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Baldur’s Gate. The name resonates with fans of the Forgotten Realms, evoking images of the bustling port city on the Sword Coast of Faerûn. For gamers, it conjures memories of the legendary RPG series, first launched in 1998 by the renowned BioWare. This groundbreaking title catapulted BioWare to fame in the 90s, solidifying their position as a leading RPG developer.

A Legacy Renewed

The original Baldur’s Gate captivated players as one of the first computer RPGs set in the Forgotten Realms, faithfully adapting the rules of the popular tabletop game Dungeons & Dragons. Its compelling storyline, non-linear gameplay, and player freedom cemented its success, spawning sequels like Baldur’s Gate II: Shadows of Amn and Baldur’s Gate II: Throne of Bhaal, along with various expansions.

After Throne of Bhaal in 2001, BioWare moved on to other iconic RPGs. The Baldur’s Gate franchise changed hands, struggling to maintain its relevance as the market shifted towards modernized and simplified RPG experiences.

Fast forward to 2019. Following the success of Divinity: Original Sin and Divinity: Original Sin 2, Larian Studios acquired the rights to develop Baldur’s Gate 3 from Wizards of the Coast, the owners of the Dungeons and Dragons universe. The announcement was met with immense anticipation, further fueled by the release of an Early Access version in 2020. Finally, in August 2023, Baldur’s Gate 3 officially launched its full version. The question remained: could Larian Studios successfully revitalize this classic franchise for a modern audience?

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Building on Success, Forging a New Path

Like its predecessors, Baldur’s Gate 3 is built upon the rules of Dungeons & Dragons 5th Edition. However, Larian Studios has infused the game with their unique style, blending the classic formula with the spirit of their Divinity series. The result is a familiar yet innovative experience.

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The game feels like a natural evolution of Divinity: Original Sin, retaining the series’ signature environmental interactions and turn-based combat. This is interwoven with the core tenets of Dungeons & Dragons, creating a hybrid that respects its roots while embracing modern design. The game presents numerous choices that have meaningful consequences, encouraging exploration and experimentation. For example, encountering the companion Gale presents a choice: save him, or leave him to his fate. The consequences of this decision unfold organically, sparking the player’s curiosity and prompting them to consider the “what ifs” of every situation.

Freedom of Choice, Endless Possibilities

Baldur’s Gate 3 embraces the freedom of classic RPGs, but doesn’t strictly adhere to every rule. Combat encounters often pit the player against overwhelming odds, forcing them to think strategically. Facing enemies of higher levels and superior equipment is common, especially early on.

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Brute force isn’t always the answer. The environment offers a wealth of tactical options: luring enemies under chandeliers to drop on them, manipulating traps and hazards, or even using persuasion to avoid combat altogether. This freedom extends beyond combat, permeating every aspect of the game. Locked chests can be bashed open or dropped from a height. Walls can be scaled with cleverly stacked boxes. The game constantly presents multiple solutions, encouraging players to experiment and discover their own preferred playstyle.

Choices aren’t simply good or bad, but rather offer varying degrees of benefit or consequence. Successfully completing a task might open up opportunities for greater rewards through persuasion or insight. Exploring the world reveals hidden treasures and lore, adding depth to the narrative and rewarding curiosity. This constant stream of possibilities encourages frequent saving and reloading, as players explore every avenue.

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A Feast for the Senses

Baldur’s Gate 3 boasts impressive visuals and audio, building upon Larian’s established reputation for quality. Character models are detailed and expressive, complemented by a robust character creation system. Spending hours perfecting your character’s appearance is not uncommon. Spell effects are visually stunning, showcasing the raw power of magic.

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The voice acting is superb, bringing each character to life with nuanced performances. From Karlach’s boisterous enthusiasm to Astarion’s sardonic wit, each companion has a distinct personality that shines through in their dialogue. The voice actors effectively convey the characters’ emotions, reflecting their reactions to the player’s choices and actions.

Conclusion

Baldur’s Gate 3 is a triumph. It successfully blends the classic RPG formula with modern sensibilities, offering a deep and engaging experience that respects its legacy while forging its own path. The game’s freedom of choice, compelling narrative, and stunning presentation make it a must-play for RPG fans.