Release Date: September 21, 2000 Developer: BioWare
Get it On: GOG
In the pantheon of role-playing games, few titles command as much reverence as Baldur’s Gate II: Shadows of Amn. Released at the turn of the millennium, it didn’t just iterate on its predecessor; it refined the “Infinity Engine” formula into a sprawling, intricate masterpiece that many argue has never been eclipsed. With the release of the Enhanced Edition by Beamdog, this titan of the genre has been modernized for high-resolution displays, offering a seamless experience for both veterans and a new generation of Bhaalspawn.
A Tale of Souls and Sorcery
The story of Baldur’s Gate II begins in darkness. You wake in a cage, the victim of horrific experiments at the hands of the elven mage Jon Irenicus—one of the most chilling and well-realized villains in gaming history. Voiced with icy precision by David Warner, Irenicus doesn’t just want power; he wants your power, specifically the divine spark within you as a child of Bhaal, the dead God of Murder.
The narrative moves from the bustling, coin-driven streets of Athkatla to the sun-scorched deserts of Tethyr and the bioluminescent depths of the Underdark. Unlike the first game’s slow-burn exploration, Shadows of Amn hits the ground running with a personal, high-stakes plot. It deals with themes of identity, loss, and the heavy burden of destiny. By the time you reach the Throne of Bhaal expansion (included in the Enhanced Edition), the scale becomes truly epic, as you decide whether to suppress your dark heritage or ascend to godhood.
Mastering the Art of War: Combat and Systems
The game operates on a modified version of the Advanced Dungeons & Dragons (AD&D) 2nd Edition rules. While the math behind the scenes—specifically the infamous THAC0 (To Hit Armor Class 0)—can be daunting for newcomers, the “Real-Time with Pause” combat system remains the gold standard for tactical RPGs.
Combat is a lethal dance of preparation and execution. At higher levels, mage duels become a complex game of “counter-the-counter,” where you must use spells like Breach or Pierce Magic to strip away an enemy’s Stoneskin and Spell Turning before your fighters can land a killing blow. The Enhanced Edition adds numerous kits and classes (like the Dwarven Defender or Wild Mage), providing even more ways to customize your party’s tactical approach.
The Heart of the Party: Interactions and Romances
What truly sets Baldur’s Gate II apart is the “interparty banter.” Your companions aren’t just stat blocks; they are living characters who argue, joke, and occasionally come to blows. If you put a Lawful Good Paladin like Keldorn in the same group as an Evil drow like Viconia, expect sparks to fly—and potentially a permanent departure.
The romance system was revolutionary for its time. Depending on your character’s race and gender, you can pursue deep, multi-chapter relationships. These aren’t just simple dialogue trees; they involve complex internal conflicts and personal quests that can span the entire game, ultimately culminating in the Throne of Bhaal epilogue.
The Joinable Cast: A Roster of Legends
Aerie: A wingless Avariel (winged elf) who serves as a Cleric/Mage. Her story is one of trauma and recovery, as she struggles to adapt to life on the ground. She is a powerful asset but starts with very low health, requiring careful protection.
Anomen Delryn: A proud, often arrogant Fighter/Cleric seeking knighthood in the Order of the Radiant Heart. His personal quest is one of the game’s highlights, as your influence determines whether he becomes a noble hero or a fallen, bitter man.
Cernd: A True Neutral Shapeshifter Druid found in Trademeet. While his personality is as stoic as the nature he serves, his ability to transform into a Greater Werewolf makes him a formidable front-line fighter.
Edwin Odesseiron: The quintessential Red Wizard of Thay. Arrogant, hilarious, and possessing a unique amulet that gives him more spell slots than any other mage, Edwin is arguably the best spellcaster in the game—if you can stomach his constant insults.
Haer’Dalis: A Tiefling Bard and “Doomguard” who views life as a play. His unique “Blade” kit allows him to hold his own in melee, and his exotic planar knowledge adds a unique flavor to the party’s travels.
Imoen: Your childhood friend and a dual-classed Thief/Mage. She is the emotional core of the story, and much of the early game revolves around your desperate quest to rescue her from the asylum of Spellhold.
Jaheira: A returning favorite from the first game, this Fighter/Druid Harper begins the game in mourning. Her romance is famously long and difficult, but she remains one of the most versatile and resilient companions available.
Jan Jansen: A Gnome Illusionist/Thief who is obsessed with turnips and telling rambling, nonsensical stories about his eccentric family. He provides excellent utility and much-needed comic relief in an otherwise dark tale.
Keldorn Firecam: A veteran Inquisitor of the Order of the Radiant Heart. He is a powerhouse against mages thanks to his instant-cast Dispel Magic, though his commitment to duty often puts him at odds with the party’s more “flexible” members.
Korgan Bloodaxe: A Chaotic Evil Dwarven Berserker who lives for gold and gore. He is a mechanical beast on the battlefield, capable of shrugging off almost any status effect while in a rage.
Mazzy Fentan: A Halfling Fighter who dreams of being a Paladin. Despite her small stature, she is a master of the shortbow and one of the most courageous characters in the game, often serving as the party’s moral compass.
Minsc (and Boo!): The legendary Ranger and his “Miniature Giant Space Hamster.” Minsc is the face of the franchise, a berserker with a heart of gold who serves as a loyal, if somewhat confused, protector of the innocent.
Nalia de’Arnise: A young noblewoman and Thief/Mage who wants to help the poor but lacks the life experience to do so effectively. She serves as a solid “backup” if you don’t have Imoen in your party.
Valygar Corthala: A Stalker (Ranger kit) who harbors a deep hatred for magic due to his family’s dark past. He is an excellent scout and backstabber, bringing a grim intensity to the group.
Viconia DeVir: An exiled Drow Cleric of Shar. She has the best Magic Resistance in the game and a sharp, cynical wit. Her romance is a fan favorite, offering a rare glimpse into the heart of a Dark Elf.
Yoshimo: A charismatic Bounty Hunter from the land of Kara-Tur. He meets you early in Irenicus’s dungeon and offers his services as a thief. His role in the story is one of the most memorable and tragic in the entire saga.
Sarevok Anchev (Throne of Bhaal only): The antagonist of the first game returns as a potential ally. As a Deathbringer, his melee power is unmatched, and his presence offers a fascinating look at the possibility of redemption for a Bhaalspawn.
The Beamdog Enhancements
The Enhanced Edition doesn’t just stop at fixing bugs. It adds four new NPCs—Dorn Il-Khan (Blackguard), Neera (Wild Mage), Rasaad yn Bashir (Monk), and Hexxat (Thief)—each with their own sprawling questlines and romances. It also introduces “The Black Pits II,” a gladiatorial combat arena for those who want to test their tactical mettle without the narrative weight.
Verdict
Baldur’s Gate II is a monolithic achievement. It captures the feeling of a high-stakes tabletop campaign better than almost any game since. Its writing is superb, its world is dense with secrets, and its characters feel like old friends. Whether you are playing the original or the Enhanced Edition, this is an essential experience for anyone who calls themselves an RPG fan.
