And so i've finally finished the sequel. Unsurprisingly, it's very similar to its predecessor - although that might be due to the Enhanced Edition's consistency overhauls

Everything is much more epic. We're now at levels 10 - 30, so we're attacking three times a round, and casting spells of literal life and death. Suitably, our foes are now liches and beholders and mind-flayers. We're a long way away (about 100 hours in my case) from killing rats in the kitchen, and you can feel the difference. As much as i don't get along with 2nd edition D&D, this sense of progression is very satisfying

We have a new nemesis to chase across the map, although this time he's far more interesting, with more human motivations, which counter-intuitively makes him easier to hate. Structurally, it's almost the inverse of the first game; there, we meandered through the wilderness towns until finally reaching Baldur's Gate, where a bunch of side quests and story threads are revealed. This time you spend a large chunk at the start solving all the problems in the city of Athkatla, before setting out on the mostly linear chase. The expansion is a kind of battle royale of demigods, where you fight the most powerful remaining children of Bhaal, for the titular Throne - content fit for your high level character

Special note should be given to the companions, as this game is where you can see Bioware solidified their style. Romance is now a prominent option for some, and each has their own personal quest to follow. These are usually given after traveling together for a while, whereas later games let you do nearly all of them through regular chats at home base. I primarily kept the returning characters from BG1, and it was quite (bitter)sweet to witness their stories evolve and eventually close

Enjoyed this one a bit more than the first; i think they're growing on me (Stockholm syndrome perhaps?), but wow do they take long to play. Decimating my monthly completion rate…