Since its debut in 1998, the Baldur’s Gate series has stood as a beacon of excellence in the RPG world. Initially developed by BioWare and published by Interplay Entertainment, the series quickly became renowned for its immersive storytelling, expansive world, and intricate gameplay mechanics. But not only; many catchy phrases and memorable characters stole gamers’ hearts all over the world.
With the long-awaited full release of Baldur’s Gate 3 on the horizon, it’s just the perfect time to delve into the captivating universe of the series and explore the legacy that has made it an enduring classic – whether you already played it in the past or not.
Table of Contents
- How the legend was born
- RPG like never before
- A new era
- What if I’m not familiar with the Baldur’s Gate universe?
- Grand adventure awaits
How the legend was born
In its first iteration, Baldur’s Gate introduced players to the vast and treacherous world of the Forgotten Realms. Set in the coastal city of Baldur’s Gate, we’ve had a chance to take on the role of the Bhaalspawn, a mysterious protagonist embarking on a journey to uncover their true heritage as the offspring of the god of murder, Bhaal. The game seamlessly blended real-time exploration, tactical combat, and a branching narrative that responded to the choices made.
Why it captured the hearts of so many, was thanks to its rich, detailed world, memorable characters, and intricate quests; it offered a deep and immersive role-playing experience, allowing everyone to shape their character’s personality, abilities, and alliances. The combination of captivating storytelling, compelling companions and strategic combat set a new standard for the genre, garnering critical acclaim and a truly dedicated fan base.
RPG like never before
Beyond the mainline games, the series expanded its universe in numerous expansions and spin-offs. Baldur’s Gate: Tales of the Sword Coast and Baldur’s Gate II: Throne of Bhaal expanded the narrative of the first game, offering new quests, companions, and challenges to overcome. They allowed the series enthusiasts to further explore the rich lore of the Forgotten Realms and deepen their connection to the world of Baldur’s Gate.
The impact it had on the gaming industry is undeniable; these games revolutionized the RPG genre, introducing a level of depth and complexity that was rarely seen before. The series became a benchmark for storytelling in games, showcasing the power of choice and consequence in shaping a player’s experience – it set a new standard for world-building, character development, and narrative branching.
A new era
In 2019, Baldur’s Gate 3 was announced – sending shockwaves through the gaming community and yet again successfully igniting a spark of excitement that continues to burn bright. This time in development by Larian Studios, video game developer and publisher renowned for their Divinity: Original Sin series, promises to make the brand new installment a transformative entry in the series.
Set one century after the events of the previous games, Baldur’s Gate 3 is set in world on the brink of chaos; and players, as captive of mind flayers, a malevolent race of extraterrestrial beings, must navigate a perilous journey to regain their freedom and prevent an otherworldly invasion. With Larian Studios’ signature attention to detail, immersive storytelling, and engaging turn-based combat, the game is poised to deliver an unforgettable experience, in line with what we already know.
The gameplay, yet again, puts emphasis on player choice and consequences, these elements remaining a core pillar of the series, promising a narrative that responds dynamically to the decisions made. Additionally, the multiplayer functionality gives space for cooperative storytelling, inviting friends to join in the adventure and shaping the tale together.
What if I’m not familiar with the Baldur’s Gate universe?
If you haven’t gotten to know the magic of Baldur’s Gate yet though, we believe you have absolutely nothing to worry about. Not only is there an aforementioned century-long time gap between the installment – but while set in the same universe, Baldur’s Gate 3 touches a completely different plot, loosely tied to what long-term fans already know. With chronology and current lore unaffected, it is a warm embrace for the series enthusiasts, as well as a completely new, exciting adventure for newcomers.
Although, we can advise that you should still absolutely play previous Baldur’s Gate titles – not in regard to the new one to come, but simply because they’re incredible, engaging RPGs!
Grand adventure awaits
The legacy of Baldur’s Gate, built upon a foundation of immersive storytelling, intricate gameplay mechanics, and a richly realized world, has captivated players for over two decades. Baldur’s Gate 3 represents a new chapter in this iconic saga, infusing the series with fresh innovations while staying true to its roots. The anticipation for the game is palpable, as we all simply cannot wait to embark on a grand adventure filled with untold dangers, enigmatic characters, and monumental choices.
With the combination of a series as iconic as Baldur’s Gate and developers as talented as Larian Studios, we are absolutely certain that Baldur’s Gate 3 will deliver the very best RPG experiences and set a new standard for the genre – just like the original game did all those years ago.
