Baldur's Gate II: Shadows of Amn

 PC
Metascore
95

Universal acclaim - based on 30 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 30 out of 30
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 30
  3. Negative: 0 out of 30
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  1. GamePower
    100
    It's not just vast, but flooded with quests and side adventures. There is always something to do in this game and, after that, there's always something more.
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  2. CheckOut
    100
    May very well be the best computer-based role-playing game of all time.
    All this publication's reviews
  3. Games Radar
    100
    The best conventional RPG -- carefully side-stepping "Deus Ex's" entirely different brilliance -- in recent years.
  5. Adrenaline Vault
    100
    Astounding graphics, sound, and storytelling combine to make the definitive fantasy RPG epic, one that will enthrall players for years to come.
  6. GMR Magazine
    100
    The rare occasion when the sequel to a classic goes above and beyond its predecessor. Can't wait for III. [Feb 2003, p.94]
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  7. Daily Radar
    100
    A great experience. It's as close to a perfect rendition of the D&D universe as we've ever seen.
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  8. Computer Games Magazine
    100
    Outstanding writing combined with a good plot, plenty of content, beautiful graphics, and an engrossing soundtrack place Baldur's Gate II alongside some of the best role-playing games ever created.
  9. GamePro
    100
    The best RPG action the PC has to offer.
  10. Quandary
    100
    This game could consume you too, it could change your life. Good news on one level but even if it's bad news and all your friends and family disown you, there's still a silver lining. This game is value plus for money!
  11. Antagonist
    98
    I'd like my life back, Black Isle.
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  12. Da Gameboyz
    98
    To me it is like a well-written novel, I just couldn't put it down.
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  13. PC Gameworld
    98
    With near-seamless integration of the 2nd Edition AD&D rules, a tight storyline and a good deal of action, I really can't think of an RPG to date that betters it.
  14. Gamer's Pulse
    98
    By far the best sequel I've ever played.
  15. GamerWeb PC
    96
    The enormous amount of characters and choices that you face while playing the game will make it impossible to explore everything in your first go. Well, add to the fact that it will probably take about 200 hours to finish the game in your first try.
  16. ActionTrip
    96
    An incredible game.
  17. Electric Playground
    95
    For the first time in a single player game, I truly felt I was playing my way through a pen and paper fantasy campaign.
  18. Happy Puppy
    95
    It's everything you loved about the original (1998's RPG of the year), yet infinitely more refined.
  19. GameZone
    95
    This program intrigues, and delights. The characters have personalities, the game board is huge and the storyline is liable to go in almost any direction – or so it seems.
  20. Armchair Empire
    95
    Great quests, solid story, very good voice acting, challenging battles, and engaging dialogue and characters make this an RPG that stands head and shoulders above the competition.
  21. IGN
    94
    Baldur's Gate II has no peers. It commands your attention and will command your life for months. It's exactly the RPG I've been waiting for.
  22. FiringSquad
    93
    A masterpiece of game design and development. Like its Black Isle-developed "Planescape" cousin, BG2 is a tour-de-force in computer roleplaying.
  23. GameSpy
    92
    Epic in scope and delivery and should not be avoided by anyone, novice or veteran. This is most certainly my pick for RPG game of the year.
  24. GameSpot
    92
    It's a definitive role-playing experience, and the only reason it can't be called the best game in its class is because in a sense there's nothing available that compares to it.
  25. Game Revolution
    91
    It is the kind of game you could easily find yourself dusting off two years from now and enjoying just as thoroughly.
  26. PC Gamer
    91
    A bigger, prettier, better version of Baldur's Gate that's sure to satisfy. [Dec 2000, p.146]
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  27. Game Over Online
    91
    I'm not exactly sure what Black Isle has for an expected gaming time, but I'd assume it's at least more than BG1 (over 150 hours).
  28. CNET Gamecenter
    90
    Possibly the best and biggest RPG you'll ever play.
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  29. Spank!
    90
    Where the game scores low is in the repeated use of cliched fantasy fodder in the shape of the narrative, nomenclature, audio and character portraits.
    All this publication's reviews
  30. Eurogamer
    90
    What we have here is a role-playing game in which little could be improved - the story and quests are captivating, the gameplay tried and tested, and the overall feel is professional and entertaining.
  31. All Game Guide
    80
    A diversely beautiful and deadly environment filled with amazing characters and a myriad of possibilities. For any fan of the original, this is a must have – it's just too good to pass up.

Awards & Rankings

1
#1 Best PC Game of 2000
3
#3 Most Discussed PC Game of 2000
1
#1 Most Shared PC Game of 2000

User Reviews

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User Score
9.1

Universal acclaim- based on 1551 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 1,422 out of 1551
  2. Mixed: 51 out of 1551
  3. Negative: 78 out of 1551
  1. Shaitan87
    Feb 17, 2011
    10
    One of the best games every made. Not many RPG's have gotten anywhere near this level. Great characters a good plot and an enormous amountOne of the best games every made. Not many RPG's have gotten anywhere near this level. Great characters a good plot and an enormous amount of side quests.… Full Review »
  2. Turing2634
    Mar 14, 2011
    10
    Quite possibly the best game ever made! A deep, compelling experience. To say this is now an 11 year old game is astonishing, as nobody hasQuite possibly the best game ever made! A deep, compelling experience. To say this is now an 11 year old game is astonishing, as nobody has managed to make a better game yet! The only other contender for best RPG would arguably be Planescape Torment, another amazing game but with a less "epic" story and more personal one. Baldur's Gate is a game that, if you can get past the (by todays standards) steep learning curve, hard to use interface and unforgiving nature will become one of the best games you've ever played.… Full Review »
  3. TheMitherer
    Aug 17, 2011
    10
    10 for story. 10 for replayabilty. 10 for combat. 10 for characters. 10 for graphics at the time of release. 10 for entertainment. 10 for10 for story. 10 for replayabilty. 10 for combat. 10 for characters. 10 for graphics at the time of release. 10 for entertainment. 10 for addictiveness. 10 for timelessness. 10 for the modding community. Nothing but nothing is in this game's league and I suspect people will be saying the same thing after another 10 years.… Full Review »
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