Finished my first single player playthrough and wow, what an amazing game. The attention to detail and options are mind-bending. The shear effort, it was clear that for everyone involved this was a passion project. I thought I'd taken my time through act one and still missed Alfira's cutscene. Can't wait to play through again and try multiplayer
Before reading my review, note that the game is of course in early access. Your results may vary by machine, as well.
That said, from my side, I paid $60 for a game that will not even launch from either GOG Galaxy, or directly from the folder. You may have better luck, as there are supposedly many fixes for this. However, none of them are working for me at the time of this review.
Early access is always a dice roll, and I seem to have rolled snake eyes. Other reviews suggest my issue is rare and that when the game works, it's absolutely stunning. Just wish I could play the dang thing.
I have played the game for about 15h and love it so far. It offers a great wealth of things to explore and try out without overwhelming you. Sceneries, Dungeons are beautifully made and a pleasure to walk. It's been a long time since I have enjoyed just aimlessly messing around with squirrels and checking out small corners in some crypt or forest.
Also for me the comparison to other games, be it the older BG titles or D:OS doesn't make much sense. If you want a BG I look and feel, play BG I again. I loved that game for its great writing and self irony. But to me that was just a completely different era of computer games and I even applaud a studio that goes their own way rather than trying to emulate a game that was done by someone else over 20 years ago.
As for why call it Baldur's Gate if it is not exactly like the older games? Maybe because it's story is set in the area of Baldur's Gate of Faerun? That was the only reason for that name in part I and part II, same as for Icewind Dale and the Neverwinter series. It's not as if Baldur's Gate I invented D&D or the Forgotten Realms.
Loved RPGs for 35+ years now and it took Larian to ruin it for me. Have been thinking about moving from pathfinder to D&D 5.0 but this game ended it for good. I'm not going to play whack a mole as a type of "fun" game mechanics.
Do not expect a fun time. Most NPCs are so full of them selves its hard to find 1 redeeming quality. My companions are leepfrogging EVERYWERE, it would be funny if it wasn't so sad. They keep falling down from places or i have to go back to get em!
Sad end to a great world...