Baldur's Gate Dark Alliance review:4 stars (Balder's gate in a handheld! What's not to like?! Well...) - To preface, I'm a big fan of the Baldur's Gate series on PC. The only one I haven't played is Icewind Dale 2. I recently got a GBA and wanted to play some BG on it. I'm just starting Act 2 as an archer but I think I have a good idea for how the game is overall.

I must say it's pretty well done, if you've played any other BG games you'll recognize the isometric view of your character (you only control one character, not a party, although you interface with a variety of NPC's). You start off with nothing which is kind of cool but it doesn't take long to get stocked up. It's a fairly linear story so far but there's lots of dungeon romping in the first act and you can pretty much go where you want in a certain level once you've beaten the enemies to get keys to unlock doors etc... Most of your money will come from selling stuff you find, which of course you'll then spend on even better stuff, as any good RPG should have you do!

The plot is kind of typical so far but a lot of fun. There are some pretty snazzy graphics for a handheld, the style is very much in the BG tradition.

A few cons:

1. Redundant at times, I got tired of chasing down the last couple of kobolds at the end of a battle which you'll do quite a bit in the first act.

2. The aiming of arrows is touchy and kind of annoying. Once you get it set though you're pretty powerful as you crank off arrow after arrow (you'll go through them quickly!)

3. There is a MAJOR gameplay glitch in this game. Once you complete one of the southern sewer sections in BG and you surface near the Ilmater priest, save your game. Don't save it again until you have the magic key from Kherek. If you do things in the wrong order you can get stuck and have to start over. I'm not exactly sure what the "wrong" order is but I did get stuck and others have too.

As others have said this is a scaled back game compared to the PC versions but that's to be expected. I am really enjoying it so far and it definately does have the BG feel to it. If you like RPG's, D&D, other Baldur's Gate games then pick this one up! I actually got it off of Ebay for about 12 bucks total and I consider that a steal!3 stars (It's pretty limited.) - I've played Dark Alliance II on the PS2, Champions of Norath, other simillar games, and the only problem with this one is that the skills are pretty limited and there's no map. Plus, the limited buttons make spells hard to use.4 stars (Fun, to a point) - This is a game that is definitely all about the hack and slash. Everything else, including story, takes a backseat. The real development and appeal lies in the real time combat that dominates the game, and actually proves to be suprisingly fun.

One of my absolute favorite aspects to the Baldur's Gate games (particularly the computer version) is the atmosphere; and I believe this game is no less, though on a considerably smaller scale. The various worlds and areas explored aren't large, but they are detailed and fittingly designed. Music is used sparingly, which I see to be a minor complaint since, in my experience, Baldur's Gate creates tension and atmosphere without letting itself be dominated by the music.

The combat hack and slash is fun, as well as the vast amount of weapons and arrows and potions collected and nearly all of the barrels, etc. that are broken, and the replay is fun simply to try out the different classes (my favorite was the mage because of the awesome spells that you can learn.)

But unfortunately, it's not a very long game (was beaten in a week) nor a particularly complex one. And the replay only lasts so long; having been beaten so easily, I've beaten it many times since and have found each time less inclined to continue playing. If there are any major complaints to this game, in my opinion, it's that it's too easy and too short. I just hope that the sequel (assuming there will be one) will improve on both of those aspects.
Baldur's Gate Dark Alliance Features:
Video Games
Nintendo Game Boy Advance (Gameboy)
GBA
Role Playing Games (Game, RPG, RPGs, CRPG, CRPGs)
Great-looking fantasy RPG
Many worlds to explore
Same Baldur's Gate world, with different feel
Wide-ranging adventures possible
For one player

Baldur-s Gate Dark Alliance is the Video Game version. The full version can be purchased by clicking on the "CLICK HERE TO ORDER" button below for around 29.99USD.