BG2, NWN, or IWD2? [Archive] - Wizards Community

BG2, NWN, or IWD2? [Archive] - Wizards Community

Post/Author/DateTime Post
Ozreth
11-02-05, 01:22 AM which of these games would you recommend? i am leaning towards BG2 even though NWN is visually a beter game, BG2 just seems more fun. I wasnt sure where to post this but i figured since the games are related to D&D this would be the best area to ask.
Scipion Emilien
11-02-05, 01:28 AM First, BG2 work with 2e edition rule and NWN with 3e, i don t know if it s better for you or not.

Now, at a single-player level, Baldur gate 2 has more deep and immersive story than NWN. The NWN story, while not being bad, lack the immersion and thought of the BG2 one.

For a multi-player point of view, NWN is really better, if you can find a good PW, you will be able to share your experience with a DM and others players. It will be what is the more close to a numerical version of your regular D&D game. BG2 has his story to play in multi player, and it s often boring to see your buddy main character do all the talk and read while waiting to play.
Ske
11-02-05, 09:35 AM For single player, I'd go BG2 (BG1 first though). For multiplayer, I'd go pen and paper DnD. If you _have_ to play multiplayer on your com, I'd probably choose NWN, because BG2's system isn't multiplayer-friendly.
DungeonMaster
11-02-05, 09:40 AM BG2 . It has quirks and a whole pile of overpowered/broken stuff but it is so much more fun than the others. The characters (the dialog alone) are infinitely more detailed, the quests are better, the storyline is better, the items are better, the gameplay is better - but most importantly the feel of the game is better. The feel of the game is just right, so damn close to D&D as I've played it for years that it's amazing.
Dwayne
11-02-05, 11:39 AM BG2 is the best but play BG1 first. It has different graphics but is still playable. Get all the patches if your version does not have them included. The directX patch for BG1 is important if you don't like crashing. BG1 uses 2nd edition rules while BG2 uses mostly 2nd edition rules with a little 3rd edition. Gameplay is around 40 hours on BG1 and 100 on BG2.
Don't forget that NWN is much more than what is on the cd's. There are thousands of modules on nwvault to download. Uses 3rd edition rules.
IWD2 is a very fun game. It is 2d like BG1/2 but uses 3rd edition rules. Don't discount this game. This is a very fun game along with the original IWD. IWD and IWD2 are not part of the same story. You are fine playing one and not the other.
Azual
11-02-05, 04:25 PM whats IWD.
and while were at it, what is IIRC.
rbrt_Spade
11-02-05, 05:46 PM Search the web for game reviews. Also the older games are cheaper. You can pick up bg1 &2 and nwn for $20. Also all hail to the expansion for bg2-good stuff.
Ske
11-02-05, 05:52 PM whats IWD.
and while were at it, what is IIRC.

'Icewind Dale', and the other one I think is 'If I Recall Correctly', but this is just what I've always assumed it meant. Usually fits with whatever is written.
Archtyrant Terevoth
11-02-05, 07:10 PM BG2 is much better IMO.
Molitor
11-02-05, 07:10 PM BG2 . It has quirks and a whole pile of overpowered/broken stuff but it is so much more fun than the others. The characters (the dialog alone) are infinitely more detailed, the quests are better, the storyline is better, the items are better, the gameplay is better - but most importantly the feel of the game is better. The feel of the game is just right, so damn close to D&D as I've played it for years that it's amazing.
I agree.
Rasstir
11-02-05, 08:31 PM I've played IWD2 and NWN but not BG or BG2

I say go with IWD2, I got addicted to it over the summer and played it like a FIEND. On my third trip the story was old though, still had a lot of fun, runs of 3e rules.

NWN: got the platinum edition for 28 dollars, hated it, hated the movement, the graphics, the layout, everything.

