Baldur's Gate: Dark Alliance

The main pros of the game

• Nostalgia Factor: Many players expressed strong feelings of nostalgia, recalling fond memories from their childhood playing the original game on consoles like the PS2 and GameCube.
• Gameplay Mechanics: The game features a fast-paced combat system that many found enjoyable, especially in a cooperative setting. Players appreciated the action RPG elements and the dungeon-crawling experience.
• Graphics: Some reviews noted that the graphics were improved compared to the original, with sharper visuals and a generally appealing aesthetic.
• Replayability: Players highlighted the game's replayability, particularly for those who enjoy leveling up characters and tackling challenges repeatedly.
• Co-op Play: The game supports local co-op, which many users enjoyed, reminiscing about playing with friends or family.

The main cons of the game

• Price Point: A significant number of users felt the game was overpriced, especially considering its age and the lack of substantial enhancements. Many recommended waiting for a sale.
• Technical Issues: Users reported numerous technical problems, including issues with frame rates causing the game to run too quickly, bugs affecting gameplay, and problems with controller support.
• Difficulty and Balance: Several reviews mentioned the game’s difficulty spikes and unbalanced gameplay, making it frustrating for solo players, particularly on higher difficulty settings.
• Short Length: The game was criticized for being relatively short, with some players completing it in around 9 to 14 hours, which felt insufficient for the price.
• Lack of Modern Features: Users pointed out the absence of quality-of-life improvements and features like Steam achievements or proper cloud saves, which diminished the experience for some.

The features or elements that are missing from the game according to users

• Quality of Life Updates: Many players expected modern enhancements that were not included, such as improved controls for mouse and keyboard, better inventory management, and more intuitive gameplay mechanics.
• Replayability Elements: Users noted the lack of random dungeon respawning and grinding opportunities, which limited the potential for extended play and exploration.
• Enhanced Multiplayer Functionality: Some reviews mentioned issues with multiplayer features, including broken co-op functionality and the inability to revive fallen teammates without restarting.
• In-Game Help or Tutorials: New players expressed a desire for more guidance on gameplay mechanics, particularly regarding combat strategies and character builds.
• Cross-Platform Cloud Saves: Users were disappointed with the lack of cross-platform save functionality between Steam and Steam Deck, which hindered the ability to switch between devices seamlessly.

Summary

• Overall, while "Baldur's Gate: Dark Alliance" retains a strong nostalgic appeal and offers enjoyable gameplay, it faces criticism for its pricing, technical issues, and lack of modern updates that could enhance the experience for both new and returning players.

Summary generated on: November 17, 2025