This is likely the greatest video game with the words "Baldur's" and "Gate" in the title. A worthwhile playthrough in 2025 and in 2055. It captures the adventure of Dungeons and Dragons, but with an intense, serious story. It has one of the GOAT villains, companions who are nuanced and interesting, with clever stories associated with nearly each one. Particularly in conversation with Baldur's Gate 1, this game presents D&D as slightly more grown up. Its characters are less silly than they were in BG1, more nuanced, and you see them interact in ways that are specific to them, and non-trivial. It can also be said that when it comes to Romance in cRPGs, they truly saved their best for first. Few games in the future will approach romance as one aspect of characterization, furthering the stories of the characters caught within. Instead, most other games treat Romance as fan service, a treat for a player, rewarding them with titilation. In terms of combat mechanics, the game can be frustrating, and it can have quite a learning curve, especially if one is not familiar with 2nd Ed D&D mechanics already. However, it comes together in a complete package for those who allow themselves to learn and grow as they become more familiar and experienced with the system. You level up as a player alongside your characters, growing each according to your experiences. Do not let yourself die having never played this game.
