Baldur's Gate 3

I like it but my problem is that I love all the character classes and the variety, this game, at least right now in 2020, is basically Divinity's latest engine with a cosmetic makeover, and of course they have scrapped any actions or spells that would break the walled area approach. I think Solasta is more what I was thinking of when I heard they were doing a DnD crossover title. It is still enjoyable but DnD was never meant to be played in three dimensions so spells and special actions, etc, they are all geared toward table top imagination settings. Currently the highest level is 4 and everyone knows Wizards do not even get interesting until level 8 and beyond. I will still play it though, but I have to say I hate Divinity's map and waypoint system. The little floating crystal ball where nothing looks right and you still can't tell where you is the outstanding thing that I hated about Divinity. You can either level up your character stats or take a feature which is not so true to the way the classes work. They may change that or not, probably not. The cool part of DnD was that you could customize your character to really good at something, in this setting it is basically damage dealing is what you are going for. There is not much of an illusion class in this one and they focus too much on hidden buttons, puzzles, and things you easily miss because of camera angle. So it uses the 3D element to hide stuff from you. Where as you would make a simple perception check in the tabletop, now you have to scroll and zoom in constantly and pixel hunt with your mouse pointer.

This may not be what you want to hear but this game is most identifiable as a spiritual successor to Dragon Age Origins more so than a sequel to BG2. The way BG3 makes me feel, the game's atmosphere, the cinematics, companions' personalities, camp system and so on and so forth heavily resemble DAO... at least to me. If you haven't played DAO, you're in for a ride... BG3 is easily one of the best CRPGs since that game if not THE best since. If you HAVE played DAO then you know what to expect! Except now the combat is turn-based and using a modified ruleset of 5e D&D. Either way, you HAVE to experience this game... it's a masterpiece.

Play this game with a friend and you will have an absolute blast! Playing it solo is also a fantastic experience, but everything is more fun with friends. =) I honestly don't have anything negativ to say as of yet. There is some tiny weird camera angles at times in cutsceens and the enemy AI sometimes takes a little long (A few extra seconds) to think about what to do. But other than that, I don't really have negative things to say. (Maybe I'll find more at a later time.) Play and enjoy this game, it's a gift to humankind!

I never actually played Baldur's Gate, I enjoyed Neverwinter Nights (especially with the Aurora engine to let you create your own scenarios.) Now, while I have been enjoying this game a lot, I'll state right now that the so-called balanced mode is anything but. If you want to sit and enjoy the game as an adventurer, balanced is not for you. Sure you can call me a dweeb or whatever. I don't really care. I want to play a game and enjoy it. I don't want to have to scum save and die over and over in frustration. That is what balanced mode did for me. Adventure mode was more to my liking and let me just tell you: My nephew who tells me I don't know how to play and that I am a whimp, is also playing adventure mode LOL. My other complaint, regardless of how you skew it, is that the battles are horrible. Not in the sense of the actual battles, that is decent. It's the camera views. You have little control over the camera for viewing. Sure you can pan and strafe, but you can ABSOLUTELY not look up. I mean in this day and age, looking up would be useful as you can (hmm I don't know) see where you might like to go. See what is above you in a cavern or castle. See the enemies above and be able to target them. Because trying to find a higher ground is nye impossible when you are in a battle. I have just started the second act after about 2 weeks of evening play. But, honestly, I just can't seem to continue as the camera makes the game frustrating. I mean when you are walking along mountain paths and through forests, wouldn't it be nice to see the clouds, the sky, the dragon that just flew over. Nah, Larian's design is flawed in that respect as you get a glimpse. Always a glimpse. I'll just say this, if I could control the camera the way I desire (looking up and around for places to jump, climb, etc.) I would definitely give this game a higher score.

The Last of Us has been my favorite game of all time for 10 years now. Until BG3 came along. While it may not be as polished, it shines so brightly in so many ways that it's hard to beat, especially when you throw in the ton of imaginative freedom. And it loosely teaches D&D to boot. Incredible. Couldn't recommend more highly. Wish I had enough money to buy for everyone I know, and everyone they know.