Baldur's Gate: Dark Alliance II

Item: Baldur's Gate: Dark Alliance II
Rating: 72
Author: VaporLens

Last updated: 2025-05-28

Summary

Improved gameplay over its predecessor.
Evokes a strong sense of nostalgia.
Well-optimized and functional PC port.
Enjoyable and functional co-op mode.
Repetitive gameplay and pacing issues.
Price is too high for the value.

Categories

Dungeon CrawlerAction RPGSingle-playerCooperative MultiplayerReal-time CombatCharacter ProgressionCraftingItem Management

Reviews (sample size): 158
Helpful reviews: 82%
Unhelpful reviews: 18%
Protest reviews: 1%

72%
Helpful reviews with positive sentiment
28%
Helpful reviews with negative sentiment

Positive points: 239
Negative points: 208
Gameplay points: 57
Perf. points: 36
Rec. points: 108
Misc points: 30

Point	Description	Importance
Improved gameplay over predecessor Description 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. Importance 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.	91%
Evokes strong sense of nostalgia Description 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. Importance 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.	72%
Well-optimized and functional PC port Description 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. Importance 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.	67%
Enjoyable and functional co-op mode Description 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. Importance 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.	64%
Great music and sound design Description 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. Importance 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.	53%
Meaningful character customization options Description 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. Importance 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.	13%
Classic, enjoyable hack-and-slash gameplay Description 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. Importance 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.	12%
Quality of life improvements included Description 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. Importance 8%	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.	8%
Characters have unique NPC interactions Description 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. Importance 4%	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.	4%
Some builds strong for solo play Description 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. Importance 3%	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.	3%