Summary
- Release Year: 2001
- Genres: Hack and slash/Beat ’em up, Role-playing game (RPG)
- Platforms: Linux, Mac, Nintendo GameCube, Nintendo Switch, PC (Microsoft Windows), PlayStation 2, PlayStation 4, Xbox, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S
- Developers: Black Isle Studios, Snowblind Studios
- Publishers: Interplay, Interplay Entertainment, Pacific Century CyberWorks, Virgin Interactive Entertainment
Baldur’s Gate: Dark Alliance (2001) Review: A Revolutionary Action RPG
Baldur’s Gate: Dark Alliance (2001) is a groundbreaking action role-playing game that set a new standard for the genre. Developed by Snowblind Studios and published by Interplay Entertainment, the game was released for the PlayStation 2, Xbox, and GameCube, and was later ported to Windows in 2002.
Baldur’s Gate: Dark Alliance is set in the Forgotten Realms campaign setting of Dungeons & Dragons, and follows the story of a party of four adventurers who are tasked with investigating a mysterious plague that is ravaging the city of Baldur’s Gate. Along the way, the party must battle hordes of monsters, solve puzzles, and make difficult choices that will affect the outcome of the story.
One of the most striking things about Baldur’s Gate: Dark Alliance is its graphics. The game uses a cel-shaded art style that gives the characters and environments a unique and eye-catching look. The character models are highly detailed, and the animations are fluid and realistic. The environments are also very well-realized, with a variety of different locations to explore, from dark dungeons to lush forests.
The gameplay in Baldur’s Gate: Dark Alliance is fast-paced and action-packed. The player controls one of the four party members, and can switch between them at any time. Each character has their own unique abilities and playstyles, so the player can experiment with different combinations to find the ones that work best for them.
The combat in Baldur’s Gate: Dark Alliance is very satisfying. The player can use a variety of weapons and spells to defeat their enemies, and the combat is very visceral and impactful. The game also features a variety of different enemy types, each with their own unique strengths and weaknesses.
In addition to the main story campaign, Baldur’s Gate: Dark Alliance also features a number of side quests and challenges. These side quests can be completed to earn experience points and items, and they can also help the player to learn more about the game’s world and characters.
Baldur’s Gate: Dark Alliance was a critical and commercial success, and it is still considered to be one of the best action RPGs ever made. The game’s innovative gameplay, stunning graphics, and epic story make it a must-play for fans of the genre.
Characters
The player can choose to play as one of four different characters in Baldur’s Gate: Dark Alliance:
- Aeria: A human female fighter who is skilled in melee combat.
- Dorn: A dwarven male warrior who is strong and durable.
- Elistra: An elven female sorceress who can cast a variety of powerful spells.
- Linu: A halfling female rogue who is agile and stealthy.
Each character has their own unique abilities and playstyles, so the player can experiment with different combinations to find the ones that work best for them.
Story
The story of Baldur’s Gate: Dark Alliance begins in the city of Baldur’s Gate, which is being ravaged by a mysterious plague. The player’s party is tasked with investigating the plague and finding a cure. Along the way, the party must battle hordes of monsters, solve puzzles, and make difficult choices that will affect the outcome of the story.
The story of Baldur’s Gate: Dark Alliance is well-written and engaging, and it features a cast of memorable characters. The game’s world is also very well-realized, with a variety of different locations to explore.
Gameplay
The gameplay in Baldur’s Gate: Dark Alliance is fast-paced and action-packed. The player controls one of the four party members, and can switch between them at any time. Each character has their own unique abilities and playstyles, so the player can experiment with different combinations to find the ones that work best for them.
The combat in Baldur’s Gate: Dark Alliance is very satisfying. The player can use a variety of weapons and spells to defeat their enemies, and the combat is very visceral and impactful. The game also features a variety of different enemy types, each with their own unique strengths and weaknesses.
In addition to the main story campaign, Baldur’s Gate: Dark Alliance also features a number of side quests and challenges. These side quests can be completed to earn experience points and items, and they can also help the player to learn more about the game’s world and characters.
Graphics
The graphics in Baldur’s Gate: Dark Alliance are stunning. The game uses a cel-shaded art style that gives the characters and environments a unique and eye-catching look. The character models are highly detailed, and the animations are fluid and realistic. The environments are also very well-realized, with a variety of different locations to explore, from dark dungeons to lush forests.
Conclusion
Baldur’s Gate: Dark Alliance is a revolutionary action RPG that set a new standard for the genre. The game’s innovative gameplay, stunning graphics, and epic story make it a must-play for fans of the genre.
Review Score
8.5/10
Art
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