(Photo courtesy of: Wired) “”Baldur’s Gate 3″ is the latest in a beloved franchise.”
Manny Tejada
Connector Contributor
“Baldur’s Gate 3” is the long-awaited entry in the “Baldur’s Gate” franchise, which fully released on Steam on Aug. 3rd, 2023 and on next-generation consoles on Dec. 7th, 2023. It’s developed by Larian Studios, who are known for their work on “Divinity.” The last game to be released in the trilogy, “Baldur’s Gate 2,” released Sept. 21st, 2000, over two decades ago!
Graphically, this game heavily improves upon the formula set by its predecessors. The camera is controllable, so unlike prior entries the player can choose to play from angles other than top-down.
Despite being a sequel, players have no need to know any prior information. The refinement in that time truly shows in this advanced turn-based single player (or 4-person multiplayer) roleplaying game set in the world of “Dungeons & Dragons.”
Players have the option of creating their own character from scratch, being able to choose from 12 classes and 11 races or choosing an Origin character with their own crafted stories.
The story starts with players escaping an alien ship, abducted and infected with a tadpole doomed to turn them into the very creatures that captured them. Upon escaping, players awake on a coast unfamiliar to them and surrounded by other characters who managed to survive the crash. Players are tasked with exploring this diverse world while also finding a solution to this inevitable transformation.
“Baldur’s Gate 3” gives the players an enormous amount of freedom. The game provides multiple recruitable companions with intricate backstories that have their own unique side quests throughout the game. Some decisions are exclusive to chosen race or class, so replaying the game is heavily encouraged.
Dialogue can drastically change the narrative dependent on the player. Combat also provides multiple liberties, as the environment can prove advantageous or harmful depending on the situation. Players can choose to fight with melee weapons, long-ranged spells/bows, or provide support to their allies. The game does feature mature content: blood, light gore, explicit content and nudity. However, if this is not to the player’s liking, they can easily toggle these off in the settings.
In terms of accessibility, “Baldur’s Gate 3” does a great job of making sure all players are welcome. The gameplay itself surrounds clicking on actions, so players with physical disabilities can suffice with just a mouse. As for difficulty, players can choose from a selection of three difficulties for combat: easy, medium and hard.
Larian Studios is well-known for listening to their fans, improving upon the game frequently in response to reported bugs. As of February 2024, the game has received 17 hotfixes where developers have added in fixes to glitches. While they repair problems, these hotfixes also add in brand new content to the game, often requested by fans. Larian Studios makes it clear that this game is a labor of love, showing they care as much about this game as its supporters do.
“Baldur’s Gate 3” is directed at an audience interested in the “Dungeons & Dragons” setting or fantasy in general, while making it digestible for those who have never played. Players with little to no knowledge are bound to learn more through gameplay.
In conclusion, “Baldur’s Gate 3” emerges as a triumphant addition to the franchise, showcasing Larian Studios’ dedication to quality and player experience. With its vast world, intricate narrative choices and commitment to accessibility, it stands as a testament to the evolution of the RPG genre. Whether a seasoned adventurer or a newcomer to the Forgotten Realms, “Baldur’s Gate 3” offers an immersive journey that captivates and enthralls until the very end.
Rating: A+
