Baldur's Gate: Dark Alliance II
- July 20, 2022
- Square One Games Inc.
Baldur’s Gate: Dark Alliance II will provide a mana-blast of nostalgic glee for those who played the original Dark Alliance hack-and-slash RPG on their GameCube, but it doesn’t offer enough excitement or variety to otherwise hold your attention.
Get on SteamUnspeakable evil has returned to the legendary city of Baldur's Gate in this dungeon-crawling, action RPG fantasy classic. 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. • Five new heroes with new class feats and abilities • Hack your way or cast po…
Mac OS
Nintendo Switch
PC
Playstation 4
Playstation 5
Steam Deck
Windows
Xbox One
Xbox Series X|S
Linux
PlayStation
Xbox
Reviews
- Provides a nostalgic experience for fans of the original Dark Alliance.
- Fun co-op gameplay that allows players to revisit a classic action RPG.
- Decent equipment upgrade system and dark atmosphere enhance the overall experience.
- Sluggish combat and low build variety detract from the gameplay experience.
- Graphics and character models feel dated and lack modern improvements.
- No online co-op for consoles limits multiplayer options.
- atmosphere2 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 50 % neutral mentions
- 50 % negative mentions
The game's atmosphere is characterized by a dark tone that enhances the experience, despite being hindered by sluggish combat, uninspired environmental design, and limited build variety. The equipment upgrade system adds some depth, but overall, the atmosphere is a mixed bag.
“Sluggish combat, drab environmental design, and low build variety all hold this one back considerably, though it’s saved somewhat by its equipment upgrade system and dark atmosphere.”
- story1 mentions
- 300 % positive mentions
- -200 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The story is praised for its engaging narrative and interesting characters, complemented by decent quest design. Players also appreciate the fun ranged combat and innovative crafting and weapon systems introduced in 2004.
“The story is captivating, with interesting characters that keep you engaged throughout the game.”
“The quest design is decent, adding depth to the overall narrative experience.”
“The innovative crafting and weapons system enhances the storytelling by allowing players to interact with the world in unique ways.”
- graphics1 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- -200 % neutral mentions
- 300 % negative mentions
The graphics have been criticized for feeling clunky and dated, with combat mechanics that haven't aged well. Users noted a lack of common graphics settings and minimal improvements aside from an updated resolution.
“The clunky, dated combat didn't age well.”
“The game lacks common graphics settings.”
“There are no improvements beyond an updated resolution.”
Critic Reviews
Baldur’s Gate: Dark Alliance II (Nintendo Switch)
Baldur’s Gate: Dark Alliance II will provide a mana-blast of nostalgic glee for those who played the original Dark Alliance hack-and-slash RPG on their GameCube, but it doesn’t offer enough excitement or variety to otherwise hold your attention.
60%Baldur's Gate: Dark Alliance II Review
Baldur's Gate: Dark Alliance II is basically the first Dark Alliance instalment all over again. A super-simple, but at the same time fun hack 'n' slash ride through a D&D realm. Not exactly a classic, but something that retro fans (and maybe only them) will appreciate. Unless it gets a really good discount, however, there's no point in trying this out, as there are far better alternatives available, both old and new.
60%Baldur's Gate: Dark Alliance 2 Review
Baldur’s Gate: Dark Alliance 2 is one of those games that acts as an important reference point in realizing how far a genre has come in the last couple decades. While it was likely once considered a solid and perhaps even a little daring example of an ARPG, it’s now been resolutely left in the dust by more modern releases. Sluggish combat, drab environmental design, and low build variety all hold this one back considerably, though it’s saved somewhat by its equipment upgrade system and dark atmosphere. Fans looking for nostalgia already know what they think about this release and have probably already snapped it up, but if you’re a newcomer who’s thinking about a purchase, we’d recommend you pass. This simply isn’t a good enough game to justify the $30 price tag at time of writing, and there are much better examples of the genre on the Switch that are more worth your time and money.
50%
