This is probably a more delicate topic than the "most underrated NPC" poll, so I want to point out this is not about popularity of an NPC, it's about their (percieved) cheesy-broken-overpowered status. This topic is meant to inspire discussion about the downsides of NPCs that are said to have none, compare them to their "weaker" class counterparts and maybe find new ideas for power parties and strategies involving the "b-listers".
Edwin is hands down my favorite BG2 NPC, but I also think he's pretty overrated. Extra spells don't mean that much in a game with tons of wands and scrolls. Like I said - popularity isn't the subject here and I hope no-one will take it personal if their favorite companion makes the list or is critized.
Quick breakdown why I put these NPCs on the list:
Edwin - frequently called overpowered due to more spell slots from his amulet
Keldorn - often listed as a "must have" due to his Dispel Magic/class
Imoen - highest roll among the NPCs, considered a "must have" by many
Haer'Dalis - often called overpowered due to kit, especially in HLA territory
Minsc - considered a "must have" by many, for reasons that are beyond me
Viconia - considered a "must have" due to her magic resistance, even by non-evil parties
Baeloth - said to rival, if not surpass Edwin in spellpower due to extra casts
Dorn- seen as overpowered due to the illegal race/class combo
Jan - not sure he's a "must have" because he's Jan or because he was the only progressing thief
someone else - I considered adding Anomen, Aerie, Neera and Jaheira due to their power and class (combo), but all seem to have fairly balanced love/hate fronts and are generally seen as "appropriately powerful", not "borderline OP" or ouright cheesy. Feel free to vote for them or any other NPC anyway.
Edwin is hands down my favorite BG2 NPC, but I also think he's pretty overrated. Extra spells don't mean that much in a game with tons of wands and scrolls. Like I said - popularity isn't the subject here and I hope no-one will take it personal if their favorite companion makes the list or is critized.
Quick breakdown why I put these NPCs on the list:
Edwin - frequently called overpowered due to more spell slots from his amulet
Keldorn - often listed as a "must have" due to his Dispel Magic/class
Imoen - highest roll among the NPCs, considered a "must have" by many
Haer'Dalis - often called overpowered due to kit, especially in HLA territory
Minsc - considered a "must have" by many, for reasons that are beyond me
Viconia - considered a "must have" due to her magic resistance, even by non-evil parties
Baeloth - said to rival, if not surpass Edwin in spellpower due to extra casts
Dorn- seen as overpowered due to the illegal race/class combo
Jan - not sure he's a "must have" because he's Jan or because he was the only progressing thief
someone else - I considered adding Anomen, Aerie, Neera and Jaheira due to their power and class (combo), but all seem to have fairly balanced love/hate fronts and are generally seen as "appropriately powerful", not "borderline OP" or ouright cheesy. Feel free to vote for them or any other NPC anyway.