General Information
Baldur's Gate II: Shadows of Amn is a CRPG, released by Bioware in 2000. It uses the AD&D ruleset, but incorporates aspects from 3rd edition such as extra classes (Monk, Barbarian and Sorcerer) from 3rd edition to enhance gameplay.

Like its predecessor, Baldur's Gate II uses an isometric perspective and turn-based combat system, allowing the player to direct the characters' every action, making for strategic battles. Up to five NPCs can join the player in their quest, including familiar faces from Baldur's Gate. It is possible to romance some of the NPCs, becoming their lover and confidante, adding new depth to the game.

Baldur's Gate II: Shadows of Amn has an expansion pack, Throne of Bhaal, which was released in 2001. It allows the characters to reach before-impossible epic levels and engage in combat with new monsters. The expansion pack also adds to the original game: a new mage specialist class, the Wild Mage, is added, and a new, expansive dungeon called Watcher's Keep can be explored.

Storyline
After spending an unknown length of time trapped and tortured in a dungeon, you are woken by your childhood friend, Imoen. The villain Irenicus has captured you and your companions and seems to have some higher agenda in place for you. It is up to you to escape his clutches, and then discover what it is he has in store for you.

In Throne of Bhaal, war is brewing across the land: people against Bhaalspawn and Bhaalspawn against Bhaalspawn. Like it or not, you have been drawn in to the deathly machinations of your siblings and must survive this troubled time.

With the villain Irenicus dead and his torments behind you, Queen Ellesime of Suldanessellar has suggested you visit the Ancient Spirits, whose dire words warn of much danger to come.

"The wheels of prophecy e'er turn,
Gorion's ward hath come.
Crossroad of past, present and future,
The one foreseen, the one foretold.

That which hath past is ne'er truly gone,
History repeats, though mortals choose not to see.
War and bloodshed be not new to the Realms,
A god that once hath been may be once again."

In Throne of Bhaal, the Bhaalspawn saga which began in Baldur's Gate finally draws to an end. The Time of the Prophecies has arrived, and it seems Alaundo's predictions were all too accurate. Caught in the middle of these events, you must move forward and begin to live out your destiny.