Tabletop games need not to be boring. So, if you’re one of the people who appreciates those kinds of games, then this video game might suit you as well. Being one of the most successful and most loved role-playing games of all time, Baldur’s Gate III follows the rules and systems of Dungeons and Dragons although slightly bent to allow a more enjoyable, and player-centered experience. Once again, it’s time to satisfy your inner fantasies about adventure and be immersed with it as the plot unfolds.
Although the game implied that it might still take a year to be fully released, the early access did give us a glimpse about how it will look like in the future. However, there are interesting features that you might want to know already, like being able to support cross-platform and cross saving, a sequel to the second iteration, and have lots of sex with others. You can get the game on Steam or GOG once it gets released on Windows, MacOS, and Stadia.
Plot In Baldur’s Gate III
The story happens about 100 years after the events of the 2nd Baldur’s Gate. It follows the player being one of the captives of the mind flayers aboard a nautiloid flying ship. In order for the mind flayers to make one of their own, they usually implant their victims with an illithid tadpole. However, the transformation is disrupted when the ship is attacked by the githyanki warriors with their dragons.
Eventually, the main player was able to escape and managed to steer the heavily damaged ship back into Faerûn where it crashed. As the main characters figure a way to remove the parasite in their brains, they encounter other survivors in the wreck: the high elf vampire Astarion, human warlock Wyll, githyanki fighter Lae’zel, human wizard Gale, and a half-elf cleric Shadowheart.
Gameplay
Larian’s approach to the game is slightly different, although it’s better that way. It follows the 5th Edition Rules of the Dungeons and Dragons Rules, with some slight twists. Also, this iteration is not connected to the previous Baldur’s Gate series, although it happens a century after Baldur’s Gate 2. Character customization is more rigid than Larian’s Divinity: Original Sin 2, because of its point-buy system. Lastly, the game will be turn-based which might come in handy during sneaking and other intense moments.
Stunning Graphics
Baldur’s Gate III Classes
As for the class system, one of the main pros of this game is that it conforms as close as possible to the tabletop game’s rules. Here are the game’s classes, take note each class might have two to three more subclasses to choose from:
Clerics are the representatives of the gods they worship. Their subclass includes Light Domain, Life Domain, and Trickery Domain. Their magic can either be used for good or evil purposes.
Fighter
Fighters have unparalleled skills due to their mastery in the art of combat and wielding different sets of weapons. Their subclass includes Eldritch Knight and Battle Master. If you want some “brawling”, then this is for you.
Ranger
Rangers are excellent scouts, often utilizing every bit of nature to their advantage. Its subclass includes Hunter and Beast Master. If you want for easy tracking and hunting of prey, then go for this.
Rogue
Rogues are for those who want some versatile playstyle. Its subclass includes Thief and Arcane Trickster. If you want someone that is stealthy and skillful, go for this one since it gives you an upper hand in any situation.
Warlock
Warlocks cannot be trusted because they usually trade loyalty for supernatural abilities. Their subclass includes The Great One and The Fiend. Moreover, they are good at using and having unique magics.
Wizard
Wizards are the masters of magic. Their subclass includes the School of Evocation and School of Abjuration. Additionally, they can hone any spell to modern heights.
The Different Races Of The Game
Baldur’s Gate III Races
Choosing a race will help determine how you will fit in the various civilizations of Forgotten Realms – the main setting. Additionally, it tells a lot of information about you, like who you are, how others see you, and where you’re from. And just like in Dungeons and Dragons, you’ll be granted some signature perks to give you some more edge during your encounters. For example, the Fey Ancestry of Elves can grant them extra defense against various charms and spells that might put them to sleep. Moreover, there are 9 different races, with their subraces, for you to choose. But hopefully more will be added at a later time.
Humans
Humans are the most common race in Faerûn and known for being clever, adaptable, and tenacious. They can also be the most versatile because they can have a small bonus to their abilities. Their ability bonuses are dexterity, wisdom, charisma, intelligence, and +1 to strength.
