So, you’ve heard the buzz about Baldur’s Gate 3 and are wondering if getting into its sandbox-like world is worth it?
As dads or hard-working men, finding the kind of video game you want to spend on your limited time would be a challenge. In picking a video game, it should be worth playing during downtime away from our usual hustle and bustle of life. For this reason, let’s delve into what makes this game worth playing and not worth playing, so you can make your final decision.
For Tabletop RPG Enthusiasts
Remember those late-night tabletop sessions where every dice roll had your heart racing? Baldur’s Gate 3 captures that essence, blending the magic of D&D (it’s literally based on it, with its mechanics based on the 5th edition ruleset) with digital gameplay. It’s like bringing your favorite TTRPG sessions to life, minus the scattered dice and pizza boxes.
Dive Into a Fantasy Adventure at Your Own Pace
If you love to take your sweet time exploring every nook and cranny of a fantasy world, this game’s for you. With its turn-based mechanics, you can strategize to your heart’s content, planning every move or simply wandering the vast landscapes. And with the visuals in this game, you’ll want to explore.
“Spells, skills and physical manipulation of the world around you opens up so many doors, literally and metaphorically. You can make a fight against a trio of ogres go your way by smashing the rickety pillars holding up the building they’re hanging out in, turn into a gas to sneak your way through tiny cracks, or use magic to persuade animals to turn on their masters,” said Larian founder Sven Vincke.
Delve Deep with Complex Character Creation
Character creation is its own game here. Want to be a beefy barbarian dwarf? Or an elegant-looking high-elf but with the skills of a cunning rogue? Anything is possible! But if you don’t want to overthink creating your own character, there are also original characters with colorful and unique pre-written stories.
“We’re confident that you won’t feel short-changed in terms of narrative breadth and depth if you choose to play as a custom character,” shared Larian Studios.
Every Journey is Unique
This isn’t a play-it-once RPG. The personalized character you’ve sculpted and your decisions echo throughout the gameplay, weaving a tale that’s yours and encouraging you to explore every storyline avenue.
“When we say there are serious consequences to your choices, we really mean it. As you move through your adventure, you’ll discover quest-lines and stories that relate directly to the character you’re roleplaying, and the things that you’ve done,” the game studio stated.
With that said, while it’s an undoubtedly impressive game, there are a few things you might want to keep in mind as well:
Every Battle’s a Brain-Teaser
I cannot stress this enough. This isn’t a game where you can breeze through fights without a thought. Every skirmish in Baldur’s Gate 3 presents itself like a riddle awaiting your solution, with the surroundings and context potentially defining your success or failure. The combat is intricate and demanding. It’ll keep you on your toes, pushing you to constantly reassess your game plans and maneuvers. It’s rewarding, sure, but it can feel like you’re taking a final exam sometimes.
A Deep Dive That Could Feel Like Drowning
This game doesn’t hold back on mechanics. Grounded firmly in the D&D 5th edition ruleset, things can get intense. There’s much to digest, from character abilities to status effects to layered decision trees. The sheer volume of information might feel like drinking from a fire hose.
To sum it up, while Baldur’s Gate 3 is an ambitious and sprawling RPG, it’s not for the faint-hearted or purely casual gamers. The story is rich, full of lore, character backstories, and linked subplots and quests. It’s different from the kind of game you can half-commit to, but if that sounds like your cup of tea, jump right in. If still in doubt, just check the game reviews!
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