At PAX East Larian studios took to the stage to reveal the gameplay for the upcoming third installment in the Baldur’s Gate series. Back when I heard that Larian had gotten this opportunity I was stoked that the makers of Divinity Original Sin II were making a new game in a series I didn’t think would get another. Who better to adapt Dungeons and Dragons 5e into a video game than the makers of Divinity Original Sin II the video game that has gotten the closest to feeling like a Tabletop Roleplaying Game. I’m glad to say that my expectations are now higher than ever after watching the Baldur’s Gate 3 gameplay reveal.
There’s some intense stuff happening to start you off in BG3!
Starting off after introductions we are treated to some really stellar looking animation with the game’s opening cinematic featuring Mind Flayers, Dragons, and a Githyanki. This was followed by a quick overview of the character creation options and the promise of much more to come!
Getting close and personal during conversations will help develop a closer relationship to the charcters and feel more immersive
Then came the gameplay, I’m happy to report that Larian is committed to recreating the tabletop experience and adaptation of the DnD 5E rules into video game form. As much as I love the Baldur’s Gate games they never really felt much like playing DnD, and this looks like Larian might pull it off. The typical turn is broken down into a movement, an action, and a bonus action, which any DnD player will recognize and will feel right a home with. While it may feel weird initially to play a Baldur’s Gate game without Real Time with Pause or RTwP mechanics I think in the end it is the right move. Baldur’s Gate is at it’s core Dungeons and Dragons and I think a more turn based combat reflects that better, after all Dungeons and Dragons is a turn based RPG!
Did you pass your Saving Throw?
It looks like players will be able to use a wide assortment of commands and tools at their disposal to tackle situations in many different ways. Larian is dedicated to handling as much power to the player in how they want to play and this really shows. Will you charge in swinging? Or will you activate turn based mode ahead of time and sneak in? Do you send in someone to sneak and wait just in case while you see what is the situation is? Up to you!
You will need some solid strategy to get past some fights, use the environment to your advantage!
I’m excited to see more of the game as development continues as this is still a fairly early look and much could change between now and the end of the year. I think the only thing I’m somewhat bummed about is that with this story taking place 100 years after the events of the first two games, we won’t see Minsc and Boo. Perhaps we will meet a new loveable duo to adore? I cannot wait to revisit Baldur’s Gate in a new and exciting way!
Check out the Baldur’s Gate 3 Gameplay reveal below and share with us your thoughts? Are you excited? Are you upset that they aren’t sticking with the traditional RTwP model that Baldur’s Gate is known for? Let us know in the comments!
