Game Play 3 out 5
Replayablity 4 out 5
Graphics 4 out 5
Sound 4 out 5
Details 4 out 5
Fun Factor 2 out 5

Dark Alliance II is a game that seems like it should be a lot of fun, but isn't for reasons I can't quite put my finger on. Technically the game is fine, the graphics and sound are good. And the world background is well detailed, as any Forgotten Realms should be. But the end result seems hollow somehow, as if the people making the game where just going through the motions to produce a sequel.

The game offers 5 different classes to play, and the classes offer both different backgrounds and significantly different game play. Most of the classes offer their own seperate side dungeon specific to that character. This does give the game a very high replay value, one of it's strong points.

There is a simple system of buildable magic items, but there isn't enough money to really make use of it much. To explore the different options for what weapons you can build you really have to save your game when you have a pile of money, make a weapon and then if you don't like it, reload the game. Not a huge flaw, but it is more of a disadvantage then benefit compared to the first game.

The story is a continuation of the story from Dark Alliance I, and this is one of the more obvious faults in the game. The carry over is poorly handled, with the story telegraphing it's plot and causing you to have to go back over territory from Dark Alliance I right at what should be the highlight of the plot.

I suspect that people that have not played Dark Alliance I would enjoy Dark Alliance II. But for people that have played I, II ends up being a retread that offers little new.

Jay