Baldur's Gate: Dark Alliance - Gameplay

Gameplay

Baldur's Gate: Dark Alliance is a real-time hack and slash action role-playing game presented in a 3D perspective, with a rotatable third-person overhead view. The battle system in the game is simplistic but flexible. Character statistics at the beginning of the game are preset, and the player may only customize their character's stats through gaining experience points from winning battles. At specific levels, the character gains new ability points to spend on enhancements specific to their character class. The ability choices affect the subsequent fighting style of the character.

Gameplay is linear, and any current quest must be completed successfully before the story proceeds. There are also relatively few non-player characters (NPCs), with whom only those who are part of a quest or side-quest may be interacted. Optional side-quests are limited, but those that are available help players to gain experience and level up. Weapons, armor and items are only available for purchase from one location at a time, and become increasingly expensive as the game progresses.

The game's ruleset is based on a limited set of the 3rd Edition Dungeons & Dragons rule-set; compared to other D&D games, there are relatively few rules implemented in the game. There are four playable classes: Human Arcane Archer, Elven Sorceress, Dwarven Fighter and Drow Ranger (unlockable character). Gameplay strategy is different for each character: the human relies on ranged attacks and stealth, the elf can cast magic spells, and the dwarf is an all-around fighter. Through updating each character, the characters can go on to mimic the characteristics of other classes.

Cooperative gameplay with another player is also available. Both players share the same screen, and are thus limited in how far they can move away from one another.