Info about Baldur's Gate: Dark Alliance II:

Official game description:
Unspeakable 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 powerful spells through over 80 perilous levels  
• Hidden areas, secret characters, and hundreds of items to discover, customize, and use  
• Forge unique magical weapons and armor to maximize the damage you inflict in battle  
• Conquer hordes of beasts and armies of Hobgoblins, Ghouls, Golems and dreaded Dragons  
• Compelling single or two-player cooperative modes of play

Release date: 20 Jul, 2022

Categories: Dungeon Crawler, Action RPG, Single-player, Cooperative Multiplayer, Real-time Combat, Character Progression, Crafting, Item Management


- Hardware Profile: No data
Feature extractions:
- Community Price: No data
- Playtime Metrics: No data
- Time-to-fun: No data
- Player Archetypes: No data


Below are summaries of things people say about the game per category.
Each point is assigned a weight that represents how often it is mentioned across all reviews.
What players like:
- Improved gameplay over predecessor (weight 0.91): The game improves upon its predecessor in many aspects. Reviewers noted enhancements to combat, character options, story, and overall gameplay, making it a more polished and enjoyable experience than the original.
- Evokes strong sense of nostalgia (weight 0.72): Many reviewers express strong feelings of nostalgia for the game, often reminiscing about playing it in their childhood or on older consoles. This nostalgia significantly contributes to their enjoyment of the game, especially for those familiar with the original release.
- Well-optimized and functional PC port (weight 0.67): The PC port is well-done and optimized, with reviewers praising the higher resolution, smooth controls, and compatibility with various controllers. The game also runs well on the Steam Deck, making it accessible to a wider audience.
- Enjoyable and functional co-op mode (weight 0.64): The game features a well-implemented co-op mode, both local and online, enhancing the overall experience. Reviewers appreciate the ability to play with friends, either through local split-screen or using Steam's Remote Play Together feature.
- Great music and sound design (weight 0.53): The game features a fantastic music and sound design that enhances the overall atmosphere. Reviewers specifically praise the soundtrack for fitting well with both calm and tense moments.
- Meaningful character customization options (weight 0.13): The game offers character customization through item crafting and diverse character builds. The crafting system allows players to tailor their gear to their desired play style, while the multiple character builds offer varied gameplay experiences and replayability.
- Classic, enjoyable hack-and-slash gameplay (weight 0.12): The game delivers classic hack-and-slash gameplay reminiscent of early 2000s dungeon crawlers. Reviewers appreciate the satisfying combat loop and the ability to slay monsters in a D&D-inspired setting.
- Quality of life improvements included (weight 0.08): The game includes quality of life improvements and adjustable difficulty levels. Features like hotkeyable spells and generous potion availability enhance the player experience, while the Extreme difficulty mode offers a New Game Plus challenge.
- Characters have unique NPC interactions (weight 0.04): Each character has unique interactions with NPCs, adding depth to the game's world and story. This feature makes each playthrough feel different and more engaging.
- Some builds strong for solo play (weight 0.03): Certain character builds, like the Elf Necromancer, are particularly strong for solo play. This build benefits from quick mana regeneration and powerful spells, making it a viable option for players who prefer to play alone.

