Baldur's Gate II: Shadows of Amn

Baldur's Gate II: Shadows of Amn is a role-playing video game developed by BioWare and published by Interplay Entertainment. It is the sequel to the acclaimed Baldur's Gate and was released for Microsoft Windows in September 2000. The game is set in the Forgotten Realms campaign setting and utilizes the Advanced Dungeons & Dragons 2nd edition rules.

Gameplay

The gameplay of Baldur's Gate II: Shadows of Amn is similar to its predecessor, featuring a real-time with pause combat system. Players control a party of up to six characters, each with their own unique abilities and class. The game offers a rich narrative with numerous side quests and a main storyline that revolves around the player's character, known as the Bhaalspawn.

Plot

The story begins with the protagonist imprisoned by the wizard Jon Irenicus in the city of Athkatla, located in the region of Amn. The protagonist must escape and uncover Irenicus's plans while dealing with their own divine heritage as a child of the dead god Bhaal. The narrative explores themes of power, identity, and destiny.

Development

Baldur's Gate II: Shadows of Amn was developed using the Infinity Engine, which was also used in other BioWare games such as Planescape: Torment and Icewind Dale. The game features an improved interface, enhanced graphics, and a more complex storyline compared to its predecessor.

Reception

The game received critical acclaim upon release, praised for its deep story, complex characters, and engaging gameplay. It is often cited as one of the greatest role-playing games of all time. The game has a loyal fan base and has been re-released in various formats, including an Enhanced Edition by Beamdog.

Legacy

Baldur's Gate II: Shadows of Amn has had a lasting impact on the role-playing game genre and has influenced many subsequent games. Its success led to the development of an expansion pack, Baldur's Gate II: Throne of Bhaal, which concludes the Bhaalspawn saga.

See also

• Baldur's Gate
• Baldur's Gate II: Throne of Bhaal
• BioWare
• Forgotten Realms
• Advanced Dungeons & Dragons