Baldur's Gate: Dark Alliance is an action role-playing game blending hack-and-slash and dungeon crawler elements. Originally released for the Nintendo GameCube, PlayStation 2, and Xbox, it has recently been re-released on modern platforms. But does it hold up? Here’s an in-depth review based on my recent playthrough.
Gameplay and Story Overview
The game begins with a character selection screen, offering a choice between three classes: Human Archer, Dwarven Fighter, and Elven Sorceress, each adding a touch of replay value. Your journey starts in Baldur's Gate, where your character is mugged by thieves plaguing the town. The Elf Song Tavern serves as a safe haven and home to memorable NPCs, including the bendy barmaid, Aith.
The primary gameplay revolves around hack-and-slash combat. Players gain experience by defeating monsters, leveling up, and purchasing abilities. Combat is enriched with mana-based attacks and ranged options like bows. Health, experience, and mana are displayed as bars at the top-left corner, with potions available for restoration.
Shops in major towns allow players to upgrade their weapons and armor, adding another layer of motivation. Unlike some games where loot is plentiful in the wild, the best gear is locked behind shops, encouraging gold collection through combat and exploration.
Act Breakdown
Act One: The Streets of Baldur's Gate
The opening chapter features engaging side quests and the memorable Elf Song Tavern. Players must eliminate rats in the cellar to access the sewers, where thieves hide. The chapter crescendos with a platforming challenge, a rarity in the game, where failure results in instant death. Frequent saving at save stations is crucial.
Act Two: The Sunset Mountains
Act Two takes players to the Sunset Mountains, where dark elves have overtaken a dwarven mine. The gameplay here involves lighting a signal fire and battling through dimly lit mines. The chapter concludes with a dramatic battle against an ice dragon, leading to the next area.
Act Three: The Rotten Marshland
Set in a lifeless marshland filled with zombies and lizardmen, Act Three lacks the charm of earlier chapters. The chapter culminates in the Onyx Tower, filled with powerful enemies and loot. However, the anticlimactic final boss dampens the experience.
Multiplayer Experience
The two-player mode adds a cooperative element, but players must contend with shared resources, making teamwork essential. The platforming section in Act One can be a challenge in synchronization.
Final Thoughts
Baldur's Gate: Dark Alliance offers nostalgic fun but shows its age. The engaging beginning and rewarding final stretch are marred by uneven chapters and repetitive gameplay. While the modern re-release is priced at $30, it may not justify the cost for everyone.
Despite its flaws, the game earns a solid 7/10. If you’re looking for a cooperative dungeon crawler with a hint of nostalgia, it’s worth exploring. For those interested in the full experience without committing to playing.