BG2: Never played it, uses the same engine as IWD2 so expect same graphics, I believe there are only pre made parties so no making your own

I say go with IWD2 (it beats IWD as well)
Azual
11-02-05, 09:13 PM thanks,
ah, and what is IMO.
:)
Ozreth
11-02-05, 09:18 PM IMO is in my opinion. so you cant create your own chars in BG2?
Aliquid
11-02-05, 09:27 PM IMO is in my opinion. so you cant create your own chars in BG2?Actually you can. It is more fun to create the base character and meet people along the way, but you can create the whole party if you want.

Oh, and by the way... I personally like the graphics in BG2 better than NWN. Heck I like the original BG's graphics better.
Scipion Emilien
11-03-05, 11:49 AM Oh, and by the way... I personally like the graphics in BG2 better than NWN. Heck I like the original BG's graphics better.

The NWN graphics are better visually, but i can say that like this:

In BG2 the graphics give you the impression to be in the Forgotten Realms

In NWN the graphics give you the impression to be in a game about the Forgotten Realms.
sandskimmer
11-03-05, 11:58 AM BG2 and its expansion, Throne of Bhaal are the best single-player RPGs ever created!!!!!! The story line is so immersive and well written that it's just plain scary. Great sound track too! Never discount the game's sound track! But you will have fun playing any of the listed games. In order, I recommend (from best to least best) BG2 and its expansion, IWD2, IWD, BG and its expansion Durlags Tower, then NWN. NWN just isn't as fun as far as single player game play is concerned.

Anyone who has never played BG & BG2 is missing out like they just don't know...
Illion the Red
11-03-05, 12:06 PM I never bothered with IWD2, so I can't speak to it's merits.

BG2: For a single-player experience, this is a BIG and in-depth game. There are a great many side-quests that you will want to do just for the fun of it. The NPC interactions can be entertaining, especially when you least expect it. (for those of you who know the game..."Better Part of Valor" is still one of my favorite lines in a CRPG ever). I'd suggest getting BG1, it's expansion (something about the Sword Coast), and the BG2 expansion(Throne of Baal?) as they are all interrelated.

NWN: I played the original and the 1st expansion. (When I heard how buggy the 2nd expansion was, I fled...and fast). I enjoyed both, but found them to be rather weak story-wise. The real draw for this game is the ability to build your own modules and play in modules others have created. This includes some rather elaborate and powerful scripting code. So, if you have any interest in designing your own stuff, this is the path for you.

Bottom line: For a purely enjoyable game, go with the BG series. For a creative outlet, go with NWN.

[disclaimer rant] I detest most online computer games. If I want to play a game with someone else, I'll pull the books out and play D&D. I don't need a computer for that.[/disclaimer rant]
DragonDeadite
11-03-05, 02:08 PM IWD2 is an awesome game. I don't usualy play any RPG more than once but I went through this one twice just because of the fact that I enjoyed it. Of course, the second time I cheated and had all the character start at level 30, but HEY! It was just for fun the second time through! I find it cool that the story actualy changed based on who certain NPCs talk to first. Like at one point if you only have goodie-goodie characters (paladins and monks mostly) then you never get to learn a certain part of the story line because they will ALWAYS attack a few of the NPCs that you would otherwise need to get info from first. My best piece of advice for the game is to always build a character as a rogue so that you CAN get a few of the more important plot points. I'm sure this can be accomplished with any other kind of character that you make neutral/evil but I like having a rogue in the party, makes it easier to by-pass those friggin locks and traps man!!
Aliquid
11-03-05, 03:27 PM The NWN graphics are better visually, but i can say that like this:

In BG2 the graphics give you the impression to be in the Forgotten Realms

In NWN the graphics give you the impression to be in a game about the Forgotten Realms.You see, I just don't go for the "3d graphics are better visually" theory.

I found the graphics in BG2 and BG1 to be artistic and detailed. The graphics for NWN were chunky, angular and typical of a 3d environment.

