Update #1: August 8, 2023
I’m currently 55 hours into the immersive world of Baldur’s Gate 3, with the majority of my time spent in the expanded and polished first act. Within this act, I have reached level 7 and experienced the satisfying moment when combat truly comes alive, akin to the tabletop game of D&D. With the addition of extra attacks for martial characters and impactful area-of-effect spells for casters, I am able to string together devastating tactical combinations that allow me to conquer even the most formidable boss monsters through strategic planning. Although the initial levels were a bit challenging, the ultimate reward has made it all worthwhile.
Furthermore, I have grown closer to my companions and have even entered into romantic relationships with most of them. Surprisingly, I have not faced any negative consequences for pursuing multiple romantic interests like an anime protagonist. The surprises don’t end there, as the map of the Sword Coast in Baldur’s Gate 3 offers an abundance of diverse and memorable side quests. I have made it a point to thoroughly explore every nook and cranny, often stumbling upon unique loot or engaging storylines that I may have otherwise missed.
All Origin Characters in Baldur’s Gate 3
My journey through Baldur’s Gate 3 has introduced me to mischievous hags and unlikely allies, resulting in moments that have stood out as highlights of my playthrough. The developers at Larian have meticulously crafted each side adventure with creativity and care, ensuring that no quest feels mundane or merely serves as filler content. Additionally, the utilization of the vast range of creatures from the D&D bestiary guarantees that each combat encounter presents a fresh and distinct challenge.
While I have encountered some bugs during my playtime, the initial post-launch update resolved many of the persistent issues, such as lighting glitches in dialogue scenes. However, there are still a few remaining bugs, such as conflicting information in my journal regarding the outcome of a side quest. On one occasion, a corrupted save file caused me to lose approximately 45 minutes of progress, but I have only encountered this issue once so far.
As I progress into Act 2, I have become more proficient with the mechanics of Baldur’s Gate 3. Yet, I also feel a sense of uncertainty and aimlessness as the promising leads to remove the tadpole in my head have come to a halt. Hopefully, the city of Baldur’s Gate itself will present new opportunities and discoveries that reignite my excitement. Additionally, I hope to come across better attire options, as the limited choices in Act 1 did not meet my expectations despite amassing a significant wealth.
First Impressions: August 3, 2023
Based on my experience thus far, it is estimated that Baldur’s Gate will offer a gameplay duration of approximately 100 hours for a first playthrough. As a reviewer, I received an early copy on Sunday morning, and I aim to provide insights and updates as I progress further into the game. Currently, I have invested around 22 hours in the first act, which was available in the Early Access version. At this point, I can confidently say that Larian has delivered an exceptional high-fantasy experience with Baldur’s Gate 3.
One of the challenges in translating the tabletop experience of Dungeons & Dragons into a video game is recreating the freedom and imagination inherent in problem-solving with real-world logic. While no game can fully replicate that level of freedom, Baldur’s Gate 3 takes significant steps towards achieving it, surpassing titles like Skyrim and Dragon Age. This element elevates the overall authenticity of the game world and provides a sense of accomplishment when unconventional solutions are successful.
Baldur’s Gate 3 prioritizes realism and interactivity in its environmental mechanics. For instance, flammable objects can be set on fire with fire spells, zapping water when an enemy stands in it produces the expected results, and climbing and jumping can uncover hidden areas. Additionally, almost any item that appears movable, including furniture, can be interacted with and even thrown if the character possesses enough strength. This meticulous attention to detail extends to the NPCs, with each character fully voiced and possessing unique names. Even animals offer unexpected dialogue options, as I have discovered during my playthrough as a ranger with the ability to speak to animals. Remarkably, even a fierce owlbear was convinced not to attack me.
Baldur’s Gate 3 commences with a grand and captivating introduction, featuring a squid-like spaceship pursued by dragons through magical portals. The player characters become infected with mind parasites, a condition that gradually transforms them into brain-devouring cthulhu creatures known as mind flayers. The voice acting throughout the game is stellar, and although I may not personally favor all of my companions, they possess compelling backstories and intriguing secrets.
Baldur’s Gate 3 Full Release Screenshots
While the world of Faerûn in Baldur’s Gate 3 leans toward a more serious and grounded tone compared to Larian’s previous games set in Rivellon, it still incorporates quirky and offbeat side quests that add variety to the overall experience. One particularly memorable moment involved accidentally stumbling upon an intimate encounter between a female ogre and a bugbear significantly smaller in size. The outcome was far from ideal for all parties involved, yet it provided a humorous interlude.
During my playthrough, I have encountered several bugs, although none have been game-breaking. In one instance, a goblin’s dialogue lines failed to play, and the camera lingered on one of my party members’ faces for an excessive amount of time. Additionally, a party member who was not involved in the conversation ended up in a negotiating role for which she was ill-suited. Some models experienced clothing clipping issues when bent at certain angles, and there were sporadic lighting glitches in dialogue scenes. It is worth noting that two substantial bug fixing updates were released since the review build became available, and I intend to reassess these issues when the final version of the game is released.
In comparison to the Early Access version, combat has been significantly improved in Baldur’s Gate 3, resulting in more fluid and seamless gameplay. However, there are moments where…