Dwarf
You can already expect their appearance because they are typical in nature, just like in any other games. Additionally, dwarves are experts in melee weapons such as battle axes, hand axes and warhammers. Moreover, their resilience enables them to be resistant to any kinds of poison, as well as having a bonus of +1 wisdom. Lastly, Dwarves’ subrace includes Shield and Gold Dwarf.
Tieflings are usually the victims of prejudice because of their red skin and horns. These repulsive features are usually the result of an ancient pact with the overlord called Asmodeus. Although they are treated as the lowest caste, it doesn’t mean that they’re weak because it’s usually the other way around.
Tieflings not only are resistant to fire damage, but can also see within 60ft in dim lit areas. Their subraces are Asmodeus Tiefling, Zariel Tiefling, and Mephistopheles Tiefling. Moreover, Tielfing’s bonuses include +2 charisma and +1 intelligence.
Elf
Nothing special with elves as well, as one can easily distinguish them in the long, “elflike” ears. Elves are actually artistic in nature while having also having a deep interest in magic. Their features can include being proficient with the Perception skill, while also having an advantage against charms. Moreover, their subrace includes the Wood Elf, and the High Elf.
Half-Elf
Their spilt heritage enables them to fit either in human or elven society, which makes them versatile and ambitious at the same time. Half-elves have the ability to see in poorly lit areas. Additionally, they cannot be easily charmed just like the Elves. Lastly, their subrace includes Wood Half-Elf, Drow Half-Elf, and High Half-Elf.
Drow
Like Tieflings, they are widely despised as well. They usually live underground where treacherous matriarchs rule. But since they don’t like being down there, they go to the surface where surface dwellers live. Their features include cantrips which gives access to an extra level 0 spell. Moreover, they are masters of wielding rapiers, hand crossbows, and shortswords.
Half-Drow
Similar to drows, they are widely despised because of their association with evil. Their society can either be underground or above the surface. However, they are practically clever in order for them to survive. They can also see in poorly-lit areas while having the ability to learn an extra spell.
Githyanki
This is one of the coolest races in the game. They were once enslaved by the mind flayers, but those who managed to escape rely on their expertise on any weapons like shortswords, longswords, and greatswords to survive. Githyanki are typically from the Astral Plane – one of the many planes of existence in the main setting.
Their inclination towards good drink and better company makes them excellent companions. Additionally, their nimble nature makes them tough thieves. The Halflings’ features include 25ft base walking, and the proficiency in the Stealth skill. Lastly, their subrace includes the Lightfoot and Strongheart Halfling.
More Freedom, And Intimacy!
Baldur’s Gate III review Romance And Intimacy
Sex was mentioned earlier, and yes, you can have some intimate moments with different NPCs in this game. Much like with real people in real life, not all can be your ally or friend. Some people can be in your trusted circle while some won’t get along with you if they think you’re not the suitable leader they’re looking for. According to the developer, the game also extends intimacy and deep feelings inside the game to make it even more immersive.
Baldur’s Gate III System Requirements
You can still play it if you’re using Windows 7 64-bit. However, since most modern games are slowly transitioning to support Windows 10, it’s highly recommended to have a gaming rig that already starts with Windows 10. You might also need at least 150 gigabytes of free space and 8 gigabytes of RAM. Nevertheless, it’s not much of a demanding game in terms of computer stress and almost everyone can still play it in the recommended minimum settings.
Baldur’s Gate III Game Trailer
Baldur’s Gate Baldur’s Gate 3 Opening Cinematic
Personal Say…
There’s a reason why Larian was given the permission to continue the Baldur’s Gate series. It’s because they did a good job in their previous games. The early release already gave an impression about the game’s future and it was widely embraced by fans. There might be a lot of bugs and awkward animations but expect it to be fixed in the next release.
Overall, the game is excellent, and the game developers did a good job in separating the mechanics to avoid information overload to beginners. Although Larian itself said that it’s better to wait for the full release of the game to maximize its amazing gaming experience, it won’t stop you from trying it right now if you want to.