Or more specifically, if you took a screen shot of an environment in BG (houses, farmland etc), and looked at it, it almost looks like a drawing, or artwork. If you took a screenshot of a similar environment in NWN, it clearly looks like computer graphics.
Daddio42
11-03-05, 03:49 PM In single player mode, I prefer the human-game interface in NWN over that of BG2: more mouse, less keyboard. I've not done multi-player.
WizO_Negathael
11-03-05, 04:24 PM I would personally recommend Baldur's Gate (and the expansion, Tales of the Sword Coast) and Baldur's Gate II (and the expansion, Throne of Bhaal) to anyone looking to play a D&D CRPG. The ongoing storyline through both games and the expansions is INCREDIBLY detailed and immersive, almost to the point where you begin to wish it wouldn't end... There are numerous side-quests and NPC-specific quests to keep you occupied for a LONG time, while still allowing you to ignore them and advance the main plot quicker if you wish (although you might find the latter portions of the game tougher if you ignore all of them).

If you find yourself with even more time on your hands, there are a number of fan-made expansions out there for both games, including one (Baldur's Gate Trilogy) that allows you to play both games and their expansions all the way through as a single game! A good starting point for finding fan-mods is The Sorcerer's Place (http://www.sorcerers.net). They have mods for all of the Infinity Engine games (the engine BG, BGII, IWD, IWDII and PS:T run on) as well as a couple of others.

That's another game I would heartily recommend, actually - Planescape: Torment.
Ekranoplan
11-03-05, 04:43 PM which of these games would you recommend? i am leaning towards BG2 even though NWN is visually a beter game, BG2 just seems more fun. I wasnt sure where to post this but i figured since the games are related to D&D this would be the best area to ask.

I have never played Ice Wind Dale, but I can tell you this

Baldur's Gate II > the Neverwinter Nights

Neverwinter Nights is crap. The visuals really are not that amazing (character models are blocky, spell effects not to great, the skeletons fight like they are boxing...) the music is not to good, and the voices are not to great either. Also, you are completely railroaded in Neverwinter Nights. I hate working for some stupid city of "good" people. Damn there plague, I just want to leave and see what else it out there. The game is not about you, its about the city of Neverwinter.

Baldur's Gate II, however, has amazing music. The visuals are a good example of the technology they were made with. The game story is solely focused upon you. There are tons of side quests, all of the characters you can get to join your group have neat backround stories, plus their own sub quests. You meet plenty of interesting people, nice voice acting, awe inspiring quests, especially the Cult of the Eyeless quest. That was amazing.

There are also multiple paths in Baldur's Gate. What I am about to say may seem like a spoiler, but its not. In the beginning of the game you have the option to work with the Shadow Theives (its a major plot point) But if you just completely ignore the Shadow Thieves and continue on your way, you eventually start receiving offers from the other group in the game. I wont say more, lest I spoil the game.

BG2 and its expansion, Throne of Bhaal are the best single-player RPGs ever created!!!!!! The story line is so immersive and well written that it's just plain scary. Great sound track too! Never discount the game's sound track! But you will have fun playing any of the listed games. In order, I recommend (from best to least best) BG2 and its expansion, IWD2, IWD, BG and its expansion Durlags Tower, then NWN. NWN just isn't as fun as far as single player game play is concerned.

This quote is 100 % accurate. Listen to this person, and everyone who agrees with him! BALDUR'S GATE II IS AMAZING.

Hopefully, they will continue using the same engine they used to make the Baldurs Gate game with future games. (I think it was the aurora engine?) The engine they used for Neverwinter Nights is just sub par.
Mula
11-03-05, 04:47 PM BG2 is the best of the lot. As others have said already, it's simply a great game. IWD2 I found to be a little bland, a little too boring to play. NWN is fine, but the single-player campaign that's provided automatically is dull.

Now, the best CRPG out there is definitely Planescape: Torment. It's ridiculously good. You have to have it.
Illion the Red
11-03-05, 04:52 PM That's another game I would heartily recommend, actually - Planescape: Torment.

I enthusiastically second this recommendation...but offer this caution:

PST is very much a ROLEPLAYING computer game. There is a signigicant amount of text to read as you go through the game. Talking to NPCs (even the party memebers) is often thoroughly entertaining and adds a richness to the plot that few (if any) games come close to.

