After Decades of Wait: Baldur’s Gate 3 Is Here [Review]

It’s been a while since the first and second installments of Baldur’s Gate, and truth be told, it’s very likely that you’re reading this and have never played the old games before. But what is Baldur’s Gate 3 about, and what is it like to play?

Baldurs Gate 3 reviewed and tested

Larian Studios, which you might recall from titles such as Divinity: Original Sin, returned to us with Baldur’s Gate 3 after more than 20 years of waiting for the series to proceed. Here’s our review after testing it myself. I tried my best to stick to the facts, but of course, this review will partially contain my personal opinion, just like with most, if not all, reviews that are done.

Graphics and visuals

Yes, the visual quality of the game is quite impressive. Even on consoles, a performance mode option allows for a smooth 60 FPS experience, which is really nice for gamers who prioritize frame rate. Additionally, players can choose between a focus on FPS or picture quality, depending on their preferences. As a part of my testing, I specifically tried this game on an Xbox Series X console.

Combat system

The combat system is intriguing and offers a satisfying challenge. It strikes a fair balance, ensuring that everyone can easily grasp its mechanics. Including turn-based fights not only adds depth to the gameplay but also alleviates any potential stress for newcomers to this genre. Players can take their time, carefully considering their actions and strategizing their moves to achieve victory. This thoughtful approach promotes an enjoyable and immersive experience for all.

Story and characters

The story of this fantasy RPG is truly exhilarating, with its captivating arcs and unexpected plot twists that keep players on the edge of their seats. Its incredible freedom sets it apart, allowing players to choose their own paths and shape the outcome based on their preferences. This adds an extra layer of depth to the game and ensures replayability beyond a single playthrough.

Regarding character creation, it’s not uncommon for players to spend much time meticulously crafting their ideal avatar. It took about one hour, and talking to others, I found out that they also spent a similar amount of time on that step. The character creator provides various options, customization features, and races, catering to diverse playstyles and personal preferences, classes, and backgrounds. It’s no wonder that players invest so much time in this process, as it sets the stage for an immersive and personalized gaming experience.

Check the video: Baldur’s Gate 3 Now Gets a Teaser Trailer [Video]

But the journey doesn’t end there. It starts now. Players can encounter and recruit other fascinating characters throughout the game to join their party. These companions are intricately designed, with rich backstories, unique personalities, and compelling motivations. Interacting with them enhances the gameplay and adds depth and emotional investment to the overall narrative. In Baldur’s Gate 3, the development team tried their best to make every detail appear carefully crafted to create a world that feels alive and immersive. From the exciting storylines to the intricate character development, it’s a gaming experience that will leave players yearning for more.

The game world

The game world you play in doesn’t quite feel real, and it’s difficult to immerse yourself in it fully. That is, however, not entirely unusual for a fantasy setting. This could be partly attributed to the bird’s eye view camera perspective. However, despite this, the world is still well designed, and while it may not be the absolute best game world ever created, there isn’t much to criticize about it either.

One notable aspect is the sheer size of the world, offering a vast expanse to explore. This exploration aspect is something I particularly enjoy. Admittedly, visually, it may not be able to compete with titles like The Witcher 3, but it’s important to remember that this game is centered around being a turn-based fantasy RPG with a bird’s eye camera view. The game creates a distinct and engaging experience by focusing on these unique elements.

How does it fare in comparison to previous parts or similar games?

To be completely honest, it’s been an incredibly long time since the release of the previous Baldur’s Gate games. The first installment, Baldur’s Gate, graced the gaming scene in 1998, followed by its sequel, Baldur’s Gate 2, in the year 2000. These games hold a special place in the hearts of fans, serving as timeless classics that continue to captivate players even after all these years.

Related story: More Information on Baldur’s Gate 3 Revealed

When comparing these titles to the latest addition, Baldur’s Gate 3, it’s important to acknowledge the significant time gap between their releases and the involvement of different companies and development teams. Naturally, advancements in technology and game design have greatly influenced the visual and gameplay mechanics of Baldur’s Gate 3.

In the realm of this particular gaming genre, however, Baldur’s Gate 3 stands tall as one of the defining games of our time. It sets a new standard for immersive gameplay, enthralling storytelling, and intricate world-building. Some might even argue that it represents the current pinnacle of its genre, showcasing the best elements and qualities that fans have come to expect and adore.

So, whether you’re a long-time fan eagerly awaiting the latest installment or a newcomer intrigued by the Baldur’s Gate series allure, the third iteration is undoubtedly a game that demands your attention. Prepare to be enchanted by its rich lore, engaging characters, and thrilling adventures that will transport you to a world brimming with magic, mystery, and endless possibilities.

Something unique?

I really enjoy how this game allows you to explore various paths to progress, making it feel non-linear and giving a sense of freedom. Seeing how the NPCs and the story react to your choices is fascinating. For instance, there was this one time when an NPC from the main quest attempted to explain the difficulty of reaching a specific place. However, since I had already been there, I could confidently reply, “No problem, I’ve been there already.”

The NPC’s reaction was priceless, a mix of surprise and acceptance as he acknowledged that it wouldn’t be as challenging anymore. These unexpected twists make the game truly engaging, where you can explore the world and quests as you see fit and even have the game respond and adapt to your actions.

Summary

I really like Baldur’s Gate 3, and I am glad I took the risk of buying it myself. I don’t regret it one bit. I highly recommend it to anyone who enjoys RPGs and the captivating vibe of Dungeons and Dragons. The game offers turn-based combat that adds to the excitement to some, but others might hate it, so you should be clear on what to expect. However, if you happen to dislike RPGs or the overall Dungeons and Dragons atmosphere, you might not find it as enjoyable. Before making a purchase decision, I suggest checking out some Let’s Play videos to get a better feel for the game and determine if it aligns with your preferences. It’s always better to verify if a game suits your taste before diving in.

YouTube: Baldur’s Gate 3 Playthrough [Part 1]

Photo credit: The images shown are screenshots prepared by Larian Studios and were made available as part of their press kit.