Baldur's Gate 2 Expansion: Throne of Bhaal

BGII is already so huge one might wonder why you would need or want an expansion. Is it because there are hordes of additional monsters to fight, a couple new classes and kits to explore (the Wild Mage, for example), new treasures and artifacts, new quests and dungeons, and the ability to reach an unprecedented 40th level? Well, yes, those are pretty much the reasons why. Why wouldn't you want to meet strange new creatures, unleash strange new spells, and listen to even more bizarre voice acting from the lovable Minsc? But the real reason to get this one is to see the massive story finally reach a conclusion. There won't be a Baldur's Gate III folks, and Throne of Bhaal lets you see the fate of the character that debuted as Gorion's young ward so many years ago in the original Baldur's Gate.

This is an expansion, not a sequel, and thus the game mechanics and animation are pretty much the same as in Baldur's Gate II. With no new animation, save the new spells, and only a handful of new beasts, this game doesn't innovate--it adds to the overall experience. Naturally, it's fully playable in multiplayer mode, and you can start anew with one of the new classes or continue with your old character. --Andrew S. Bub

Pros:

• More, more, more of the bestselling Baldur's Gate experience
• A fitting conclusion to the epic story line

• Same tried-and-true gameplay, which makes it feel dull at times
• After 200 hours of BGII, do we need more?

Baldur's Gate II: Throne of Bhaal takes players through an all-new story line, rich with intrigue and treachery, as they unravel the mysteries of the Dungeon of Watcher's Keep and explore other new areas, such as the City of Saradush, the Fortified Monastery of Amkethran, Sendai's Underdark Fortress, and the player's own Abyssal Stronghold. Throughout their journey, characters may reach up to level 40, made possible with a raised experience cap of 8 million points, quite possibly the highest level ever achieved by characters in any Advanced Dungeons & Dragons computer game. Also included in the quest are more than 40 powerful high-level spells and abilities. The Wild Mage Character Kit will also be added to the already extensive class list, allowing gamers to create a powerful new character able to cast spells, with very unpredictable results.

Baldur's Gate II players will be pleased to hear that Throne of Bhaal is fully playable either while questing through their BG II adventure or after they have completed BG II.