INTRODUCTION TO BALDUR’S GATE 3
Baldur’s Gate III is the third entry into the highly successful RPG series. It was developed by the team over at Larian Studios, who are a Belgian company. They are also the makers of the Divinity: Original Sin series. So they are no stranger to the RPG genre.
Baldur’s Gate 3 is based on the Dungeons & Dragons universe. Where it requires players to roll a set of dice in order to advance. Ultimately, it is based on the 5th Edition of Dungeons & Dragons.
SEE ALSO
THE DEVELOPMENT
The development of Baldur’s Gate III started in 2017, and it was officially announced on June 6, 2019. However, originally it was only scheduled to be released on the PC. It was even given an early access release. Which was released in October 6th, 2020.
The early access featured over 25 hours worth of gameplay, taken from the first act of the game. Originally it also contained 16 races and six classes to choose from. With more being released later, with the official release. One of the fan favourite characters was also leaked to be released alongside the game. This character was Minsc, who was a companion during the first Baldur’s Gate title. Which has since been confirmed.
RELEASE DATE
It is now scheduled to release on the PC, Playstation 5, and XBox Series X/S. With the former scheduled for an August 3rd release. Whilst the Playstation 5 version will shortly follow on September 6th.
The original Baldur’s Gate title, which originally released back in 1998, was developed by a completely different team. Though, this team is also no stranger to the RPG universe. This team was, of course, Bioware. The makers of both Mass Effect and Dragon Age.
Bioware was joined by another company, Black Isle Studios in creating the title. The success of which created a sequel, with a Baldur’s Gate III also planned. This edition would be known as Baldur’s Gate III: The Black Hound.
Work on Baldur’s Gate III: The Black Hound began in 2003 but unfortunately, due to financial issues, the Black Isle company ended up being shut down and the game was cancelled.
SIMILARITIES
However, the Larian Studios version of Baldur’s Gate III is not related to the cancelled version of the title. In fact it is very much their own take on the world of Dungeons & Dragons. Which takes many aspects from that universe. Including the many different races and species. Fans can expect to see the Tiefling, Drow and other such classes. Many of whom have featured in earlier adaptations.
The 2019 tabletop game, Baldur’s Gate: Descent into Avernus, which was published by the Wizards of the Coast as been described as a prequel to Baldur’s Gate III. Where the story is said to take place immediately after the events of Descent into Avernus.
GAMEPLAY
The gameplay of Baldur’s Gate III is said to contain both single-player and cooperative multiplayer. Where two players can create their own characters, whilst the rest of the in-game party will consist of AI computer-generated characters.
Players can also expect role-play elements with turn-based mechanics that rely on dice rolling to navigate certain areas and the story itself.
Many of the characters are open to romance. With their own hidden backstories and ways to unlock their romance scenes. During the open beta a lot of these scenes are locked behind a black screen. Where only the dialogue could be heard.
Some of these romances became available after having pleased their chosen companion. For example, giving one of the characters a series of chosen artifacts was a good way to unlock one such event. It played very similarly to that of the Dragon Age and Mass Effect series. Which also included these character bonding aspects.
THE PLOT
The main story of Baldur’s Gate III takes place months after Baldur’s Gate: Descent into Avernus and 120 years after Baldur’s Gate II: Shadows of Amn.
Baldur’s Gate III opens up with the player character being captured by the mind flayers. Creatures that first appeared in Dungeons & Dragons back in 1975. Where they were described as being super intelligent humanoid shaped beings with tentacles.
Whilst being captured by these ilithid creatures the player character, alongside many others, have been injected with tadpoles into their brain. In their attempts at trying to create more of their species.
Has been playing video games for her entire life so far. Grew up with the Sega Master System II. Her favourite games include both Resident Evil 2 (OG) and Final Fantasy VIII.
She now writes articles about video games.
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