March 17, 2004

Title: Baldur’s Gate: Dark Alliance II
Genre: Action RPG
System: Playstation 2, X-Box
Producer: Black Isle studios

By AqueousNepenthe
unrivaled.info

“Unspeakable evil has returned to the legendary city of Baldur’s Gate. A call for adventurers echoes through the embattled land. Cunning warriors and bold magic users are desperately needed to reclaim Baldur’s Gate from a dark sorcery that threatens all in its path.”

Baldur’s Gate: Dark Alliance II is a hack and slash that is rich in action with a few notable RPG elements. Even though it has more depth than most games of its genre it is still easy to pick up and play. You begin the game by choosing from a selection of characters. Then start out on your quest to become a hero, and what a beautiful, fulfilling quest it is.

Graphics - 8/10: Although not extraordinary the environment and character designs are rich and well rendered. The many different terrains you travel through are highly textured, and lighting effects will add a slight mood to each area you traverse. Character models are smooth and highly detailed. Spell effects, while not overly extravagant, are bold and colorful.

Sound - 4/10: This is the major drawback of the game. Almost the entire time you play there will be total silence. Only when something dramatic happens, or when your surrounded by enemies will there be any music at all. What's there is good but nothing we haven't heard before. The sound effects are a small bit better but are sometimes off key with what is happening.

Story - 6/10: Since this is a hack and slash the story takes a backseat to game play, but it is by no means bad. The game is broken up into chapters and most of the story is told by cut scenes before and after each one. You will receive missions during chapters by key characters who will unveil a small bit of plot, but most things will be kept a mystery until the end of the chapter. This way of plot development will keep you interested until the end since the game is fairly short.

Game play - 8/9: Game play is the shining star in Dark Alliance II. Controls are simple and easy to understand. Nothing about game play is too complex, but at the same time is very addicting. You are able to choose from five different characters with customizable abilities you can adjust to fit your style of playing. Battles are large and happen very often, which is also where its small short coming stems from. The Battles can get repetitive and you will sometimes find yourself impatiently trying to get to the next save point so you can stop for a while, but the game will keep you coming back for more. Difficulty settings, unique stories for each character, and two player co-op make for a lot of replay value.

Overall - 7/10: With expansive areas to trek and a huge array of monsters to fight Baldur's Gate: Dark Alliance II delivers a solid hack and slash game. this would be great for any Fan of the Diablo or gauntlet series to add to their collection. Even if your not a big fan of the hack and slash genre this is a good game to rent and play with a friend.

Full Metal Alchemist