Literally been replaying BG2 over the Christmas break. It's still just as good as it ever was.
How ‘Baldur’s Gate’ Saved the Computer RPG
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Re: How ‘Baldur’s Gate’ Saved the Computer RPG
#72Baldurs Gate was really good, but I think people give it too much credit. Fallout 1$2 and Planescape Torment showed what really is a narrative-driven RPG game, they deserve more attention.
The Fallout series isn't exactly obscure and Fallout 1 in particular is terrible. I got a game over 5 minutes into the game because I walked too far and the arbitrary timer ran out.
In all the many play-throughs I did on that game I don't think I ever hit the time limit. I always thought it was generous enough to enjoy the game fully.
If you really want to explore [sort of] unhindered Fallout 2 takes care of that, even letting you continue to play after you finish the game.
Re: How ‘Baldur’s Gate’ Saved the Computer RPG
#73Since I don't see it mentioned, another shout out to Arcanum, one of the few RPGs that made a good attempt at creating a compelling vision of a world where magic and technology coexist. The game is not without its issues, but overall it's a solid cRPG from the same era as BGI/II
Arcanum gave me permanent gnome trust issues.
Re: How ‘Baldur’s Gate’ Saved the Computer RPG
#74I never had a chance to play it as a kid. I just checked GOG, looks like they only have the "Enhanced Edition" which appears to be universally hated. I looked around but finding the original seems to be as hard as finding the unenhanced Star Wars'.
BG2 original (aka "Baldur's gate 2 complete") is included as part of BG2 enhanced edition on GOG, check the description :)
I too prefer the original versions, particularly because there's a mod called Baldur's gate trilogy that combines both games and their expansions into one huge game with a ton of fixes.
Re: How ‘Baldur’s Gate’ Saved the Computer RPG
#75Earlier quoted context omitted.
The most recent game I managed that with was Skyrim (years after launch, I think this was maybe 1-2 years ago) but with most other such games (and also Skyrim after a few cumulative hours) I just felt like I was wasting my time.
Oh man I played that one as well, forgot to add it to my list. I probably got about 50% through the main quest and got bored. I really enjoyed Fallout 3 and 4 (despite the complaints) but Skyrim never felt as good to me.
I felt the reverse, that Skyrim was amazing, but Fallout 3 and 4 didn't hold my attention despite being similar. Fallout 3's soundtrack was excellent, though. I was disappointed that 4 didn't have quite the same appeal.
Re: How ‘Baldur’s Gate’ Saved the Computer RPG
#76Nope. It just slowed the decline. Good RPGs with high production values are extremely rare. We have witchers, divinity and pillar/tides(maybe) . Dragon age 1 was the last true Bioware RPG... Fallouts lack stories (except new vegas which mostly lacks sequesls).
I highly recommend Underrail - while the graphics are a bit simplistic (it was made entirely by a Ukrainian programmer/artist), it's the closest we've got to a modern Fallout 1/2.
I'm also looking forward to Obsidian's new game The Outer Worlds, seems like New Vegas IN SPACE.
Re: How ‘Baldur’s Gate’ Saved the Computer RPG
#77Earlier quoted context omitted.
Pillars of Eternity has also done a fantastic job in this regard.
Pillars of Eternity brought me back to the BG times. I felt like a 14 years old playing a semi elf enchanter again. Wonderful game. Can't speed run them anymore, so I'm still not done with the one, but already can't wait to play the second.
It was smart of them to include some nostalgia. Previewing the game at a conference, when the voice-over said, "You must gather your party before forth," The crowd cheered.
Re: How ‘Baldur’s Gate’ Saved the Computer RPG
#78If you want to play a modern game that takes you back to Balder’s Gate, definitely check out Divinity Original Sin 2. I never played the first, and I was skeptical about it living up to BG 1 and 2, but after the first couple hours I was hooked. It is very much worthy of the comparison.
Modern CRPG's are pretty great, I enjoyed all of the following:
- Divinity OS 1/2
- Underrail
- Age of Decadence
- Bastard Bonds
- Serpent in the Staglands
- Tyranny
- Torment: Tides of Numenera
However, I did not care for Pillars of Eternity at all.
Re: How ‘Baldur’s Gate’ Saved the Computer RPG
#79Anyone remember Neverwinter Nights? That was my "thing".
Also, Lunar 2: Eternal Blue Complete was a high point in my childhood.
Re: How ‘Baldur’s Gate’ Saved the Computer RPG
#80Incidentally, BG1, BG2, & Icewind Dale are available on iOS and play quite well on an iPad pro. Perhaps even better than on a PC, as using the touch screen is easier than moving a mouse around.