As a D&D player of ten years, let me assure you that this title does NOT use the 3rd edition rules as promised. The spell choices are poor. You have, like, two: burning hands and magic missile. You have only three character types (which are not even real D&D character classes) from which to choose, and all stats are pre-generated, so there's no customization. The game is as monotonous as "Gauntlet." There is only one "platforming" scene. The puzzles (comprising of pulling switches) lack originality. The game, in fact, lacks originality and variety. It's not like you'll get tired of it, though. It takes only 10 hours to complete. Not enough bang for my buck, thank you.… Expand
  25. ChrisN.
    Feb 3, 2002
    7
    Very addictive but unfortunately very short. (A mere 10 hours)
  26. ZiggyStardust
    Nov 7, 2002
    7
    It's a very polished action RPG remenicient of Diablo 2. And like Diablo 2, the fighting is very low on skill, and eventually quite boring. Although the combat's not quite as bad as Diablo. BG's length is another weakness. It's just 6-9 hours long.
  27. JimmyWoodnut
    Aug 20, 2004
    3
    Good interactivity and violence and difficulty but is nothing compared 2 bulders gate 2 which is even more difficult this game lacks on gameplay and thats y i gave it a 3 it can also get reeeeeaaaallllyyyy boring.
  28. MichaelC.
    Mar 14, 2008
    2
    Nice game, except for some of the level design. Whoever thought that Thieve's Guild, level 2 was a good idea was a jerk. Dying 50+ times until you get a lucky sequence of platform drops is the worst game experience I have ever had.
  29. Rox22
    Mar 14, 2013
    7
    To be honest, I was a little disappointed when I first played this. Baldur's Gate 2 on the PC is my favorite game of all time and I was almost orgasmic when I heard there was to be a new Baldur's on the PS2. And it really is VERY different to its PC counterpart. The game itself was pretty good and perhaps one of the better action RPGs on the PS2. Still the initial disappointment did leaveTo be honest, I was a little disappointed when I first played this. Baldur's Gate 2 on the PC is my favorite game of all time and I was almost orgasmic when I heard there was to be a new Baldur's on the PS2. And it really is VERY different to its PC counterpart. The game itself was pretty good and perhaps one of the better action RPGs on the PS2. Still the initial disappointment did leave a bad taste in my mouth. Overall: A decent game with good visuals, nice story and fun combat.… Expand
  30. Steyraus
    Feb 11, 2021
    10
    Loved this game back in the day and while it a bit dusty these days, its still fin especially for coop. Its a great game to play with someone who is new to gaming.
  31. NikHero
    Mar 31, 2014
    9
    The prequel to Dark Alliance II. This is the game that started all of the great RPG games on the PS2. Many keep a PS3 just to play this. It is a great game and tells the back story behind Dark Alliance II.
  32. ChrisWhite
    Aug 29, 2023
    9
    A classic that deserves a proper sequel!
    One of the best co op games ever created and one of the better PS2 games
  33. FlameNoir
    Aug 28, 2016
    9
    I played this game for years as a little kid (elementary school age), and this game has given me so much. BG: Dark Alliance is literally the reason I love ARPGs like Torchlight, Diablo, etc. Amazing game, and the sequel is even BETTER.
  34. mhkarami78
    Sep 12, 2023
    6
    I think it was more of an action game than rpg, and infinite combats was boring.
  35. atomlord
    Sep 17, 2021
    6
    Класическая hack n slash rpg с типичными квестами по спасению мира и противостояния злу. Три стандартных класа на выбор, медленная линейная прокачка, лут, коридоры подземелий набитые монстрами которых нужно закликать досмерти. Обычным набор приключенца, впрочем ничего особенного для искушенного любителя RPG.Класическая hack n slash rpg с типичными квестами по спасению мира и противостояния злу. Три стандартных класа на выбор, медленная линейная прокачка, лут, коридоры подземелий набитые монстрами которых нужно закликать досмерти. Обычным набор приключенца, впрочем ничего особенного для искушенного любителя RPG.
  36. tomflanders
    Mar 31, 2018
    7
    Probably the game that Morrowind took its inspiration from. Magic and dungeons, customisable items, weapons and armour.
  37. AlexvaderII
    Aug 20, 2020
    10
    Baldur's Gate es un juego de acción RPG estilo diablo, para su tiempo tenia buenas graficas, una gran jugabilidad y buena historia en resumen un juego redondo y si le sumamos a que el juego es largo y podemos jugarlo solo o en cooperativo esto le suma muchas horas al juego. Uno de mis favoritos de todos los tiempos en PlayStation 2 un clásico.
  38. Gaisericus
    Feb 14, 2020
    8
    it's a very solid and standard type of RPG. It has great atmosphere and is an interesting adventure
  39. storygamer
    Nov 18, 2020
    9
    If you like the Diablo series you will love Baldur´s Gate: Dark Alliance! This mix between RPG and Hack´n Slay has easy but satisfying mechanics, great graphics and a wonderful story. The only minus points are the length and the unbalanced skill system. In this about ten hours long adventure, most of the time you are really weak. But in the end, you´re way too strong. Nevertheless, theIf you like the Diablo series you will love Baldur´s Gate: Dark Alliance! This mix between RPG and Hack´n Slay has easy but satisfying mechanics, great graphics and a wonderful story. The only minus points are the length and the unbalanced skill system. In this about ten hours long adventure, most of the time you are really weak. But in the end, you´re way too strong. Nevertheless, the gameplay is terrific and the koop-multiplayer is highly addictive!… Expand
  40. RTCWFAN
    Jun 13, 2023
    9
    This game did set new standards for console RPGs. Graphics are great, the puzzles challenging and the combat thrilling. Overall rating: 9.1.
  41. Jattaman
    Aug 29, 2022
    6
    Gioco simpatico, divertente e discreto. Niente a che vedere con il gioco Baldur's Gate cui si pensa leggendo il titolo.
  42. Dartza
    Aug 1, 2023
    9
    Decades before I knew what D&D was, I was enthralled by the systems, setting, and gameplay of Baldur's Gate: Dark Alliance. Now, as a big D&D fan, I know how good I had it. There hasn't been an ARPG in the Forgotten Realms nearly this good since BGDA 1 and 2.
  43. PR9Gaming
    Aug 12, 2023
    8
    Amazingly fun at the time, and still great for a slower, less "immediately murder everything and pick up the best 1% of the loot" type arpg.
  44. VLG
    Aug 22, 2023
    9
    I played this co-op with friends and siblings for years, just an amazing game.

Awards & Rankings

20
#20 Best PS2 Game of 2001
17
#17 Most Discussed PS2 Game of 2001
16
#16 Most Shared PS2 Game of 2001

Critic Reviews

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Metascore
87

Generally favorable reviews - based on 29 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 27 out of 29
  2. Mixed: 2 out of 29
  3. Negative: 0 out of 29
  1. Four Fat Chicks
    100
    A fine RPG, very loosely based upon a simplified Dungeons & Dragons motif. The game mechanics are easy, leaving you to focus on the puzzles, the high-adrenaline battles, and the lustful visuals.
    Read full review
  2. Gamestyle
    80
    Now here comes the main niggle I have with this otherwise incredible co-op game. It’s short. I mean Danny De Vito short. My friend and I did it in less than 10 hours, and we explored everywhere and killed everything.
    Read full review
  3. Cheat Code Central
    90
    Shorter than the average RPG, this game should take you about 18 hours to complete but the two player co-op and the two other class characters will add to the replay value. Truly an instant classic that will be enjoyed by gamers of all persuasion.
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