Baldur's Gate 3 Review

A Triumph in RPG Storytelling

After two decades, the legendary Baldur’s Gate series returns with Baldur’s Gate 3, developed by Larian Studios. Built upon the foundation of Dungeons & Dragons 5th Edition ruleset, BG3 delivers an expansive and deeply immersive RPG experience. With a rich narrative, complex characters, and unparalleled player choice, does it live up to the hype? Let’s delve into the Forgotten Realms and find out.

Story & World-Building: A Grand Tale of Fate and Freedom

Baldur’s Gate 3 thrusts players into a desperate situation from the very beginning. You awaken aboard a mind-flayer ship, infected with a parasitic tadpole that threatens to transform you into one of their kind. As you crash-land in the Forgotten Realms, you must seek a cure while navigating a web of alliances, betrayals, and moral dilemmas.

The writing is exceptional, offering deep character arcs and branching storylines. Every NPC, from your loyal companions to a wandering bard, feels alive with distinct personalities and motivations. The choices you make—whether forming uneasy alliances, embracing the darkness within, or forging a path of righteousness—genuinely impact the world and its inhabitants.

Larian Studios has masterfully recreated the vastness of the Forgotten Realms. The environments, from the sun-drenched wilderness to the gothic spires of Baldur’s Gate itself, are brimming with history and hidden secrets. Exploration is rewarded with rich lore, unexpected encounters, and opportunities for creative problem-solving.

Gameplay: A Tactical and Narrative Marvel

Baldur’s Gate 3 stays true to its D&D roots while refining mechanics for a digital RPG experience.

• Turn-Based Combat: Larian's signature turn-based system, akin to Divinity: Original Sin 2, replaces the real-time-with-pause combat of previous games. Each battle feels like a strategic puzzle, encouraging creative use of terrain, spell combinations, and environmental interactions. Spells like Grease can be ignited for fiery chaos, while Thunderwave can send enemies plummeting to their doom.

• Character Customisation: Players can create highly personalized characters with diverse races, classes, and backgrounds. Whether you play as a cunning rogue, a righteous paladin, or a mischievous bard, every build offers a unique approach to encounters and dialogue.

• Companion Dynamics: The game features some of the most compelling companions in RPG history. Each has intricate backstories, personal quests, and reactive personalities that evolve based on your choices. Romance options deepen these relationships, adding further emotional stakes.

• Freedom of Choice: BG3 embodies the spirit of tabletop RPGs, allowing players to approach situations in countless ways. Want to talk your way out of a fight? Cast Charm Person. Prefer a non-violent route? Use Invisibility to sneak past guards. The game rewards creativity at every turn.

Graphics & Performance: A Stunning Digital Tabletop Experience

Visually, Baldur’s Gate 3 is breathtaking. Character models are detailed and expressive, spell effects dazzle, and the environments feel rich and alive. Cinematic dialogues, enhanced by motion capture, bring unprecedented depth to interactions, making every conversation feel dynamic.

Performance-wise, the game runs smoothly on high-end PCs, but optimization issues can arise in large-scale battles or densely populated areas. Larian has been proactive with patches, ensuring stability and improvements over time.

Soundtrack & Voice Acting: Immersion Through Audio

The orchestral score, composed by Borislav Slavov, perfectly captures the grandeur and danger of the Forgotten Realms. From haunting melodies in shadowed crypts to triumphant battle themes, the music enhances every moment.

Voice acting is stellar across the board. Each character delivers performances filled with emotion, wit, and nuance. Companions, in particular, feel distinct and lifelike, making it easy to become attached to their struggles.

Final Verdict

Baldur’s Gate 3 is a masterclass in RPG design. It offers unparalleled freedom, an emotionally gripping story, and tactical depth that will satisfy both veterans and newcomers to the genre. While minor technical issues exist, they pale in comparison to the sheer brilliance of its storytelling and gameplay.

For those craving an RPG that respects player agency, immerses them in a living world, and delivers deep role-playing mechanics, Baldur’s Gate 3 stands as a modern classic.

Score: 9.5/10

Pros: 

✔ Deep and reactive storytelling with meaningful choices.

✔ Engaging in turn-based combat with tactical depth.

✔ Stunning visuals and detailed world-building.

✔ Immersive voice acting and memorable companions.

✔ High replayability with diverse playstyles.

Cons: 

✖ Occasional performance hiccups.

✖ Some minor bugs in complex interactions.

Have you ventured into the Forgotten Realms yet? Share your tales of adventure and betrayal in the comments below!