If you are looking for a diabloesqe killfest, look elsewhere.
spoogemonkey
11-03-05, 05:22 PM BG and BG2 are not just better - they are MUCH better than NWN. And the suggestion that NWN has better graphics is baloney.

Ice Wind Dale and IWD2 are just extentions of BG and, therefore worth the money.

After playing BG about 5 times through... and BG2 about 3 times.... NWN was a disappointment. (oddly the dragons were listed as difficulty factor "impossible".... but everyone kills them anyway). The BG game series is:
a) prettier
b) harder
c) more open
d) more flexible
e) more fun
f) grander in scope
Bane
11-03-05, 05:45 PM I have played BG, BG II, BG II ToB, and the NWN games. I only regret the NWN games. My only disappointment regarding the Baldur's Gate games was that if something happens to you, you're done. It doesn't matter if your surviving allies have Raise Dead, Harper's Call, Resurrection, or whatever. If you die, they apparently decide you weren't worth saving.
Transcendence
11-03-05, 06:14 PM NWN is the best. And NWN2 will be even better.
WolfHati
11-03-05, 06:55 PM I have played BG, BG II, BG II ToB, and the NWN games. I only regret the NWN games. My only disappointment regarding the Baldur's Gate games was that if something happens to you, you're done. It doesn't matter if your surviving allies have Raise Dead, Harper's Call, Resurrection, or whatever. If you die, they apparently decide you weren't worth saving.

There's actually a good plot reason for that...

I would heartily recommend BG2, personally. I've gotten far more nejoyment out of it than I have out of NWN. It has so much content that it really doesn't matter so much that you can't make your own modules. Of course I started playing AD&D under the 2e ruleset, so it may be that I'm simply more partial to that.
Bane
11-03-05, 07:38 PM There's actually a good plot reason for that...
I know, but that shouldn't make a difference for leaving me petrified/imprisoned. When they could immediately take care of that problem, that is. Oh well. Still the best CRPG I've ever played.
Ozreth
11-04-05, 12:26 AM well me and some friends got BGII and are having a blast with the multiplayer. Thanks for all the advice, BGII takes the cup!

