Baldur's Gate

Baldur's Gate is a series of games starting in 1998, and continuing on to 2004 when the last game was released.

This series of ARPG games is largely considered to be Diablo clones. This is mostly due to the original Baldur's Gate many game play similarities with Diablo I, and it's release relatively shortly after Diablo I.

Setting

All the games in the series are set in and around the fantasy city of Baldur's Gate, which is on a fantasy continent called "Faerûn." Although this continent seems very mid-evil and creepy, invoking a Diablo-like vibe, there are some key differences. Firstly, as a game based on Dungeons & Dragons, there are Elves, Dwarves, Halflings, beholders, and other fantasy creatures that simply aren't in Diablo. Secondly, the continent of Faerûn seems to be modeled after mid-evil Western Europe. Although this does seems to fit with the setting of Diablo I, it does not fit at all with the settings for the rest of the Diablo series.

Bhaalspawn Saga

The Bhaalspawn Saga was the first set of Games in the series. This includes the Original Baldur's Gate, Baldur's Gate: Tales of the Sword Coast, Baldur's Gate II: Shadows of Ahmn, and Baldur's Gate II: Throne of Bhaal.

The Bhaalspawn Saga, is named such because it focuses on the children of Bhaal, Lord of Murder. Bhaal foresaw his death had had multiple children (Bhaalspawn) who could be sacrificed to allow him to return to the world of the living. Although there are many side quests and other story arcs, this is the main thrust of the plot for that series.

Dark Alliance Saga

The Dark Alliance Saga is made of the two games Baldur's Gate:Dark Alliance, and Baldur's Gate:Dark Alliance II. It is in the same universe as the first saga, but does not directly interact with the Bhaalspawn Saga Storyline.

It is also worth noting that the Dark Alliance Saga was developed and released exclusively for consoles, whereas the Bhaalspwan Saga was developed for PC's. Consequently, popular opinion is that the game play grew further away from the Diablo Style and grew into it's own style of game play.

The Dark Alliance is the alliance of people and creatures who intend to destroy the city of Baldur's Gate, and both of the games' plots centers around the Onyx Tower which has many magical properties including the ability to create and manipulate various undead creatures.