Retro Replay Review

Gameplay

Baldur’s Gate II: The Collection delivers an expansive role-playing experience by combining the base game Shadows of Amn with its epic expansion, Throne of Bhaal, and a bonus CD filled with extra gear and character portraits. From the opening moments, you’re thrust into a world dense with tactical combat, party management, and branching dialogues. The real-time with pause system allows you to orchestrate complex battle plans, commanding your party’s actions with precision or letting the action flow freely. Whether you’re a newcomer to the genre or a veteran of Infinity Engine classics, the combat loop remains deeply satisfying.

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Character creation and progression stand at the heart of the gameplay. With the wide selection of races, classes, and kits drawn from Advanced Dungeons & Dragons 2nd Edition rules, every playthrough feels distinct. You’ll build a balanced party by recruiting memorable companions—ranging from the bumbling ranger Minsc to the enigmatic mage Aerie—each with their own motivations and side quests. The synergy between party members and the loot you find (enhanced by the bonus CD’s exclusive weapons and armor) keeps the mid-game pace lively and the endgame daunting.

Throne of Bhaal raises the stakes considerably, propelling your character into godhood and pitting you against fellow Bhaalspawn in a dramatic final confrontation. The increased level cap, challenging boss battles, and sprawling new areas inject fresh vitality long after you’ve completed the core storyline. Even minor skirmishes feel meaningful thanks to well-designed encounters that reward strategic spellcasting and clever use of terrain.

The bonus CD’s bonus items and portraits may seem like small touches, but they deepen immersion. Unique weapons and armor options let you experiment with exotic builds, while the new portraits personalize your hero’s identity. These extras complement the main games without unbalancing their finely tuned difficulty, making this collection a treasure trove for players who relish both narrative depth and mechanical variety.

Graphics

Baldur’s Gate II: The Collection remains a showcase of classic isometric artistry. The pre-rendered backgrounds brim with intricate detail—from the shadowy streets of Athkatla to the sun-drenched cliffs of Tethyr. Every tile and texture speaks to the craftsmanship of early 2000s RPG development, and the vibrant color palette ensures environments feel alive rather than static backdrops.

Character sprites and animations, while not modern by today’s standards, possess a timeless charm. Spell effects glow with arcane energy, arrows arc toward fleeing foes, and swords clash in fluid motion. The bonus CD’s extra portraits for your main character integrate seamlessly with existing artwork, offering higher-resolution faces that look right at home in dialogue windows.

The user interface is intuitive: inventory screens, character sheets, and spell books are arranged logically for quick navigation. Though resolution options are limited compared to contemporary titles, community mods can upscale the game to widescreen resolutions and sharpen textures, breathing new life into every scene.

Despite its age, the collection’s visuals never obscure gameplay clarity. Enemies stand out distinctly in crowded battlefields, loot glints invitingly, and environmental cues guide exploration without intruding on immersion. For fans of hand-crafted pixel art, Baldur’s Gate II continues to demonstrate how a strong artistic vision can outlast technological advances.

Story

The narrative of Baldur’s Gate II: The Collection is nothing short of monumental. Shadows of Amn opens with the protagonist imprisoned by a mad wizard, quickly drawing you into political intrigue, dark conspiracies, and fateful reunions. The writing balances humor, tragedy, and high-stakes drama, giving each NPC a unique voice and believable motivations. Side quests range from lighthearted banter to heart-wrenching moral dilemmas.

Companion interactions are the crown jewel of the storyline. Each ally brings personal quests that explore themes of redemption, loyalty, and identity. Conversations are richly voiced and often accompanied by stunning character portraits from the bonus CD, making critical choices feel deeply personal. Whether you’re comforting a grief-stricken friend or debating the ethics of murder, every exchange leaves a lasting impression.

Throne of Bhaal escalates the plot to mythic proportions. As a child of the dead god of murder, your hero must confront destiny itself in a climactic quest that spans realms. The expansion’s narrative arcs weave seamlessly into the main campaign, offering satisfying conclusions for long-running storylines while introducing new twists. The final chapters are paced like a classic fantasy epic, culminating in emotionally charged showdowns and revelations.

Replayability is woven into the story’s structure. Multiple endings, divergent dialogue branches, and the influence of your moral choices ensure that no two playthroughs are identical. For those who relish narrative depth and player agency, Baldur’s Gate II: The Collection stands as a masterclass in storytelling within the CRPG genre.

Overall Experience

Baldur’s Gate II: The Collection is an essential purchase for any fan of classic role-playing games. With over a hundred hours of content across Shadows of Amn and Throne of Bhaal, plus the aesthetic and gameplay enhancements from the bonus CD, this compilation offers exceptional value. The depth of character progression, coupled with unforgettable encounters and a branching storyline, keeps players engaged from start to finish.

While the game’s age shows in some UI limitations and resolution constraints, the strength of its writing, design, and modding community more than compensates. Numerous fan-made patches and graphical upgrades are available online, making it easy to modernize the experience without sacrificing authenticity. Technical hiccups are rare, and the Infinity Engine’s stability ensures smooth adventuring across all chapters.

Difficulty is well-balanced: newcomers can adjust settings for a manageable introduction, while veterans can seek out high-level challenges that test their mastery of spell combinations and tactics. The seamless integration of the expansion content means your journey flows uninterrupted from the underdark to godhood, delivering a sense of progression few RPGs can match.

Ultimately, Baldur’s Gate II: The Collection remains a towering achievement in role-playing game design. It combines deep mechanics, rich storytelling, and a vibrant fantasy world into a cohesive package that stands the test of time. Whether you’re revisiting Athkatla for nostalgia or embarking on your first epic quest, this compilation promises an unforgettable adventure.

Retro Replay Score

7.9/10