Gaming on a Budget Ep. 6: D&D Month, Baldur's Gate Dark Alliance

[HolyCrapGames]

TEAM JACOB, BITCH!!!

[TableWolfMusic]

This is a great review apart from one startling ommission. You haven't spoken about the "real" Baldur's gate series, which are true D&D dice style games in that they are (almost) turn-based. You sort of mentioned briefly the origins of such games akin to Eye Of The Beholder with Bards Tale, but from watching this, a newcomer wouldn't know the startling difference between those and Dark Alliance especially considering all the neverwinter nights games and expansions available around the same time.

[thebgbb]

@TableWolfMusic Sorry I didn't respond sooner. I didn't mention those in episode 6 because I knew that I was going to mention them in Episode 7 (review of Icewind Dale). See this video:

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Thanks a lot for watching!

[AlCapone3226]

I hate you so much! To call Dark Alliance series a knock off of Diablo is insulting! I am amazed by the gameplay, voice acting, overall appeal, and lasting fun. These games have been and still are my favorite gamds for 9 years! Diablo sucks compared to them!

[thebgbb]

@AlCapone3226 Thank you for watching the review.

I agree with most of what you said. I think the gameplay, voice acting, and overall appeal were wonderful, but that doesn't change the fact that they are knock-offs.

I disagree that it is an insult to call them "knock offs", though; I don't think there's anything wrong with knockoffs. As I said in the review, I wish BG:DA games take MORE from Diablo (i.e. online play). If it had, I'd be willing to bet that we would be playing BG;DA3 or 4 now.

[AlCapone3226]

@thebgbb Up yours I've played every game in both series and I think BG is better. I admit it would have been great to see 3 or 4 but online could have made the game delayed, which could have caused a cancelation.

[thebgbb]

@AlCapone3226 Again, I think you're a pushing against an open door with me; if I had to choose between Diablo and BG:DA, I'd be much more inclined to play BG:DA. That still doesn't change the similarities I pointed out.

I encourage you to make a video response arguing the point. If it's on-topic (discusses the game's characteristics, why you disagree, etc, rather than stuff like "up yours" and "I hate you"), I'll gladly approve it.

As always, thanks a lot for your feedback.

[AlCapone3226]

@thebgbb

Another ting, you say that it has great voice acting, then why does the video say " The voice acting, while bad..." You're both a perv and an idiot

[thebgbb]

@AlCapone3226 Listen to the full sentence: "The voice acting, while bad, is similar to the voice acting one would expect from the dungeon master in a tabletop game." There are times when cheesiness is a wonderful thing; this is one of them. It emulates tabletop D&D quite nicely.

I'm curious: why is an honest appraisal of a THUMBS UP and RECOMMENDED BUY review bothering you so much? Also, why do you insist on using personal insults? Why make yourself into Gabe's stereotype?

[AlCapone3226]

@Mp7Mod No PS2 Gamecube and GBA

[Mp7Mod]

does anyone know if they sell this o pc?

[Poodleinacan]

Why not make a video about The elder scrolls? Morrowind GOTY is just awesome!

But Oblivion has better graphics, physic engine, house buying,..., but misses stuff that Morrowind had...

You should make a video about Morrowind GOTY... it would be great.

[Spencdabomb]

I may have finally found a reason to purchase a PS2...

"Yow!" LMAO

[Aethonic]

Dark Alliance 1 was "okay" until that last 25% when it threw more potions at me than I knew what to do with (very easy), there's no shop, you learn about the bad guy from an optional-yet-massive info-dump, it turns out the bad guy is boring, you fight it and win seconds later, and then you get a cliffhanger ending.

And why has DA2 gone up in price? It's $35 now. Why is it more than $15 at most to begin with?!

[xXKittyTreatsXx]

DARK ALLIENCE!! my faav!! :DD

[lumpyfishful]

yolw!

[HardWarUK]

These games have hardly anything to do with the real D%D. in hack'n'slash, most of the features of tabletop D&D is taken out. For this video to compare the Gold Box games to these arcade-adventures is a total sleight on the history of D&D gaming!.

[thebgbb]

@HardWarUK I must have misunderstood. Where was there a comparison between these games and the Gold Box series?

