finally got the game this weekend and the only reason I am not playing now and posting this message is because I am work.

I cant beleive how much better the game is than the first one. It has so much more to it. It has better side quests. The characters in the group are just written so much better. The story is interesting from the beginning. IT IS HUGE!! I am only in chapter one - just got out of the prison. I kept starting over to try different characters. Just the overall experience is just so great - I love it. This just may be the best game I have played. Phew... I feel much better now, well off to work so I can get home to play.

I have played the original BG and IWD but never have enjoyed them as much as BG2 right now. Great game and great quests that keep you interested and coming back for more.

I agree totally! When I think of BG and IWD I can think of specific areas that took my interest. The ambush at The Friendly Arm Inn by that mage character or Kuldahar in Icewind Dale. Baldur's Gate 2 though has much more depth, sound, NPC interaction and of course, quests that don't feel like quests, but feel like a flow of a world and makes the game much more enjoyable in the end. They've done a great job with the little things and I am very impressed with how things are going.

My first experience that made my eyes really go wide was the Copper Cornet and the Slums district, making a feel for a rough, poor area. I've gone with the flow of things and try not to spoil my own adventure by reading into message boards too often.

Still Chapter 2, exploring the NPCs and the quests they have to offer. Pretty sweet story line, everything falls back into place like a puzzle.

Syl...

Chapter 2 was the biggest chapter so far, for me (I am in 6 now). I did all of the sub- quests (at least all that i found :)) and that took me several days. I believe this chapter is purposedly made so big (if you want to do all the subquests), so as to give you:
1. Enough exp, $$$ and equipment to deal with the nasties in later chapters.
2. A wide variety of NPCs, to customize your party.

Overall, very well done...

One Of my favorite things is the allows you to make judgement calls. Fights just explode on the streets right in front of you and there is no clear cut good guy or bad guy. Both sides stay ringed in the neutral blue and you have to decide wich side you should jump on, or even to get involved at all.

I will not say that this game is with out flaw, but it is sooo well though out.