Baldur's Gate 3

I had my reservations when Larian made it known that there would be fully animated dialogue, because it has been tackled by many other titles without success. But, they have delivered beyond my expectations on that front for Early Access, and met their other goals for BG3. Anyone who says this iteration is untrue to the spirit of Baldur's Gate is stuck in past. The game is not yet done. We don't know how this story is going to unfold. And, truth be told, even if it isn't a continuation of the Bhaalspawn saga, I won't be fussed. It's "Baldur's Gate", not "Bhaal's Brood". There is good writing here, and the presentation of its format, music and voice acting are a delight. In terms of gameplay, it strikes a good balance between DOS2 and D&D, though it can still be improved. Even so, it's a good representation of my own experiences with pen and paper adventures and, more importantly, it's fun. Buy it if you like the idea of contributing to the development of this game - I can't imagine the $60 price tag is for anyone else. There's a lot here already that is highly playable - it is an exellent prototype - but don't expect a full and finished product.

First off, I know that $60 for an EA game is a lot to buy in to, but you are buying into a GREAT developer in Larian. If you enjoyed DOS or DOS2, you will like this game. The dice rolls in game are a different experience and I like how Larian incorporated some classic D&D experiences into this game. The story does not feel like a typical BG experience, however, but feels more like a Divinity: Mind Flayers game instead. Pros: The graphics are amazing, some of the NPCs have great backstories, engaging turn-based combat, similar gamplay to DOS, immersive role playing experience Cons: needs more detailed character creation (more classes), bugs bugs bugs (to be expected), needs gamepad support, does not correlate with previous BG games or Forgotten Realms lore In conclusion, like many other reviews say, if you like supporting EA games, like DOS games, you will most likely enjoy this game. If you feel like you cannot handle bugs, or feel even a bit apprehensive about starting this iteration, just wait until full release. I'm glad I invested in this EA, especially during a pandemic that has really cut short the time I have to get together with friends and do our own D&D runs. In it's current state 8/10

First of all I want to make sure people reading this know that this is based on the early access version of the game which contains only Act 1, and it is not the full version. With that out of the way, I think Larian Studios has crafted a really good story here, and this was a very enjoyable experience. The camera takes some getting used to, but I am coming from MMOs where you can rotate at will. Not being able to rotate the horizon of the camera was a pain, but you get used to it. The fights were challenging, but doable and the world is beautifully done. The one glaring flaw I found with this game is that, while the game lets you roleplay your character, you are not rewarded for roleplaying. You do not get experience for diffusing a situation through a deception check for example or any other such checks. Advancing the story by any other means that killing enemies does not get you much xp. That is unfortunate, because the game gives you plenty of opportunity to do so, but if you do, you will find yourself gimped for the inevitable fight that will come your way. I look forward to the finished product.

In a nutshell; Not the long awaited BG3 successor. D&D it might be, but not what Baldur's Gate series was about.

Okay let me address somethings that I have been seeing on here as a complaints. The most fundamental one is that this is not a direct sequel to BD2. I am not sure how many people here actually paid attention to the release about this game but it was never meant to be. It is a basic direct sequel to the model Baldur's Gate Descent into Avernus. So if you bought this expecting a sequel to BD2 and did no research on what the developers released about it then you have no room to complain. Since I never played anything from this developer before I will not comment on if it is anything like their other games. Are the bugs, yes it is a prerelease where they warn you about it. So once again you are warned. Bugs are being worked on all the time. The hulk jump mechanic makes no sense whatsoever. For those who do not know what this is. In this game you can make really long Incredible Hulk style leaps so as to not provoke an attack of opportunity. All the characters regardless of stats can do this without even an athletics check. This is a mechanic I hope they remove in the end. There are people complaining about the dice rolling and all the save and reloads that causes. If you are that type of person you have no real clue what a tabletop rpg is or you are choosing not to treat a game that is simulating a table top rpg (complete with a dm narrator) like a table top rpg. That is on you, not on the game therefore your critique is unfounded. All in all do your research on this game and if it will be something that you will like. There are many great sources out there far better than reviews written by angry people or fans. Make the best informed decision you can make. It is your money after all.