Adverts
Some games have the power to define a generation of video games, whether through their engaging narrative, captivating characters, stunning graphics or by pushing the boundaries of a genre. Is Baldur's Gate 3 one of them?
Adverts
Yes, Baldur's Gate 3, the most ambitious RPG from the renowned Larian Studios, is one such game, which not only attracted ardent RPG fans, but also defied industry trends, proving that a game can succeed without following the herd.
The Studio Promise
In June 2019, Larian Studios surprised the Dungeons & Dragons fan community with the cinematic trailer for Baldur's Gate 3, which showed Baldur's city in flames and a soldier transforming into an Illithid.
Adverts
It soon became clear that Larian was committed to bringing the fun and magic of D&D to the world of video games.
The game promised to be the most faithful adaptation of Dungeons & Dragons outside of the RPG table, with an engaging story, complex characters and meaningful choices.
The Challenge of Adapting Creativity to a Tabletop RPG
Adapting a tabletop RPG to an electronic game without losing its essence is a difficult task, since on a tabletop RPG, almost anything is possible, depending on the imagination of the players and the Master.
However, Larian managed to overcome this challenge, transforming Baldur's Gate 3 into a playground for player creativity.
With a story based on the invasion of the Mind Flayers, references to the Blood War and a continuation of the epic narrative of Baldur's Gate 1 and 2, the game offers twists, betrayals and countless possibilities in the plot.
Story Told Differently
Baldur's Gate 3 is set 120 years after the events of Baldur's Gate 2, exploring themes of betrayal, renunciation, survival, and the temptation of ultimate power.
The story begins with the protagonist being captured during an attack by the Illithid on Baldur's city, triggering a series of events across the game's universe.
The game adopts a different narrative, with the story being told by a narrator, Amelia Tyler.
His charismatic and engaging voice transports players to the world of Faêrun, providing an authentic RPG experience.
But with countless scenes and dialogues, Baldur's Gate 3 surpasses even works like The Lord of the Rings and Game of Thrones in quantity.
Characters and Relationships
One of the biggest highlights of the game is the cast of characters.
Baldur's Gate 3's companions are complex and play crucial roles in the narrative.
Players can develop relationships with these characters in a variety of ways, from friendships to romances.
The depth of the characters is such that players send messages to the voice actors requesting specific dialogue, reflecting the choices made during the game.
Gameplay
The gameplay of Baldur's Gate 3 follows Larian's turn-based strategic style, faithful to the rules of the 5th edition of D&D.
Although some may consider turn-based combat time-consuming, they offer numerous strategic possibilities, making the game more engaging.
Additionally, the game allows players to activate turn-based mode at any time, making it easier to solve complex challenges.
But it's important to note that it's possible to avoid combat through dialogue choices, making the game accessible to different playstyles.
Customization
Character creation in Baldur's Gate 3 is vast, with 12 classes, 46 subclasses, races, and subraces to choose from.
Character creation choices affect not only how you look, but also how the game's characters react to you.
The freedom of creation is impressive, allowing players to explore unique combinations.
Graphics and Soundtrack
The game features stunning graphics and an immersive soundtrack that complements the gaming experience.
The motion capture of the characters, with the voice actors serving as models, adds to the immersion.
Performance
Baldur's Gate 3 is complex and may have some bugs and performance issues, especially in the more intense areas.
So these issues are understandable given the complexity of the game.
Conclusion: A Masterpiece of RPGs
Baldur's Gate 3 is a masterpiece of modern RPGs, respecting D&D's roots and innovating impressively.
Larian listened to the community and improved the game throughout development, resulting in an experience that appeals to both longtime fans and new players.
Baldur's Gate 3 is a testament to the potential of CRPGs and will remain a benchmark in the genre.
But if you're a fan of RPGs, this is a journey you can't miss. Baldur's Gate 3 is available on PC and PlayStation 5, with plans for an Xbox Series X|S release.
So get ready for an unforgettable adventure in Faêrun!
