If there was ever a time to have a Dungeons & Dragons fan, it’s now. Classic RPG fans have been awaiting the reopening of Baldur’s Gate for 20 long years. Well rejoice! Larian Studios has accepted the task of delivering us another astounding adventure game, and they knocked it out of the park. Baldur’s Gate 3 is an amalgamation of gripping story, stunning visuals, and gameplay catered to fans of Tabletop RPGs. Whether you’ve been a fan of the series since its conception or new to the name, this title carries with it all the talent and renown Baldur’s Gate has collected throughout the years.
The forgotten realms have never been in short supply of chaos. Baldur’s Gate 3 continues this tradition with your character’s awakening in the belly of the beast, surrounded by bodies used to cultivate Eldritch brain parasites set upon the world by a cult of sinister Mind Flayers. As you progress through the burning corpse of a flying leviathan, you are thrust into a conflict between your captors and their menacing dragonkin rivals. With the makeshift companions you may or may not choose to ally yourself with, your only option is to escape the monstrous vessel. Once on the ground you realize that you too are a host of one of these deadly brains and must find a way to overcome your desolate fate.
Larian Studios, the same legendary party responsible for the Divinity Series, finds themselves well within their element. As you progress through the main campaign of Baldur’s Gate, you are beset with a multitude of choices, side-plots and excursions; each having a tangible impact on the world at large. Meet new companions. Experience their stories. Defend their honor, or betray their trust as your quest brings you closer towards the lure of power.
Gameplay & Mechanics
Two words: Dice rolls. If you’ve played an Isometric Turn-Based RPG, you’ll be familiar with the style of gameplay found in Baldur’s Gate 3. Much like others of its kind, each skill or ability has varying percentages to cast successfully along with their added effects. In most instances, mainly dialogue and environmental events, Baldur’s Gate features a visible dice roll to display your success or failure at reaching your Target Number. Something so small makes such a huge impact on the roleplaying experience. Aside from that, there is nothing more satisfying than combining spells and environmental effects to set half the screen on fire and destroying enemies three times your own level!
Each hero rounded into your party has access to an extensive list of skills and abilities, allowing you to customize your group to your preferred composition. If you’re the type that enjoys perfecting various character builds, Baldur’s Gate 3 has an expansive set of tools and talents for you to sink your parasitic brain-claws into.
Aesthetics & Sound
There is a certain charm in the fantasy art style presented in Baldur’s Gate 3. The level of detail Larian Studios invested into the Forgotten Realms is one that must be commended. There are beautiful colors abound, fantastical effects, and a stunning symphony to go with every encounter. Aside from a few technical and textural issues here and there, Baldur’s Gate 3 is the epitome of interactive art.
Summary
While Baldur’s Gate 3 is still in early access and does experience the expected pains of said gamestate, it is fully and consistently playable at a level that is arguably better than some competitors on their official day-1 release. There is already a huge amount of side-quests and so many secrets to be discovered, it’s hard to speak about the experience without spoiling the many surprises. There is a lot of fun to be had and I can’t wait to start a multiplayer campaign with my roommates.
Check Out the Baldur’s Gate 3 Steam Early Access Trailer:
Baldur’s Gate 3 is available for $59.99 for PC via Steam Early Access, GOG, and Stadia.
For more information, please visit: https://baldursgate3.game/
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As the (self-proclaimed) King of Casuals, I'm always seeking out new titles to play and experience across all platforms. Eventually, I have ambitions to take the many different styles of this medium to create titles that will wow the masses in fresh, innovative ways.
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