Post/Author/DateTime	Post
Ozreth 11-02-05, 01:22 AM	which of these games would you recommend? i am leaning towards BG2 even though NWN is visually a beter game, BG2 just seems more fun. I wasnt sure where to post this but i figured since the games are related to D&D this would be the best area to ask.
Scipion Emilien 11-02-05, 01:28 AM	First, BG2 work with 2e edition rule and NWN with 3e, i don t know if it s better for you or not. Now, at a single-player level, Baldur gate 2 has more deep and immersive story than NWN. The NWN story, while not being bad, lack the immersion and thought of the BG2 one. For a multi-player point of view, NWN is really better, if you can find a good PW, you will be able to share your experience with a DM and others players. It will be what is the more close to a numerical version of your regular D&D game. BG2 has his story to play in multi player, and it s often boring to see your buddy main character do all the talk and read while waiting to play.
Ske 11-02-05, 09:35 AM	For single player, I'd go BG2 (BG1 first though). For multiplayer, I'd go pen and paper DnD. If you _have_ to play multiplayer on your com, I'd probably choose NWN, because BG2's system isn't multiplayer-friendly.
DungeonMaster 11-02-05, 09:40 AM	BG2 . It has quirks and a whole pile of overpowered/broken stuff but it is so much more fun than the others. The characters (the dialog alone) are infinitely more detailed, the quests are better, the storyline is better, the items are better, the gameplay is better - but most importantly the feel of the game is better. The feel of the game is just right, so damn close to D&D as I've played it for years that it's amazing.
Dwayne 11-02-05, 11:39 AM	BG2 is the best but play BG1 first. It has different graphics but is still playable. Get all the patches if your version does not have them included. The directX patch for BG1 is important if you don't like crashing. BG1 uses 2nd edition rules while BG2 uses mostly 2nd edition rules with a little 3rd edition. Gameplay is around 40 hours on BG1 and 100 on BG2. Don't forget that NWN is much more than what is on the cd's. There are thousands of modules on nwvault to download. Uses 3rd edition rules. IWD2 is a very fun game. It is 2d like BG1/2 but uses 3rd edition rules. Don't discount this game. This is a very fun game along with the original IWD. IWD and IWD2 are not part of the same story. You are fine playing one and not the other.
Azual 11-02-05, 04:25 PM	whats IWD. and while were at it, what is IIRC.
rbrt_Spade 11-02-05, 05:46 PM	Search the web for game reviews. Also the older games are cheaper. You can pick up bg1 &2 and nwn for $20. Also all hail to the expansion for bg2-good stuff.
Ske 11-02-05, 05:52 PM	whats IWD. and while were at it, what is IIRC. 'Icewind Dale', and the other one I think is 'If I Recall Correctly', but this is just what I've always assumed it meant. Usually fits with whatever is written.
Archtyrant Terevoth 11-02-05, 07:10 PM	BG2 is much better IMO.
Molitor 11-02-05, 07:10 PM	BG2 . It has quirks and a whole pile of overpowered/broken stuff but it is so much more fun than the others. The characters (the dialog alone) are infinitely more detailed, the quests are better, the storyline is better, the items are better, the gameplay is better - but most importantly the feel of the game is better. The feel of the game is just right, so damn close to D&D as I've played it for years that it's amazing. I agree.
Rasstir 11-02-05, 08:31 PM	I've played IWD2 and NWN but not BG or BG2 I say go with IWD2, I got addicted to it over the summer and played it like a FIEND. On my third trip the story was old though, still had a lot of fun, runs of 3e rules. NWN: got the platinum edition for 28 dollars, hated it, hated the movement, the graphics, the layout, everything. BG2: Never played it, uses the same engine as IWD2 so expect same graphics, I believe there are only pre made parties so no making your own I say go with IWD2 (it beats IWD as well)
Azual 11-02-05, 09:13 PM	thanks, ah, and what is IMO. :)
Ozreth 11-02-05, 09:18 PM	IMO is in my opinion. so you cant create your own chars in BG2?
Aliquid 11-02-05, 09:27 PM	IMO is in my opinion. so you cant create your own chars in BG2?Actually you can. It is more fun to create the base character and meet people along the way, but you can create the whole party if you want. Oh, and by the way... I personally like the graphics in BG2 better than NWN. Heck I like the original BG's graphics better.
Scipion Emilien 11-03-05, 11:49 AM	Oh, and by the way... I personally like the graphics in BG2 better than NWN. Heck I like the original BG's graphics better. The NWN graphics are better visually, but i can say that like this: In BG2 the graphics give you the impression to be in the Forgotten Realms In NWN the graphics give you the impression to be in a game about the Forgotten Realms.