Common complaints:
- Poor port, lacks enhancements (weight 0.52): The game is a poorly executed port of the original PS2 version, lacking significant enhancements and plagued by outdated graphics, reused assets, and a general lack of polish. Many reviewers feel it doesn't justify its price point, especially considering the numerous bugs and lack of quality-of-life improvements.
- Repetitive gameplay, pacing issues (weight 0.36): The game suffers from pacing issues, repetitive gameplay, and inconsistent difficulty. Some reviewers found the story drawn out and the late-game content to be lacking, while others experienced difficulty spikes and a need for excessive grinding.
- Poor PC control implementation (weight 0.19): The game's PC controls are poorly implemented, with awkward keyboard and mouse bindings, limited customization options, and issues with camera control. Additionally, sound mixing problems and mismatched key bindings further detract from the user experience.
- Price too high for value (weight 0.14): Many reviewers consider the game's price of $30 to be too high, especially given its age, lack of improvements, and the presence of game-breaking bugs. They suggest a lower price point would be more reasonable.
- Lacks online co-op, buggy remote (weight 0.13): The lack of online co-op is a major disappointment for many players, especially since the game seems optimized for multiplayer. Remote Play Together is also poorly optimized, causing significant bugs and making it unplayable in co-op.
- Controller issues, no support (weight 0.07): Controller does not work on the Steam version, despite being advertised as working. The PC port developer is unresponsive and provides no support or refunds.
- Ineffective and obsolete spells (weight 0.05): Some spells are ineffective against certain enemies, requiring players to guess which spells will work. Additionally, players may invest points into spells that become obsolete later in the game.
- New classes feel uninspired (weight 0.04): The new character classes (Barbarian and Necromancer) feel like cheap imitations of Diablo II classes. Some reviewers feel that the Barbarian and Necromancer classes are overpowered, making other character choices less viable.
- Reuses too many old assets (weight 0.04): The game reuses assets from the first Dark Alliance, including treasure chests and explosive barrels, making it feel more like an expansion than a sequel. The reviewer was disappointed with the new Dark Alliance game, implying it does not live up to the standards of this classic.
- Uninspired, simple story (weight 0.03): The story is predictable and simple, and not very memorable.

Gameplay feedback:
- Varied playable characters/classes (weight 0.16): The game features multiple playable characters (5 initially, with more unlockable), each with unique skills that impact gameplay.  The experience can vary significantly based on the chosen class, and additional classes can be unlocked upon completing the game, encouraging replayability. This is a change from the first game, which had only three character choices.
- Classic, simple ARPG gameplay (weight 0.14): The game is a classic isometric action RPG, drawing comparisons to Diablo and older titles like Bard's Tale. It emphasizes simple controls and dungeon crawling, reminiscent of simpler times in gaming. Some reviewers use the term 'oldschool jank' to describe it.
- Improved enemy combat behaviors (weight 0.1): Enemies now have more complex behaviors, such as blocking attacks and using critical attacks with telegraphing. Stunned enemies are also clearly indicated, providing players with more information during combat. These changes require players to adapt their strategies and utilize blocking mechanics effectively.
- Open-ended chapter-based structure (weight 0.1): The game features a chapter-based structure with unlockable areas, refuge points, and a world map that allows players to choose the order of some missions.  The game is more open-ended than previous installments, with optional areas and quests, and a larger variety of locations to explore.
- Expanded character skill progression (weight 0.07): The game features character progression through leveling up, skill selection, and skill upgrades. The skill tree has been expanded, requiring specific skill levels for heavier armor, and players can now specialize in specific weapon types, adding depth to character customization.
- Simplified, rewarding item systems (weight 0.06): The game features a simplified item selling system, a workshop for disassembling rare items and upgrading equipment, and a rewarding leveling, equipment, and crafting system. These systems are designed to be accessible and not require complex understanding to be competitive.
- Class balance and difficulty vary (weight 0.06): Some classes, like the Necromancer and Cleric, are considered easier to play due to their high damage output, companion summoning, and healing abilities.  Conversely, playing as a Drow Monk or Dwarven Rogue on Hard difficulty is considered more challenging, suggesting class balance may be an issue.
- Numerous bosses, readable patterns (weight 0.04): The game features a total of 24 bosses. The first two bosses have readable attack patterns and telegraph their attacks, suggesting a focus on learnable boss mechanics.
- Simpler design, less challenging (weight 0.04): The game is described as having a simple design and is considered less challenging compared to the previous installment. This may appeal to players looking for a more accessible experience.
- Weapon-specific enemy resistances (weight 0.02): Certain enemies have resistances to specific weapon types, indicated by red damage numbers. This adds a layer of tactical depth to combat, requiring players to consider weapon choices based on enemy vulnerabilities.
- Ranged enemy AI adjustment (weight 0.02): Ranged enemies no longer approach when the player is behind cover. This change in enemy AI impacts combat tactics and player positioning.
- Universal 'sprint' command added (weight 0.02): Every character has access to the 'sprint' command, allowing players to move quickly through dungeons and avoid enemies. This feature impacts the pace of gameplay and exploration.
- Customizable resistance through skills (weight 0.02): Players can build up more resistances through the 'Hero's Mantle' skill, granting more physical resistance. This allows for greater customization of character defenses.
- Unique class starting abilities (weight 0.02): The Barbarian starts with 'Fury' and 'Sprint' abilities, with 'Sprint' likely being a universal ability and the second skill being class-dependent. This highlights the unique starting abilities of different classes.
- Story serves as a vehicle (weight 0.02): The story is described as primarily serving to move the player from one location to another. This suggests that the narrative is not a major focus of the game.
- Features paper doll system (weight 0.02): The game features a paper doll system. This is a visual feature that allows players to see the equipment their character is wearing.

