This game is one of the few games I have played through multiple times and is the only game I have played through 8+ times.
I love this game. Story is good, charaters are good, gameplay is good, all around a great game.
When BG2 was released 20 years ago it changed everything: no other game had the scope, the impact, the variety, the depth or the appeal. BG2 may not be the pinnacle of writing, but it is the first computer RPG to get every single thing right: exploration, adventure, interaction, dialogue, storytelling, tactical combat, all wrapped up in a serviceable implementation of AD&D 2.0. BG2 was for many years the measuring stick of cRPGs and I think in many ways it still is.
Years later the game required several mods and patches to run in modern systems, and it was possible to get a decent but less than ideal experience. At first the EE seemed like a cheap cash grab but I am glad I gave them a chance. After playing both BG EE and BG2 EE, I can honestly say these are the definitive editions and despite some questionable choices, Beamdog managed to give these games at least another decade of life and potentially introduce them to a whole new generation of gamers.
As of 2020, this is the most polished, smooth and stable version of BG2 I ever played. It also comes with some quality of life modifications (larger item stacks, quick loot bar, etc.) and the graphics scale beautifully even in high ultrawide resolutions. I have found zero technical issues and apart from some cosmetic changes and new menu screens, the game is the same I played back then.
I do not care much for the new Enhanced Edition content, but at least the new companions are not terrible. The difference in writing and style is noticeable in the new content but it doesn't stand out horribly. You can however easily skip all of that and just play the game as before.
Despite its age, BG2 is still as engaging and fascinating as ever. It has that special *something* that makes it unique, even if in some ways it does feel a little dated. This here is a rejuvenated version of a timeless classic that is still relevant - and a must play - in 2020.
If you laugh (and you should - that is the proper reaction) when people tell you that FF7 is the pinnacle of RPGs, then you may already have this on your list. But, if not, then this is a simple review: best RPG ever made. Top 3 PC games ever made. I really enjoyed Beamdog's EE, but, if you don't, it includes the classic, original.
Ad&d is completely different from modern d&d which made the beginning incredibly confusing.. BUT once i understood the rules / AC/ Thac0, turned on auto pause upon encounters and put it down to story difficulty its fun. Shockingly good voice acting - Jahiera and Minsc are the same as bg3 and everyone does a really good job especially considering when this came out. Similar enough to bg3 to where if you enjoyed 3, youll likely really like this !