Works. Entering game takes a bit of time for me, Usual visual bug that some buildings animate too fast. Use the unoffical (i think) patch, search for it and you'll find it. Wide screen mod also available. Other than that, it's a great game of and from simpler times.
I've played BG since the early 2000 so I am accustomed to what it is cable of and what not. * For new players: When you are just now discovering this lovely game and have little to no experience with old games BE WARNED! This game does not hold your hand, it does not have intelligent AI or built-in ease of use mechanics/options. This game will absolutely require trial and error to finding solutions that work for you. This is a simple game with quite simple mechanics that are over 20years old. It does not have as many story options or solutions available as modern games and some decisions could very abruptly make party members angry or leave or even fight you. But it is worth it, the story is phenomenal, the music, the NPCs are great. The banter that the NPCs will have with you or to each other is great and fun. Just dive in with the expectation that it will not have many things that modern games do. That's really all there is to it set realistic expectations. * For everybody else: If you've played BG1 or IWD or any game from the around the 2000s then you know what to expect. * General: - The story makes more sense if you start with BG1, but it is not absolutely necessary, but if you are like me and like the attention to detail then it is worth it. - BG2 is a direct sequel to (albeit with a new main story) the previous game and you will have returning characters and references. - The graphics is what it is, there's no way to change that. The art is actually still beautiful, the worst part are the character/npc/monster sprites. Just accept it and enjoy the story. - The closest you get to ease of use or quality of life options are the autopause settings and the AI script that you can put on each of your characters - use them (pause game when trap is detected could save your life). - Mechanically it uses a logic where lower numbers are better: Armor class (AC) 0 or even -2 is better than AC 8. To hit bonus works similarly, THAC0 17 is worse than THAC0 4. ENJOY!
Let me start by saying that I'm a hardcore fan of Dungeons and Dragons and the original Baldur's Gate games and since first gameplay videos and the beta program until today I have a little gripe with Larian naming this Baldur's Gate 3. This and 2 game design elements is why I give it 4 stars. I'm nearing the end of Act 2 (probably) at the time of writing. I have had very few and minor bugs since summer, I cannot understand what could be wrong for those who complain that the game is unplayable in December. And other people who complain about other aspects (controls, or bad items etc) could probably just learn to play the game and not presume that all games are made with the same controls, or mechanics etc. Read up on tips if you need help. Everything you need to succeed is there in the game. Act 1 is very strong and gives plenty of exploring and roleplay options. You get to know the world and the quest you are on. Act 2 is more straightforward and to the point and again plenty fun to explore. So far the game is fun, well written and well acted. You need to make use of your own class abilities and abilities that different items grant you to succeed. The world is immersive and has nice lore for any Forgotten Realms fan. But as I mentioned earlier i'm not entirely happy they called it Baldur's Gate 3 - as it has quite little to do with the 2 previous games. Yes they use the same city in the end and even some same characters, but they could have called it anything else. The only real connection to pervious games is one of the backgrounds that you can choose. And the second thing that irked me was the choice how they handled the warnings of leaving an area. When you get notified that finish any open quests - take it seriously. Another small thing is the fact that you are able to explore some places before you get quests for them, and this can make the quest log and story hard to understand. Looking at you Specific temple in Act 2. All-in-all nice experience so far!