Performance notes:
- Poor ultrawide monitor support (weight 0.04): The game has issues with ultrawide monitor support. UI elements do not scale correctly for 21:9 aspect ratios, and menus are pillarboxed to 16:9, indicating a lack of proper ultrawide optimization.
- Inconsistent texture quality (weight 0.02): The texture quality is inconsistent, with some areas like Bloodmire Manor having noticeably low-quality textures. This detracts from the overall visual experience.
- Includes achievements (weight 0.02): Unlike a previous Dark Alliance port, this version includes achievements. This is a positive addition for players who value achievement hunting.

Recommendations:
- Wait for sale/patches due bugs (weight 0.6): Many reviewers suggest waiting for a sale due to bugs, crashes, and lack of optimization. Some even recommend waiting for patches or community fixes. Some reviewers requested a refund due to the issues experienced.
- Excellent Steam Deck experience (weight 0.07): The game plays exceptionally well on the Steam Deck. Reviewers highlight its ease of use and enjoyable experience on the platform.
- Digital masterpiece (weight 0.03): Reviewer expresses strong positive feelings about the game. This point shows signs of review bombing due to the emotional language without specific details, so the importance score is reduced by 90%.
- AMD cards: use emulator (weight 0.02): Players with AMD graphics cards are reporting incompatibility issues. The recommendation is to use an emulator instead.
- Disable Steam Overlay (weight 0.02): Deactivating Steam Overlay may resolve many problems. This is a specific, actionable piece of advice.
- Not recommended for solo play (weight 0.02): The game is not recommended for solo play due to its design. This is a specific warning for players who prefer single-player experiences.
- Play first game before (weight 0.02): The game is a direct sequel to Baldur's Gate: Dark Alliance, so it's recommended to play the first game before this one.
- Buggy but nostalgic experience (weight 0.02): The game is a nostalgic experience, but expect it to be buggy. This point is less actionable than others, but it is a good summary of the game's current state.
- Franchise is running into ground (weight 0.02): Reviewer expresses negative feelings about the game, comparing it unfavorably to other titles in the franchise. This point shows signs of review bombing due to the emotional language without specific details, so the importance score is reduced by 90%.

Other player notes:
- Unlockable characters exist (weight 0.04): Drizzt is unlocked by beating the game on any difficulty. Artemis the Human is unlocked by completing the game on Extreme Difficulty and starting a new game, then selecting Alessia Faithhammer and pressing DOWN, DOWN.
- Evokes D&D aesthetic (weight 0.04): The game's art direction successfully captures the aesthetic of Dungeons & Dragons from the 90s and 00s. The game is inspired by D&D.
- Best played with controller (weight 0.02): The game was originally designed for consoles, so a controller is recommended for the best experience.
- Ends with a cliffhanger (weight 0.02): The game's story concludes with a cliffhanger ending, which may leave players wanting more.
- Remote play tip provided (weight 0.02): When using remote play, utilize the Steam overlay (Shift+Tab) to invite another person.

Emotions:
No emotions}