Retro Replay Review

Gameplay

Baldur’s Gate II: Shadows of Amn builds upon the tried-and-true AD&D ruleset with a seamless blend of real-time combat and tactical pause functionality. You command a party of up to six active members, each with their own class, abilities, and moral compass. Combat flows smoothly—enemies engage you in the overworld or in dungeon corridors, and you can pause at any moment to issue detailed commands, cast spells, or reposition your troops for maximum effect.

The sequel introduces three entirely new classes—sorcerer, monk, and barbarian—alongside expanded specialization options in existing classes. Weapon proficiencies are far more granular, letting you become an expert in katanas, bastard swords or longbows rather than just “blades.” You can import a high-level protagonist from the original Baldur’s Gate, or forge a brand-new hero with fresh stats, alignment, and portrait. This flexibility encourages multiple playthroughs and innovative party compositions.

Exploration now relies on a world map for fast travel between towns, wilderness areas, and dungeons, although each location remains densely packed with NPCs, treasure, and lore. Side quests abound, often tied to your companions’ personal stories or to moral dilemmas that shape your reputation. From rescuing kidnapped children to settling dwarven clan disputes, the game keeps you busy for dozens of hours before even approaching the main storyline.

Graphics

When Shadows of Amn launched in 2000, it delivered some of the most detailed 2D pre-rendered backdrops ever seen in a CRPG. City streets gleam in late-afternoon light, dank dungeons drip with torches, and elven glades glow with ethereal greens. Each area feels handcrafted, with unique textures and atmospheric touches that draw you into the Forgotten Realms.

Character sprites, though limited to a fixed resolution, are richly animated during combat—swinging swords, loosing arrows, and slinging spells with satisfying impact frames. Spell effects remain a highlight: conjured fireballs explode in brilliant oranges, while dispels fizz and crackle in icy blues. Portrait art for party members and NPCs adds personality and depth to every conversation.

While modern gamers may notice jagged edges and a 800×600 maximum resolution, a vibrant modding community has since released high-res texture packs and widescreen fixes. Even unmodded, the visuals boast a timeless charm that holds up far better than many early 3D titles. Shadows of Amn’s art direction continues to stand as a benchmark for hand-crafted RPG worlds.

Story

Picking up after the events of Baldur’s Gate, you and your companions—Imoen, Minsc, Jaheira, and others—are kidnapped by the enigmatic elven mage Jon Irenicus and subjected to cruel experiments. You break free and make your way to Athkatla in Amn, only to watch Irenicus and Imoen arrested for unlicensed magic use. Your first task: amass the gold needed to free Imoen. From there, the trail leads you deep into the Undercity, through the monstrous depths of the Umar Hills, and ultimately back to Irenicus’s own stronghold.

The writing in Shadows of Amn is layered and mature, exploring themes of identity, betrayal, and the hunger for power. Each companion brings distinct motivations and personal quests—whether it’s Minsc’s unwavering heroism or Jaheira’s burden of loss. Branching dialogue allows you to forge romances, incite rivalries, or maintain a strictly professional rapport with your allies, and your alignment influences how key NPCs react in climactic moments.

Voice acting elevates the narrative, from the gruff humor of Minsc to the cold precision of Irenicus himself. Scripted set-pieces—ambushes in the elven palace, a high-stakes trial before the Council of Six—unfold with cinematic flair. Side quests weave seamlessly into the main plot, deepening your understanding of the world and rewarding exploration with both loot and lore.

Overall Experience

Baldur’s Gate II: Shadows of Amn remains a towering achievement in party-based role-playing. Its robust character customization, sprawling world, and morally complex storyline combine to create an experience that demands and rewards investment. The sense of progression—from lowly adventurer to legendary hero—unfolds over dozens of hours filled with unforgettable moments.

Although the interface and resolutions show their age, the game’s depth and polish more than compensate. The tactical combat strikes a satisfying balance between real-time immediacy and strategic planning. Companion interactions feel alive, and the sheer variety of spells, items, and side quests ensures near-infinite replayability. Even two decades on, countless community mods and enhancements continue to expand and refine the core experience.

For newcomers to classic CRPGs, Shadows of Amn offers an unrivaled introduction to the golden age of Bioware adventuring. For veteran players, it stands as a beloved high-water mark in the genre—one that still inspires modern RPG design. Whether you’re here for the gripping story, the rich worldbuilding, or the tactical battles, Baldur’s Gate II delivers an epic journey you won’t soon forget.

Retro Replay Score

8.7/10