Baldur’s Gate II: Enhanced Edition Reviews

Overhaul Games’ retuned and expanded version of Baldur’s Gate II and its Throne of Bhaal expansion pack continues to be the subject of online critiques, so we thought we’d bring you another round-up.

Gameplanet gives it a 9.0/10:

On the other hand, this is the (Enhanced Edition) promising a revamped game and an improved experience. To be honest that isn’t the case. The enhancements are minor, with only a few actually improving on BioWare’s work. The only real compelling reason to buy this edition over the GOG.com version is that the Enhanced Edition will work on modern machines in widescreen with no issues, whereas the original version may require some extra attention and a mod or two to provide the same functionality.

A missed opportunity to be sure, but an exceptional game nonetheless.

Strategy Informer gives it an 8.0/10:

The new content is fun and adds to the experience, but let’s not forget that we’re talking about Baldur’s Gate II here. While balls-hard and requiring a lot of patience if you’re prepared to take it on you’ll discover what is arguably the best and deepest RPG of all time, that many people believe represents Bioware at their peak. That there’s a version updated for modern systems with excellent widescreen support (without having to fuss about with mods), improved UI, new characters, new quests and an additional expansion, not to mention being available on Steam, should be all you need: buy it. However at £18.99/$24.99 and with a fair few bugs I advise waiting until a delicious sale and a decent patch comes along. Which shouldn’t be too long winter is coming, after all. Yes, I know that’s a different fantasy franchise.

RPGFan gives it a 75%:

It hurts me to give a mediocre score to the updated version of a game widely considered one of the all-time greats. I can absolutely see that it has merit. It has a great story and sound, and although the graphics and controls aren’t quite up to that same standard, they do successfully support the game’s star elements. Unfortunately, Baldur’s Gate 2: Enhanced Edition is a game targeted at a few very specific audiences: those who played the original, those who have significant experience with tabletop role-playing games, and those who love diving headfirst into a complex system without a net. If you are not among one of those groups, playing this game will leave you tired, frustrated, and perhaps wondering what other gamers love so much about it.

The Koalition gives it an 80%:

Even after so long, Overhaul Games has proven once again that the Baldur’s Gate games have still got what it takes to provide the player with a challenging, exciting and epic RPG adventure. This remake isn’t a huge renovation of the original and many of the improvements aren’t very significant, but this is a fine effort to bring a highly acclaimed classic title into the current generation. If you want a challenging and exciting RPG with a plethora of things to do, then grab Baldur’s Gate II: Enhanced Edition and see for yourself why this series has been held in such high regard.

Digitally Downloaded gives it a 5/5:

At a time where games – even RPGs – are becoming increasingly linear and focused on action, Baldur’s Gate 2 remains an epic, strategic, and non-linear experience that is every bit as compelling now as it was a decade ago. I’m looking forward to the iPad release even more the idea of having both Baldur’s Gate games in such a tiny form factor has the nerd in me jumping for joy, but if you don’t have one of those devices than the PC version is every bit as good (and you don’t need to pay for each of the new characters via DLC this way – they’re all packed into the base game here).

Technology Tell gives it a “B”:

Overall, Baldur’s Gate II Enhanced Edition, while pretty good, is only worthwhile for fans of the original, especially those who lost their original copies of the game (or don’t have versions that run on modern computers). Newcomers to the series are much better of with the enhanced edition of the original, which also runs on Windows, iPad, and the Mac. As a sequels go, it’s solid B+ material for this day and age, but as a standalone, it is a little lacking.

Voletic gives it a 9/10:

Baldur’s Gate II is still the greatest RPG ever made and the Enhanced Edition brings enough new content for you to fall in love all over again. While I can’t say that all stalwart fans will love it, the game stands the test of time and if you needed an excuse to start playing again, this it.

Extra Continue gives it an 86%:

While Beamdog’s resurrection of this classic title isn’t overly ambitious, it doesn’t need to be it’s a solid enough effort that brings new characters, new quests, and a much-needed interface update to provide one of the grandest gaming experiences to a new (and nostalgic) generation of gamers. Yes, I know, you can get the old version on GOG.com for less than half the price, but I wouldn’t recommend it. Stick to the new, even if it’s 13-years-new.

And World’s Factory gives it an 84/100:

For $25, it’s hard to deny that Baldur’s Gate II: Enhanced Edition is worth the money of an RPG, D&D loving fan. The number of hours of quality content is staggering, and I’m pleased to say the added NPCs turned out to be worthy additions. For all the improvements made to the engine and the UI, I can’t help but feel that Overhaul could’ve done more or at least fixed some of the technical issues from the original release. Still, it’s hard to deny that the tactical role-playing offered here is a must-play experience for fans of the genre, and if you want to jump right in without fiddling with (albeit free) fan mods, then Baldur’s Gate II: Enhanced Edition delivers right out of the box.