Baldur’s Gate 3 Review – A Masterpiece in every way

OUR RATING: 10/10

Baldur’s Gate 3, developed by Larian Studios, has taken the gaming world by storm, captivating players with its immersive gameplay, captivating storytelling, and unparalleled depth. Their magnum opus also became the Game of The Year for 2023, a year that was filled to the brim with blockbuster releases, and for all the right reasons.

Set 120 years after the events of its predecessor, Baldur’s Gate II: Shadows of Amn, the game thrusts players into a compelling storyline that unfolds in the year 1492 DR. As the protagonist, you awaken aboard a mind flayer ship, infected by a mind flayer tadpole that threatens to transform you into one of them. With a sense of urgency, you embark on a perilous journey across Faerûn, battling goblins, hags, and Bhaalspawn to find a cure before it’s too late.

One of the remarkable aspects of Baldur’s Gate 3 is its accessibility to both newcomers and fans of the series alike. You don’t need any prior knowledge of the previous Baldur’s Gate games or the Dungeons & Dragons tabletop role-playing game to fully enjoy this experience. Larian Studios has ensured that the game is entirely self-contained, providing a robust tutorial that guides players through its mechanics and lore.

Baldur’s Gate 3 offers players an unprecedented level of choice and agency. With multiple dialogue routes and high-impact decisions, the game presents a dynamic narrative that adapts to your actions. Every choice you make, every dice roll you succeed or fail, has consequences that shape the story, leading to different outcomes, cut scenes, and dialogue. This level of customization and creativity allows for countless playthroughs, each offering a unique experience.

The character creation process in Baldur’s Gate 3 is a testament to the game’s depth and versatility. With 11 races and 12 classes to choose from, players have the freedom to create a character that aligns with their desired playstyle. Whether you prefer a stealthy Drow Rogue or a mighty Barbarian, the game allows you to tailor your character’s abilities, skills, and appearance to suit your preferences.

The world of Baldur’s Gate 3 is a sprawling and visually stunning environment that begs to be explored. Divided into act-specific chunks, the game strikes a balance between openness and manageability. From lush forests to treacherous dungeons, each location is meticulously designed, immersing players in a world brimming with detail. The accompanying score, reminiscent of The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim, further enhances the atmosphere, adding to the sense of wonder and adventure.

Combat in Baldur’s Gate 3 is a thrilling and strategic affair. The turn-based mechanics require players to think tactically, planning their moves carefully to outwit their opponents. With a range of abilities, spells, and equipment at your disposal, every encounter presents an opportunity to showcase your skills. Whether you prefer a direct approach or a more stealthy approach, Baldur’s Gate 3 offers a combat system that rewards clever thinking and adaptability.

No adventure is complete without a band of loyal companions, and Baldur’s Gate 3 delivers on this front. The game introduces a cast of memorable characters, each with their own unique personalities, backstories, and questlines. Your interactions with these companions, both inside and outside of combat, shape the relationships you forge and influence the course of the story. From the chaotic Astarion to the mysterious Shadowheart, the companions add depth and emotional resonance to the game.

Romance plays a significant role in Baldur’s Gate 3, adding an extra layer of depth to the game’s storytelling. Many of your companions are romanceable, allowing for intricate and emotionally charged relationships. These romances are not mere flings but have meaningful consequences throughout the game, with dialogue segments and questlines that specifically pertain to your character’s love interests. The inclusion of romance options adds a realistic and immersive element to the game, further enhancing the player’s connection to the story.

Act 3 of Baldur’s Gate 3 presents players with a sprawling and challenging experience. The vastness of this section can be overwhelming, with numerous questlines, NPCs to interact with, and an underground sewer system to explore. While Acts 1 and 2 provide a more manageable introduction to the game, Act 3 pushes players to their limits. However, the rewards are well worth the effort, with the House of Hope dungeon standing out as one of the game’s highlights.

Like any ambitious project, Baldur’s Gate 3 is not without its flaws. The game has faced criticism for its bugs and technical issues, with each patch seemingly introducing as many fixes as it does new problems. However, the developers at Larian Studios have been actively working to address these issues, continuously refining the game to provide the best possible experience for players. It’s worth noting that despite these setbacks, the game’s overall quality shines through, and the dedication of the development team is evident.

The conclusion of Baldur’s Gate 3 marks the end of an unforgettable journey, leaving players yearning for more. The game’s rich storytelling, captivating characters, and immersive gameplay make it an absolute must-play for fans of the genre. Larian Studios has set a new standard for what a video game can achieve, and Baldur’s Gate 3 stands as a testament to their dedication and creativity.

Baldur’s Gate 3 is a masterpiece that has redefined the RPG genre. Its accessible gameplay, intricate choices, stunning visuals, and compelling characters combine to create an unforgettable experience. Whether you’re a seasoned fan of the series or a newcomer to the world of Baldur’s Gate, this game is a must-play. It’s one of those rare games that if you don’t play it, you’re missing out on a quintessential gaming experience that only comes around once in a long time.