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Dear Revelwood,

We of the Revelwood Gaming Guild (Electronics Division) have been meeting regularly for the past three months and have successfully completed our critique of the game "Baldur's Gate II" of the Dark Alliance series. We played the game on the Playstation II game platform.

Our rating system is based on a numeric scale, with 1 representing the lowest score and 10 the highest score possible. Therefore, the lowest total score the game could receive would be a 5 and the highest score could be a 50. Our critique was based on five categories which included Graphics, Storyline, Control Layout/Use, Music Score and Overall Game Satisfaction.

After many hours of diligent play and subsequent deliberation, this is our evaluation:

1. Graphics Score of 9.2
   The three-dimensional graphics added an air of realism, especially in combat situations. The detail is immaculate, even down to the heat distortion visible over the torches and the ripples in the areas of standing water.
2. Story Line Score of 8
   The story is based on a complex saga of epic proportions and is full of plot twists and subtle nuances. These are sometimes difficult to follow, but were captivating none-the-less. As an example of this, we found that we really began to hate the "Imp" creatures/characters and we would go out of our way to mess with them every chance we had.
3. Control Layout/Use Score of 10
   We could tell that whoever designed the game control invested a lot of thought and care. The control system was perfect. All of the actions were comfortable and quick. They could not have been better.
4. Musical Score Score 9
   The music was surprisingly well played, appropriate to the scene and was not distractive in any way. If I were able to purchase the score, I would play it in my car. It is extremely well orchestrated and was expertly integrated into the story-line, as well as into individual actions.
5. Overall Game Satisfaction Score 9.7
   In summary, a great format, excellent design, incredibly accommodating, a truly captivating experience. There were many things to do and many ways to do them.

TOTAL GAME RATING: 45.9 out of 50

We really enjoyed our time playing this game and look forward to critiquing other games in the future. We are considering expanding the game platform to include PCs. This way, we can play a game suggested by another Revelwooder (Deryk McCleod). We understand that some Revelwooders have already played this game. However, if you are interested in playing the game, please contact Deryk. Then, write to us and let us know what you thought of it.

Until then, keep hitting the X button…

Respectfully Yours,

The Red-Eyed Brigade