sandskimmer 11-03-05, 11:58 AM	BG2 and its expansion, Throne of Bhaal are the best single-player RPGs ever created!!!!!! The story line is so immersive and well written that it's just plain scary. Great sound track too! Never discount the game's sound track! But you will have fun playing any of the listed games. In order, I recommend (from best to least best) BG2 and its expansion, IWD2, IWD, BG and its expansion Durlags Tower, then NWN. NWN just isn't as fun as far as single player game play is concerned. Anyone who has never played BG & BG2 is missing out like they just don't know...
Illion the Red 11-03-05, 12:06 PM	I never bothered with IWD2, so I can't speak to it's merits. BG2: For a single-player experience, this is a BIG and in-depth game. There are a great many side-quests that you will want to do just for the fun of it. The NPC interactions can be entertaining, especially when you least expect it. (for those of you who know the game..."Better Part of Valor" is still one of my favorite lines in a CRPG ever). I'd suggest getting BG1, it's expansion (something about the Sword Coast), and the BG2 expansion(Throne of Baal?) as they are all interrelated. NWN: I played the original and the 1st expansion. (When I heard how buggy the 2nd expansion was, I fled...and fast). I enjoyed both, but found them to be rather weak story-wise. The real draw for this game is the ability to build your own modules and play in modules others have created. This includes some rather elaborate and powerful scripting code. So, if you have any interest in designing your own stuff, this is the path for you. Bottom line: For a purely enjoyable game, go with the BG series. For a creative outlet, go with NWN. [disclaimer rant] I detest most online computer games. If I want to play a game with someone else, I'll pull the books out and play D&D. I don't need a computer for that.[/disclaimer rant]
DragonDeadite 11-03-05, 02:08 PM	IWD2 is an awesome game. I don't usualy play any RPG more than once but I went through this one twice just because of the fact that I enjoyed it. Of course, the second time I cheated and had all the character start at level 30, but HEY! It was just for fun the second time through! I find it cool that the story actualy changed based on who certain NPCs talk to first. Like at one point if you only have goodie-goodie characters (paladins and monks mostly) then you never get to learn a certain part of the story line because they will ALWAYS attack a few of the NPCs that you would otherwise need to get info from first. My best piece of advice for the game is to always build a character as a rogue so that you CAN get a few of the more important plot points. I'm sure this can be accomplished with any other kind of character that you make neutral/evil but I like having a rogue in the party, makes it easier to by-pass those friggin locks and traps man!!
Aliquid 11-03-05, 03:27 PM	The NWN graphics are better visually, but i can say that like this: In BG2 the graphics give you the impression to be in the Forgotten Realms In NWN the graphics give you the impression to be in a game about the Forgotten Realms.You see, I just don't go for the "3d graphics are better visually" theory. I found the graphics in BG2 and BG1 to be artistic and detailed. The graphics for NWN were chunky, angular and typical of a 3d environment. Or more specifically, if you took a screen shot of an environment in BG (houses, farmland etc), and looked at it, it almost looks like a drawing, or artwork. If you took a screenshot of a similar environment in NWN, it clearly looks like computer graphics.
Daddio42 11-03-05, 03:49 PM	In single player mode, I prefer the human-game interface in NWN over that of BG2: more mouse, less keyboard. I've not done multi-player.
WizO_Negathael 11-03-05, 04:24 PM	I would personally recommend Baldur's Gate (and the expansion, Tales of the Sword Coast) and Baldur's Gate II (and the expansion, Throne of Bhaal) to anyone looking to play a D&D CRPG. The ongoing storyline through both games and the expansions is INCREDIBLY detailed and immersive, almost to the point where you begin to wish it wouldn't end... There are numerous side-quests and NPC-specific quests to keep you occupied for a LONG time, while still allowing you to ignore them and advance the main plot quicker if you wish (although you might find the latter portions of the game tougher if you ignore all of them). If you find yourself with even more time on your hands, there are a number of fan-made expansions out there for both games, including one (Baldur's Gate Trilogy) that allows you to play both games and their expansions all the way through as a single game! A good starting point for finding fan-mods is The Sorcerer's Place (http://www.sorcerers.net). They have mods for all of the Infinity Engine games (the engine BG, BGII, IWD, IWDII and PS:T run on) as well as a couple of others. That's another game I would heartily recommend, actually - Planescape: Torment.
