Baldur’s Gate II: Shadows of Amn (2000)

by Ji-yeong
written by Ji-yeong 7 minutes read

Summary

Baldur’s Gate II: Shadows of Amn (2000)

Baldur’s Gate II: Shadows of Amn is a role-playing game developed by BioWare and published by Interplay Entertainment. It was released for Microsoft Windows in 2000 and is the sequel to Baldur’s Gate. The game is set in the Forgotten Realms campaign setting and follows the adventures of a group of characters as they travel across the Sword Coast in search of the kidnapped Imoen.

Baldur’s Gate II is a role-playing game in the classic mold. Players create a custom character and choose from a variety of races, classes, and backgrounds. The game features a turn-based combat system and a complex dialogue system that allows players to interact with the world and its inhabitants in a variety of ways.

One of the things that makes Baldur’s Gate II so special is its story. The game is full of intrigue, adventure, and humor, and the characters are all well-developed and memorable. The game’s main quest is to find Imoen, but players are also free to explore the world and complete side quests at their own pace.

Baldur’s Gate II is also known for its challenging combat. The game’s enemies are tough, and players need to use all of their skills and abilities to defeat them. The game also features a variety of puzzles and traps, which add to the challenge.

Despite its challenging combat, Baldur’s Gate II is a very rewarding game. The game’s story is engaging, the characters are memorable, and the world is full of detail and atmosphere. If you’re a fan of role-playing games, then you owe it to yourself to play Baldur’s Gate II.

Gameplay

Baldur’s Gate II is a turn-based role-playing game. Players control a party of up to six characters, each of whom has their own unique abilities and skills. The game’s combat system is based on the Dungeons & Dragons 2nd Edition ruleset, and players can use a variety of weapons, spells, and abilities to defeat their enemies.

In addition to combat, Baldur’s Gate II also features a complex dialogue system that allows players to interact with the world and its inhabitants in a variety of ways. Players can choose to be diplomatic, aggressive, or even deceitful, and their choices will have a significant impact on the game’s story.

Setting

Baldur’s Gate II is set in the Forgotten Realms campaign setting, a world of magic, adventure, and intrigue. The game takes place on the Sword Coast, a region of the Forgotten Realms that is home to a variety of human, elven, and dwarven settlements.

The Sword Coast is a dangerous place, and players will encounter a variety of enemies, including goblins, orcs, and dragons. The game’s world is also full of secrets and hidden treasures, and players will need to explore every nook and cranny to find them all.

Characters

Baldur’s Gate II features a large cast of characters, each of whom has their own unique story and personality. Players can choose to play as one of six pre-generated characters, or they can create their own custom character.

The pre-generated characters include:

  • Aerie: A kind and compassionate cleric who is searching for her lost love.
  • Anomen Delryn: A proud and arrogant paladin who is seeking redemption for his past sins.
  • Edwin Odesseiron: A brilliant but cynical wizard who is motivated by a thirst for knowledge.
  • Haer’Dalis: A charming and charismatic bard who is always looking for a good time.
  • Imoen: A young thief who is the adopted daughter of the protagonist of Baldur’s Gate.
  • Jaheira: A wise and experienced ranger who is seeking revenge for the death of her family.

Players can also create their own custom character, choosing from a variety of races, classes, and backgrounds. Custom characters can be either male or female, and they can have any alignment.

Story

Baldur’s Gate II begins shortly after the events of Baldur’s Gate. The protagonist of the first game, Gorion’s Ward, has been kidnapped by the evil mage Irenicus. Players must create a new character and set out on a journey to rescue Gorion’s Ward and defeat Irenicus.

Along the way, players will travel across the Sword Coast and encounter a variety of characters and challenges. They will also learn more about their own past and the secrets of their destiny.

The story of Baldur’s Gate II is complex and engaging, and it is full of twists and turns. Players will need to make difficult choices that will have a significant impact on the game’s outcome.

Legacy

Baldur’s Gate II is considered to be one of the greatest role-playing games ever made. The game was praised for its story, characters, and challenging combat. It was also a commercial success, selling over 2 million copies worldwide.

Baldur’s Gate II has had a lasting impact on the role-playing game genre. The game’s success helped to popularize the Dungeons & Dragons ruleset, and it inspired a number of other role-playing games, including Neverwinter Nights and Dragon Age: Origins.

Baldur’s Gate II is still played by many people today, and it remains one of the most popular role-playing games of all time.

Review Score

9.5/10

Art

Cover Art

Screenshots

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Ji-yeong is a passionate gamer and whose love for video games blossomed during her childhood. Growing up in the midwest, without many friends, she spent countless hours exploring the enchanting worlds of classic JRPGs like Final Fantasy and Chrono Trigger, which sparked not only an enduring love for gaming but also a keen insight into its evolving landscape. Today, Ji-yeong channels her deep-seated passion and nostalgia into thoughtful, engaging reviews that resonate with both longtime gamers and newcomers alike. Her unique perspective, rooted in a rich history of gaming, offers readers a heartfelt journey through the pixels and stories that have shaped her love for this dynamic medium. Her favorite game series of all time is Harvest Moon.

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