Baldur's Gate II rolls onto iPad: classic role playing game reborn

It's the news that D&D and role playing game fans have waited months to hear: Baldur's Gate II Enhanced Edition is now available for download from the App Store. Following the Mac and PC versions' release, the iPad version has passed muster with Apple and is ready to be played.

Baldur's Gate II: Enhanced Edition is a modern version of Bioware's nearly legendary fantasy role playing game that originally saw the light of day in 2000. The game follows the exploits of Gorion's Ward, the protagonist of the first game, as he (or she) and their party of skilled adventurers makes their way across the Forgotten Realms as they battle the wizard Irenicus.

The Enhanced Edition incorporates both the original Baldur's Gate II, subtitled Shadows of Amn and a later-released expansion pack called Throne of Bhaal. Four new party members have been added, and a high-level combat scenario called The Black Pits 2: Gladiators of Thay has also been included. Multiplayer gaming is supported, as well.

Baldur's Gate II for iPad seemed lost in limbo for a while - it was submitted for Apple's approval weeks ago. Trent Oster, the game's creative director, has been on tenterhooks awaiting the game's release, which he finally confirmed yesterday via Twitter.

In-app purchases are available which unlock additional characters and artwork, but they're not required to finish the game.