[HardWarUK]

@thebgbb You do a complete pre-amble on the history of D&D including titles like Bards Tale etc, and then Compared Dark Alliance, an action based adventure mostly and put it as the latest in the line of these D&D games. It is not. It is a separate genre. It doesn't have the stats, the sandbox world, the side quests, the stealth, the diplomacy, the NPC's, etc of the Gold Box, the Ultima or the PC BG series, that were true cRPG's.

[thebgbb]

@HardWarUK I appreciate your feedback, but I must respectfully disagree. The first part of the video is there to describe the game genre that I would be reviewing that month. The second part was a review of ONE type of D&D game. They are separate.

The only comparison that I made in the video was between BG:DA and Diablo. The only games that I WOULD compare to the Gold Box are the BioWare/Black Isle games, like Icewind Dale and the original Baldur's Gate.

(MORE)

[thebgbb]

@HardWarUK (Continued)

I encourage you to watch this video:

VyQrLekJHaY

In the first part, I describe the history of sports games, and mention Pong, Skate Or Die, and the Epyx Games. In the second part, I review NHL 2001.

Clearly, in that video, I am not making a comparison between NHL2001 and those earlier games. They are all sports games, (just as these are all D&D games), but there is no comparison. Do you see what I mean?

Thank you for the discussion. I hope you enjoy the show!

[Fireworkatheart]

I loved the Baldur's Gate games on the PC but I didn't really think much of the ones on the PS2.

[Arthurguy95]

YOW! giggitty gigitty.

[matthewshimabuku]

The first Baldur's Gate Dark Alliance has a much better story to it than the second one, if you are willing to listen to the dialogue and want a solid storyline, the first game is much better.

[thebgbb]

@matthewshimabuku Agreed. I liked the little side stories in BGDA2, but overall I felt that BGDA2's storyline was phoned in.

[DarthGaras]

I liked both these games. I think the second one got rushed out due to the company having financial problems. The later sections certainly feel rushed.

Don't compare them to the PC Baldur's Gate games as they aren't meant to be the same. The more action feel works well for a console.

[boboleni11]

this game is good i still play with my friends

[boboleni11]

bartender is hot

[EricJaggers]

baldur's gate 1 and 2 on ps2 are absolute crap compared to the pc version. the ones on ps2 are one of those games that exist soley to advertise the far superior original. for example, when nintando comes of with a new game on their latest system, they'l make a portible version that absolutely blows. they do this so that when you discover the original, it will seem like a masterpiece.baulder's gate on ps2 is a mere advertisement to get you interested in the original.

[thebgbb]

Thank you for your feedback.

I don't think the Dark Alliance games can really be compared to Baldur's Gate for the PC. Much like "The Bard's Tale," they used the name and little else.

On their own merit, I think they are decent games with a great engine that had a lot of potential.

[xenexe]

its so sad that this wasnt out for the pc i would love to play thi with my buddies

[mykmmc]

BARDS TALE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[thebgbb]

Keep an eye out for my review of Bard's Tale on the PS2 early next year.

[starshield122]

I bought both games but 2nd games storyline was really bad and the 1st didn't seem that fun to me maybe because I didn't play with another person what other games do you suggest I should P.S. I would like to join noobtoob is it a forum.

[thebgbb]

Yes. Just Google "Noobtoob," or look at Tobin00's channel on YouTube.

[cendris123]

I loved that game...and the sequel is sick too

[starshield122]

I am sorry for our loss:(

[starshield122]

Dear fellow D&D fan I have grave news Dave Arneson, co-creator of the original Dungeons & Dragons game, passed away on Tuesday evening, April 7th, after waging one final battle against cancer

[thebgbb]

I saw that. Gary Gygax last year, and Dave Arneson this year. All I have to say is:

Thanks a lot, guys. You've enriched our lives, and the lives of many generations to come.

Everyone should go outside as soon as they read this and pour a drink on the ground for their fallen homeys.

[AmbulanceProductions]

You sir...have a new subscriber. Like the work.

[rebirthangel]

There WAS, at one point, an online version of these games called "Champions of Norath: Realms of Everquest" for the PS2. It had the exact gameplay style, except it was set in the Everquest realm. Not sure if people still play it online.

Also, Interplay is back, and they said they may do another game in the dark alliance series, though not Baldur's Gate...Planescape: Dark Alliance anybody?

[thebgbb]

I can't believe I didn't notice this comment months ago.

Planescape: Dark Alliance would be fantastic! I'd also love to see either a Dragonlance or Warhammer game using the same engine. I think it would be fantastic.