Ekranoplan 11-03-05, 04:43 PM	which of these games would you recommend? i am leaning towards BG2 even though NWN is visually a beter game, BG2 just seems more fun. I wasnt sure where to post this but i figured since the games are related to D&D this would be the best area to ask. I have never played Ice Wind Dale, but I can tell you this Baldur's Gate II > the Neverwinter Nights Neverwinter Nights is crap. The visuals really are not that amazing (character models are blocky, spell effects not to great, the skeletons fight like they are boxing...) the music is not to good, and the voices are not to great either. Also, you are completely railroaded in Neverwinter Nights. I hate working for some stupid city of "good" people. Damn there plague, I just want to leave and see what else it out there. The game is not about you, its about the city of Neverwinter. Baldur's Gate II, however, has amazing music. The visuals are a good example of the technology they were made with. The game story is solely focused upon you. There are tons of side quests, all of the characters you can get to join your group have neat backround stories, plus their own sub quests. You meet plenty of interesting people, nice voice acting, awe inspiring quests, especially the Cult of the Eyeless quest. That was amazing. There are also multiple paths in Baldur's Gate. What I am about to say may seem like a spoiler, but its not. In the beginning of the game you have the option to work with the Shadow Theives (its a major plot point) But if you just completely ignore the Shadow Thieves and continue on your way, you eventually start receiving offers from the other group in the game. I wont say more, lest I spoil the game. BG2 and its expansion, Throne of Bhaal are the best single-player RPGs ever created!!!!!! The story line is so immersive and well written that it's just plain scary. Great sound track too! Never discount the game's sound track! But you will have fun playing any of the listed games. In order, I recommend (from best to least best) BG2 and its expansion, IWD2, IWD, BG and its expansion Durlags Tower, then NWN. NWN just isn't as fun as far as single player game play is concerned. This quote is 100 % accurate. Listen to this person, and everyone who agrees with him! BALDUR'S GATE II IS AMAZING. Hopefully, they will continue using the same engine they used to make the Baldurs Gate game with future games. (I think it was the aurora engine?) The engine they used for Neverwinter Nights is just sub par.
Mula 11-03-05, 04:47 PM	BG2 is the best of the lot. As others have said already, it's simply a great game. IWD2 I found to be a little bland, a little too boring to play. NWN is fine, but the single-player campaign that's provided automatically is dull. Now, the best CRPG out there is definitely Planescape: Torment. It's ridiculously good. You have to have it.
Illion the Red 11-03-05, 04:52 PM	That's another game I would heartily recommend, actually - Planescape: Torment. I enthusiastically second this recommendation...but offer this caution: PST is very much a ROLEPLAYING computer game. There is a signigicant amount of text to read as you go through the game. Talking to NPCs (even the party memebers) is often thoroughly entertaining and adds a richness to the plot that few (if any) games come close to. If you are looking for a diabloesqe killfest, look elsewhere.
spoogemonkey 11-03-05, 05:22 PM	BG and BG2 are not just better - they are MUCH better than NWN. And the suggestion that NWN has better graphics is baloney. Ice Wind Dale and IWD2 are just extentions of BG and, therefore worth the money. After playing BG about 5 times through... and BG2 about 3 times.... NWN was a disappointment. (oddly the dragons were listed as difficulty factor "impossible".... but everyone kills them anyway). The BG game series is: a) prettier b) harder c) more open d) more flexible e) more fun f) grander in scope
Bane 11-03-05, 05:45 PM	I have played BG, BG II, BG II ToB, and the NWN games. I only regret the NWN games. My only disappointment regarding the Baldur's Gate games was that if something happens to you, you're done. It doesn't matter if your surviving allies have Raise Dead, Harper's Call, Resurrection, or whatever. If you die, they apparently decide you weren't worth saving.
Transcendence 11-03-05, 06:14 PM	NWN is the best. And NWN2 will be even better.
WolfHati 11-03-05, 06:55 PM	I have played BG, BG II, BG II ToB, and the NWN games. I only regret the NWN games. My only disappointment regarding the Baldur's Gate games was that if something happens to you, you're done. It doesn't matter if your surviving allies have Raise Dead, Harper's Call, Resurrection, or whatever. If you die, they apparently decide you weren't worth saving. There's actually a good plot reason for that... I would heartily recommend BG2, personally. I've gotten far more nejoyment out of it than I have out of NWN. It has so much content that it really doesn't matter so much that you can't make your own modules. Of course I started playing AD&D under the 2e ruleset, so it may be that I'm simply more partial to that.
Bane 11-03-05, 07:38 PM	There's actually a good plot reason for that... I know, but that shouldn't make a difference for leaving me petrified/imprisoned. When they could immediately take care of that problem, that is. Oh well. Still the best CRPG I've ever played.
Ozreth 11-04-05, 12:26 AM	well me and some friends got BGII and are having a blast with the multiplayer. Thanks for all the advice, BGII takes the cup!