In the vast and enchanting realm of Baldur’s Gate 3, players are invited to embark on a journey through a rich tapestry of lore that intertwines with the legendary Dungeons & Dragons universe. Set a century after the events of its iconic predecessors, this latest installment not only revives the beloved series but also introduces a new generation to its intricate narratives and captivating characters. As adventurers gather their parties and delve into a world brimming with magic, treachery, and heroism, they will uncover the profound connections that bind them to the storied city of Baldur’s Gate—a place where every choice can alter the fate of realms. Prepare to explore the depths of this fantasy universe, where history, myth, and adventure await at every turn.
Baldur’s Gate 3 is the most anticipated RPG of recent years alongside Cyberpunk2077. Except for the fact that it’s a continuation of the legendary series, which is over twenty years old. Younger players have surely heard about this title, but even more experienced gamers don’t tend to replay the legendary RPGs of Bioware and Black Isle every half a year. That is why we are presenting this title in a more accessible way. A title that still ignites imagination.
The Baldur’s Gate series is the most famoust attempt at transfering the RPG system from Dungeons & Dragons to PC (the system was called Advanced Dungeons & Dragons when the original game was released). We created a new character from a scratch, that is, we had to select a race, gender, profession and primary stats. Then, we entered a fantasy world filled with magic and fairy-tale creatures. In the game we were traversing through the fantasy land, full of various companions that could join our fellowship. Well, as we already know, you must gather your party before venturing forth!
We had to complete lots of quests given by NPCs, take part in battles against monsters, collect experience points and loot. While doing all that, we were able to unravel a pretty interesting story related to our character’s origins. Everything took place from a top-down isometric view that allowed us to admire the tremendous 2D graphics. Also, the real-time combat had a pause feature, which was quite unique at the time. The Baldur’s Gate series consists of the following titles (in chronological order): Baldur’s Gate, Tales of the Sword Coast expansion set, Baldur’s Gate 2 Shadows of Amn and the Throne of Bhaal add-on.
In 2016, Beamdog studio (the creators of the Enhanced Editions of first installments, also available on Android and iOS devices) released the Siege of Dragonspear, which takes place between the storyline depicted in Baldur’s Gate 1 and 2. Black Isle has also developed a console spin-off, a Diablo style action-RPG – Baldur’s Gate: Dark Alliance, but the plot of this game was not related to the storyline of the main series.
Players lovedBaldur’s Gate. They become fond of the heroes of both installments (Minsca and Boo, Imoen, Jan Jansen and Korgan) and praised the villains (Sarevok, Irenicus). They appreciated the plot, seemingly classic but actually deviating from fantasy standards – there was more adventure and crime story in it than classic ‘save the world’ motifs. The game was powered by the legendary Infinity Engine, which was later used in such titles like Icewind Dale or Planescape Torment. Icewind Dale’s story took place in the same world as Baldur’s Gate, but a few decades earlier.
The cult RPG was a true phenomenon. . . .
Black Isle was responsible for other great RPGs of that times – Fallout and Fallout 2 (Bethesda created only part three and four, and New Vegas was entrusted to the heirs of Black Isle – Obsidian). After the overwhelming success of Baldur’s Gate and Baldur’s Gate 2, Bioware created many RPGs that can be considered as kings of RPGs – Neverwinter Nights, Jade Empire, Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic, the Mass Effect and Dragon Age series – as well as the Star Wars: The Old Republic MMORPG and Anthem looter-shooter .
BioWare and Black Isle parted ways, the developers lost the rights to the Dungeons & Dragons brand, and began creating their own brands. Also, the other company was shut down. Some members of Black Isle had founded the Troika Games studio, which created other ambitious RPGs – Arcanum, The Temple of Elemental Evil and Vampire The Masquerade: Bloodlines.
Black Isle made attempts to create Baldur’s Gate 3 while it held the license, but these endeavors ended up in a total failure. Within time classic role-playing games have become obsolete and less popular, until stubborn studios, with the support of Kickstarter platform, have managed to release such titles as Wasteland 2, Pillars of Eternity, Tyranny or Divinity Original Sin.
Larian studios, the creators of the latter (and the phenomenal Divinity Original Sin 2) are responsible for Baldur’s Gate 3. The third part of the Baldur’s Gate series tells a story that takes place one hundred years after the events of Throne of Bhaal. However, it will refer to the previous storylines rather sporadically.. The gameplay received a marvellous 3D graphics generated by modified version of OriginalSin engine. However, we will still witness the whole action from a top-down isometric camera. There is one major change though. This time combat is turn-based. We will be able to choose between one of the already-made heroes with a story written by Larian studios or use a character creation wizard to create our own protagonist from a scratch. Also, players can add unselected heroes to their party.
