Baldur’s Gate II: Shadows of Amn

For more of: Dense, adventure-filled world, terrific character writing, tortured protagonist
Notable differences: Humble overhead 2D visuals, turn-based-ish combat
Availability:
Original: Windows (Steam Deck YMMV), macOS
Remaster: Windows (Steam Deck YMMV), macOS, Linux, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, PS4, PS5, Nintendo Switch, iOS, Android

The Witcher 3 occupies a lot of the same space today that Baldur’s Gate and its incredibly fleshed-out sequel Shadows of Amn did two decades earlier, in that both have been the nigh-unassailable standard-bearers for fantasy role-playing in their respective eras.

Starting Baldur’s Gate II fresh, first impressions will likely center on its now-humble 2D, pre-rendered visuals, with the tiny heroes, NPCs, and villains viewed at a far remove via an era-appropriate overhead camera. If you’re not using mods or playing one of the Enhanced Edition remasters you might have trouble just reading the text on today’s high-resolution 4K monitors.

But once past those early road bumps it’s easy to start losing yourself in the dense fantasy world that BioWare constructed. Quests and detailed conservations lurk almost everywhere, even within your own party. Talking to allies brings forth some of the most memorable character writing in CRPGs, and some of the best romances this side of Mass Effect. Your protagonist, too, reveals hidden depths, and their dark heritage weighs heavy over the present.

Baldur’s Gate II is incredibly dense with potential adventure, and always makes you feel rewarded for following your curiosity and traipsing off the beaten path. Is this all sounding familiar yet? — Alexandra Hall

How about you? What are some games that’ve scratched your own post-Witcher 3 itch?