Give me a reason to play this game again...

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I hear people on here who've played this game time and time and time again (I just read in a thread that Faraaz has played this 75+ times!)

Now, I've probably played this through to the end 3 or 4 times (once or twice ToB). I know every quest and how to finish them. I know where every weapon is and how to get them. I know how to get Full Plate +2 straight out of Irens Dungeon. Basically I think I know everything there is to know about this game.

What I'm looking for from you guys, is reasons why you play over and over. How do you make each time different? Give me some ideas. Something that I say 'I have to play BG2 again now!' to.

Otherwise, I think this great game of all great games will sit on the shelf collecting dust, like it has for the last 18 months or so. Such a shame that will be. Give me a reason and ideas to play this again!

(PS - Just don't ask me to play with the improved battles mod. I've tried that before and it's just stupidly hard!)

 

Take some time off, then try again.

 

Did you actually read what I wrote?

 

Solo it, take smaller parties through, no Arcane spellcasters in a party, no clerics in a party, fighters only, themed parties, male only, female only.

Off the top of me head those are a few things I can think of that make me keep wanting to play it. Also don't play it to the exclusion of all else. I play several different games so I don't get bored with one.

 

I was tempted to try and solo it. The only problem is, I've tried that before and it was tricky to start with but once I got going, the game got sooo easy because you get the HLA's so early in SoA.

I wonder if I tried a F/T/M with just one party member to spread the XP out... hm...

 

Don't solo. It's not such a good idea.

My advice would be to play a Wild Mage, if you've never played one you will be in for some surprises along the way.

A no reload game with a Wild Mage and NPCs you may have overlooked would be quite a challenge.

 

Yes, I did read the ending as well.
Take an even longer break, I played the game first twice over and then left it for almost three years, it felt different then.
Never got bored in BG1 though.

And obey DS, play something else.

 

Change the PC you play. I tend to use fighter types, so for a different flavor I'll be a mage or a druid.

Other things that helped me are NPC mods.

 

I think that either you're interested in playing through again or you're not. I've certainly not played through 75 times, but I think I'm somewhere in the 10 - 15 range, going all the way through TOB like 4 or 5 of those times. For me, going back to BG typically happens after playing some newer game, and realizing that I preferred the way they handled this, that, or the other in BG2. Trying out new mods also helps add an element of freshness. There are plenty of mods other than the improved battles type that you mention. There are some great new NPCs that can join your party, who add new banters, side quests etc. The mod I'm planning to try next is improved anvil, as the general word on the street is that it makes BG2 feel like a new game.

But I think, at the end of the day, you have to have an interest in "becoming the bhaalspawn again." For me there is a lot of nostalgia in that, and when I hear the opening music that plays when you launch the game, it usually makes me smile after a long break from the game.

 

I like playing through with new NPC mod's. Im thinking of using the Yasraena Mod. Shes a good drow, might be interesting in a party with Viconia and perhaps a drow protagonist. Has anyone used this Mod? If so is it any good and without major bugs?

 

I don't know that and I still don't feel like replaying the game. I've played twice, thrice maybe... one of those times I was too low level for Melissan. Add another attempt with a fighter/mage that didn't last past the circus. I just can't play anything else than a paladin, I think. Most stronghold quests are available to anyone but just the reward is not so. Or maybe a quest or two you don't get, with the except of somewhat of a larger plot with the de'Arnise stronghold. All in all... well, a nice game but still. I don't re-read books, either.

 

^I am currently playing with Yasraena. So far, she has proven to be a very cool and useful addition to my party. Dialogues are well written, her interactions are cool, plus she is very strong and capable, ah and do not forget her wodnerful MR! Saved my party countless times!

@Barmy Army

Why don't you try Improved Anvil mod then? It adds quite a lot of new content, new monsters, areas, quests, items, etc. It almost makes a new game out of old BG2! Its battles are hard, yes, but not as cheesy as Tactics. It is AI is very well written. Next versions will have many more game fixes, AND item randomisation:which means you no longer will know how/where to get your best equipment:you will have to search for them! Which turns BG2 into a new, unique and wonderful game! Try it!

 

Basically what Dark Strider said. Take different parties which force you to use different tactics.

For example, I find myself always resorting to melee attacks because it's easy. But it can also get boring. So I decided to try a solo sorcerer, where melee attacks just aren't an option (other than with summons). It really made for a different experience.

Mods help, too.

 

Care to share? Can't say I've ever found that myself.

 

Limited wish probably ("I wish for a powerful magical item"= full plate +2)

 

Yeah just buy a scroll of Limited Wish from the chick in the back of the Adventurers Mart, cast it and ask for a magical item and you've got full plate +2.

Thanks for the feedback guys, it's given me a few ideas

 

I would say mods. Mods mods mods mods.

 

Get Unfinished Business. Thats a great mod that adds lots of content.

Soloing as an Assassin is cool. The bow that gives 3 attacks per round plus poison can take down lots of tough enemies when hide is not possible.

 

Not forgetting mods either.


I'd advise using a few mods that add content to the game (as that partially breaks the 'I know where everything is' feeling) and play a themed party. Even using NPCs that you normally consider underpowered can prove interesting as it forces you to play in a different way to normal.

Perhaps with characters not capable of using Full Plate +2.

 

Thanks Silverstar I think I'll try it out.