[DarkAllianceForever]

hes coool

[Paloma8Dulce]

it sucks the 3rd BGDA got cancelled :(

I prefer the 1st to the sequel!

ADRIANNA ROCKS :)

[Paloma8Dulce]

Tips:~There are invincibility cheats for both games!

~Level Warp Cheat for both (good for BGDA 2 secret characters)

Use level warp in BGDA II to BGDA3 and u speak to randalla and finish the game!

there is a super character cheat (both games)

BGDA I only)

super character cheat gives you 75,000

coins and a selection of spells! Adrianna meteor swarm, fire shield i think, burning hands and more! Vahn arrow spells

BGDA2 only)

500,000 or 400,000 coins~45-47 points

Google to find all these codes!

[salvo711]

1:15

hey...uh... thebgbb... you gonna drink that? XD

great episode, although i'm more into online, social games.

[thebgbb]

Actually, I am. Keep an eye out for episode 9...

[ScruffyRanger]

Well that was interesting... I guess. I've never watched a christian deliver a D&D wrap-up before. Anyhoos...

One thing I will mention (someone else probably already has but fuck them!) No biggie really they robbed Diablo II. Diablo is nearly robbed in it's entirity from D&D.

Maybe they were just saying, like... you know... "Fuck you! Two can play at the dirty plaigarist game... three... if my friend J.K can play?"

[morph611]

Cool video, but there was no mention of Neverwinter Nights! Which is the most authentically replicated D&D video game.

[ScruffyRanger]

I don't know about that, Dude. Given it's played to 3rd/3.5 ed. rulesets. Guess it depends on which era of D&D you come from... or which ruleset you defend like a psychopath on internet web forums.

I think for me, my all time favourite PC Dungeons & Dragons would be Baldur's Gate: Tales of The Sword Coast. Durlag's fucking tower... god damnit@!#!!

[thebgbb]

One of the nice things about video games is that the ruleset execution is somewhat opaque. That is, you don't see all of the calculations; you just push the button and either hear a *splat*, *woosh*, or *clang*. This smooths over many of the differences between editions, and helps bring us all together to share a good gaming experience.

If you get a chance, take a look at Episode 7. Based on what you have said, I think you will enjoy it.

Thanks for watching!

[thebgbb]

Keep an eye out for it on "Make Your Own Games" month later this year.

Thanks for watching!

[Naraku111]

if only i got the 80g PS3 :(

meh

these awesome games probably wouldn't work on PS3

what sucks is that Baldur's Gate Dark Alliance is the funnest game i have ever played

both 1 and 2 :P

i just hope they make a third

heard rumours but have not seen enough proof

i guess Diablo 3 will have to do :(

[thebgbb]

Try Champions of Norrath. It uses the same engine as BGDA, and even has online play for up to 4 players per party.

[Naraku111]

are they making another one?

id like to play one of thse epic games on my ps3

i sold all my ps2 items

like the controller and memory cards :(

[thebgbb]

No, I don't believe there will be another Dark Alliance.

Your PS3 controller should work (can't confirm that) and another memory card should be cheap. I just saw champions of Norrath at GameStop for 17USD, and the original Dark Alliance can be had for less than 10USD.

Good luck!

[NaziJesus]

That ending killed me.

[kopaganda13]

I know NooBToob didn't like Too Human, but it's fun online with co-op. It has all the hack & slash elements with a good RPG portion.

[Jduck023]

Those games look pretty similar to Gaunlet Dark Legacy. I remember they were fun as hell for 4 player co-op with the different classes.

Keep the reviews coming man.

[cdnputter]

Great review again! If you can't find Dark Alliance and want a similar game, look for Champions of Norrath and it's sequel Champions; Return to Arms.  They're almost identical to both BG and DA.

[thebgbb]

That's an Excellent point. I read after creating this that Champions of Norrath was considered to be the "spiritual successor" to BGDA2. While I lamented in the video that this game was not designed for online play, I understand that they rectified this with Champions of Norrath.

I'll likely do a review of that game in the future.

[cdnputter]

I never tried the online portion of it, just had friends over to play 2 person, which as you mentioned was fairly easy with the Block and Range attack tactics.

[seance13]

LOL. nice ending!

[furloph]

The only downside is Dark Alliance is incredibly hard to find

[BloodyTomMorgan]

Top quality stuff here, thanks

[sonicpotter2000]

Cool. Never was into D&D though.