E3 2002
–
First Look
Last year Black Isle Studios got a pleasant surprise when copies
of Baldur’s Gate: Dark Alliance flew off the shelves at an unexpected rate.
Powered by incredible graphics, addictive action-oriented gameplay, and an RPG
element that doesn’t require a veteran Dungeon Master, Baldur’s Gate: Dark
Alliance proved that RPGs and action can mix for a successful lend on home
consoles.
BGDA2 continues off where the first title ended. There’s a new
problem in the realm, and it will be up to five new characters to bring peace
back to Amn. New to this year’s roster is the Human Barbarian, the Dark Elf
Monk, the Moon Elf Necromancer, the Dwarven Treasure Hunter, and the Human
Cleric. The merry adventurers have 40 levels to play through that should keep
them busy for more than an estimated twenty hours of gameplay, almost twice as
long as the original title (one of the chief complaints of the first game was
its brevity). Further lengthening the game is its non-linear playability,
meaning players will have to choose their options wisely as some quests won’t be
available too long, increasing the replay value.
“We tried to balance offense and defense more this year,” said
Kevin Osburn, Associate Producer at Black Isle Studios. He then rattled off a
list of numerous defensive spells that will add even more depth to the game.
Characters can also dual class later in the game on their way to a maximum
level of 40. The popular ability to play cooperatively will also return this
year.
New to this edition of the game is the ability to forge magical
weapons. The details haven’t been solidified, but these new magical weapons
should keep the originality content very high. Incredible amounts of detail
have also been added to armor, weapons, and characters, to make the game even
more beautiful than its predecessor. The Xbox version will also have
downloadable content via Xbox Live. Osburn also hinted at a few surprises, but
not even a Vorpal Sword + 2 could get the information out of him.
Baldur’s Gate: Dark Alliance II is scheduled for release this
Winter.
