As we enter the fourth quarter of 2023, many developers have already staked claims to Game of the Year awards. We’ve also reviewed several of them here at GADGETS. Contenders can come from any developer or publisher; AAA games such as Final Fantasy XVI and Diablo IV are under consideration at the time of this writing. But Belgium-based Larian Studios, who also developed the Divinity series, has a strong case with Baldur’s Gate 3. Will it make its own case for the various gaming awards out there?
For those who already play tabletop games, Baldur’s Gate 3 is turn-based, and combat is based on Dungeons & Dragons 5th Edition rules. You begin in the year 1492 DR, 120 years after the events of Baldur’s Gate II. Mind flayers have launched an invasion of Faerun and implanted the protagonist with a lilithid tadpole, which is a parasite that turns its victims into mind flayers themselves. The protagonist then returns to Faerun, searching for a way to remote the parasites.
While I have limited experience with these types of games, I immediately immersed myself into learning the nuances of the battle system. You can choose from a selection of D&D classes and races, or even make your own origin character and give it a background, much like in D&D itself. You can venture alone into the Forgotten Realms, or get your friends in on the action. I chose to join some friends already playing the game so that the learning curve wouldn’t be as steep, and I would recommend doing so if you’re unfamiliar with D&D or the Baldur’s Gate series.
Just like the tabletop version of D&D, attacks, shoves, hidden secrets, and lockpicking are examples of die rolls. These rolls determine success or failure. This can be modified by one’s Ability Score Modifier and Proficiency Bonuses (unless explicitly stated, Proficiency Bonuses aren’t added to damage rolls). While some math is required, rolling a 1 on a D20 is considered a natural 1, and rolling a 20 is a natural 20. There are attack rolls, damage rolls, saving throws, and ability checks that can be affected by modifiers (unless stated otherwise).
There are numerous creature types in the game: aberrations, beasts, celestials, constructs, dragons, elementals, feys, fiends, giants, humanoids, monstrosities, oozes, plants, and undead. Some pieces of equipment can grant advantages against certain types of enemies, namely aberrations, beasts, and monstrosities. You may have to mix and match to counter each enemy and keep a lot of gear on you that will help you fight these enemies. Your stats, Strength, Dexterity, Constitution, Intellect, Wisdom, and Charisma, are important as they can determine victory or defeat, along with roll of the dice.
There are several types of weapons: martial or simple, melee or ranged, one-handed, two-handed, or versatile. There are several types of physical damage: bludgeoning, piercing, or slashing. If weapons have the Light property, they can be dual-wielded for more damage; if you choose the Dual Wielder Feat, you can dual-wield Versatile weapons for even more damage. Weapons have special properties that can increase its reach, range, and even have magical enchantments that can overcome resistances to certain types of damage. By equipping certain armors, consumables, or other items, you can also gain advantages over certain types of enemies.
My (lack of) experience with D&D clearly made the game harder than it was, yet it was enjoyable playing with D&D rules. You can even form relationships with various NPCs in game, and can have special events if you bring certain companions with you to certain locations in the game. Despite my limited knowledge of D&D, I believe Baldur’s Gate 3 has the potential to challenge for gaming awards based on its rich storyline and immersive gameplay.
Developer: Larian Studios
Publisher: Larian Studios
Platform: PC, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, macOS
Words by Jose Alvarez
Also published in GADGETS MAGAZINE September 2023 Issue