Originally posted by: you2
damn it now it works. I had to click 3d acc. This is very frustrating that the game would just decide to stop working. Of course with 3d acc. on it looks a *lot* nicer. It was off previously because it woudln't work in that mode. Weird game.
Its not a weird game, its a 2D game. They put in 3D acceleration ONLY to enhance the spell effects, and that decision was not made when they started working on the game. Also, it was made back in the days when Glide was king and 3DFX cards required special attention.
As for the previous issues:
ALL classes are able to complete the game. The designers went out of their way to ensure BG2 was balanced. No one class is especially weak. Your ability to complete the game will be based mostly on your tactics, which includes selecting the right party.
Your party should generally consist of: A warrior, a divine spellcaster (cleric or druid), an arcane spellcaster (Mage, Sorcerer, perhaps Bard), and a thief. (Unlike Final Fantasy 1, thieves are actually required in D&D.) Please keep in mind that your hero is part of this mix.
The extra two slots are your choice. For a beginner I'd recommend another warrior (different type than the first) and another cleric.
You dont have to worry about the experience points holding you back either. They once estimated that the core quest takes about 50 hours and all the side quests added up take about 200 hours. MOST of the XP's come from side quests. Many of them are right in town and accessible as soon as you clear Irenicus's dungeon.
Waukeens Promenade for example: You see the circus tent as soon as you get out, and we all know about the fun adventure which ends with a load of goodies and Aerie as a companion. BUT, some folks either dont know or forget about the Inn.
At one of the inns you find a group of toughs upstairs who threaten you. When you are strong enough you can beat 'em up and take their nice equipment. (Friendly force-attack method is highly recommended.)
Also, on the southwest side is an Ore merchant (she has a role in the middle of a church quest) and Cernd's home, and his Son quest.
Each of the other zones is the same way. There is at least one thing you should do in most of them for the main quest, and SEVERAL side quests, some of which are pretty darn big and open up OTHER sidequests. Like the Cult of Unseeing Eyes in the Temple District. Or the Free Hendak quest at the Copper Coronet in the Slums.
If you have the expansion you can go visit Watchers Keep any darn time you please. The first level isnt too tough if you race in with an (improved) invisibility, disarm all the traps, steal the important goods like some infinite ammo items and some really sweet containers, then haul ass out.
Also dont forget the chick on the outside, she sells some unique items (powerful crossbow that makes its own bolts). If you forget about her, complete the Watchers Keep and go back outside, she'll be gone for good.
Sorry, guess I went on a rant.
The point is: If you find a certain area kicking your butt, go explore, get some minor quests, and come back with better gear and a few more levels. But its darn near impossible to get "stucK'.
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DO A FRESH HARD SAVE WHEN YOU ENTER A NEW ZONE!!==--
Enter something descriptive too, like "starting the Bridge District".
There are two really nasty places in the Bridge where you could theoretically get permanently stuck if you arent tough enough to fight your way out. (The little Planar area in one of the unmarked southwest doors, and the theater Planar area in the basement of the Five Flagons inn. Both of them require several steps and cant just be wandered into.)
Read an online strategy guide. Theres tons of stuff you can do before your "allies" stick you on a boat and send you out of town (to find Spellhold). From that point on you have fewer choices until you clear the Underdark.