During the gameplay, we will be able to develop our heroes to the 10th level of experience. Just like in Original Sin 2, we will explore several large, open-ended areas. We’re heading towards the titular city from which the Mind Flayers have taken us – a race of invaders whose distant past is connected to The Gate. Over the course of the game, we will discover what those connections are.
Baldur’s Gate 3 takes place in the same amazing fantasy world as the previous parts – in the Forgotten Realms (also known as Faerun). It’s a universe with a rich history that goes far beyond games or even role-playing systems. Popular authors like R. A. Salvatore wrote stories set in the Forgotten Realms. Also, conversations and articles about Baldur’s Gate franchise were always filled with dozens of terms and references that may confuse many players. Let’s untangle that chaos. On the following pages of our guide you can find information that may help you in understanding the entire lore and prepare yourself for the return of the king of RPGs. Here we go!
Some of you may have read the books set in the world of Baldur’s Gate that were written by Philip Athans. We feel very sorry if you had any experience with these works, but don’t worry – no fictional abominations and heresies like redhead Minsc have penetrated the official canon accepted by the current D&D publisher – Wizards of The Coast, including the Larian Studios. Take deep breaths.
What makes Baldur’s Gate 3 stand out from its predecessors
Baldur’s Gate 3 distinguishes itself from its predecessors through a combination of modern gameplay mechanics, high production values, and a deep commitment to player agency. Unlike the earlier titles developed by BioWare, this iteration by Larian Studios embraces the Dungeons & Dragons 5th Edition ruleset, making the complex system more accessible and engaging for players. The combat is notably more strategic, allowing players to see the likelihood of success for their actions, which adds a layer of tactical depth previously unseen in the series .
The game’s narrative richness is another standout feature. With a wealth of choices that impact the story and character relationships, players can navigate through a world that feels alive and reactive to their decisions. This level of interactivity is enhanced by the fully voiced characters and cinematic cutscenes, elevating the storytelling experience to that of AAA titles like The Witcher 3 . The game also offers a dynamic world where players can approach problems creatively, whether by using environmental elements or employing unique character abilities, leading to a sense of freedom rarely found in traditional RPGs .
Moreover, Baldur’s Gate 3’s high production quality—including detailed graphics, immersive sound design, and intricate character animations—sets a new benchmark for CRPGs. This attention to detail not only enriches the gameplay but also enhances player immersion, making it feel more like an expansive tabletop campaign than a conventional video game . Overall, Baldur’s Gate 3 not only honors its legacy but also innovates in ways that redefine what players can expect from role-playing games.
How does the character customization in Baldur’s Gate 3 compare to previous games
Character customization in Baldur’s Gate 3 presents a mixed evolution compared to its predecessors, particularly when examining the depth and flexibility offered to players. While the game allows for the creation of custom characters with a variety of races and classes, many players have expressed disappointment regarding the limited options for physical appearance.
Customization Options
- Limited Facial Customization: Players have noted that the selection of facial features is quite restricted, with only a few preset faces available and no sliders to adjust features like nose shape or jawline. This contrasts sharply with earlier RPGs such as Skyrim or Mass Effect, where players enjoyed extensive customization options, including detailed sliders for facial structure.
- Character Backgrounds: Unlike previous titles where players could create a character with a rich backstory and personal goals, custom characters in Baldur’s Gate 3 lack significant narrative depth. They do not possess unique quests or backstories that tie them meaningfully to the game world, making them feel somewhat disconnected from the overarching narrative2. In contrast, origin characters come with predefined stories and personalities that enhance their integration into the game’s plot.
- Diversity of Choices: On a positive note, Baldur’s Gate 3 does allow for a wide range of races and classes, enabling players to create diverse character builds. However, while players can choose from numerous skin tones and mythical races, many feel that the overall aesthetic options remain less varied than expected for a modern RPG.
- Gameplay Impact: The choice between custom and origin characters affects gameplay significantly. Custom characters can explore routes not predefined by the game, while origin characters provide unique dialogue and interactions that enrich the experience. This aspect highlights a trade-off between narrative depth and player creativity.
Conclusion
In summary, while Baldur’s Gate 3 introduces some modern elements to character creation, it falls short in providing the extensive customization options seen in earlier RPGs. The limitations in facial customization and character backstory have left some fans longing for the more robust systems of past games. As such, while Baldur’s Gate 3 offers exciting gameplay innovations, its character customization may not fully satisfy those seeking a deeply personalized role-playing experience.
