Well i like to think of myself as a huge rpg fan and everywhere i look this is stated as the cream of the crop, let me say ive played almost every modern rpg 2004 onwards and looking for something a bit traditional. I mainly love the stories and gameplay in games so graphics do not bother me, hell i still play Xcom 20 years later, i started with bioware games from Kotor 1 so i just missed out on this.
If the answer to my question is yes, where do i start ? from 1? 2? what mods? it seems so overwhelming :S and where would the best place to get it from be, is it on GoG.com or steam ?
Is it worth playing this after so long?
Débuté par
MartinDN
, oct. 27 2011 01:04
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#2
Posté 27 octobre 2011 - 02:56
Humanoid_Taifun
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1) Graphic-wise, this game is still top-notch - it's 2D.
2) Start with part 1, but use either Tutu or BGT. I don't know exactly which mods you should install on top of Tutu to take care of bugs (never having used Tutu for its inferior importing), but with BGT you need the G3 BG2 Fixpack. In either case, you should also install the BG1 NPC Project and the Widescreen mod.
3) When new to Baldur's Gate, you will notice an intense decrease of tempo. After the opening, you are literally left in the middle of nowhere with no great quest or anything to lead you to the ending. This sounds a bit like the sandboxgames Elder Scrolls, but differently from those, this game actually does have a continuous story - all you need to do is find it. You can travel all over the place though before turning to the main plot - which puts this game significantly apart from railroad "RP"Gs like Mass Effect or even actual RPGs like Dragon Age. It may also be a complete turn-off to people used to faster games. Combined with the less than modern combat (what, NO special abilities? My fighter can ATTACK the enemy, and that's IT?!) that drives most modern RPG fans away.
4) The combat system is not really inferior to the modern combat systems though. It is deeper, your formation and your weapon (or spell) choices will have a much bigger impact. Illithids require a completely different kind of approach from beholders, and either of the two monster types could easily wipe the floor with an unprepared group of travelers. BG1 is a game that favors ranged weapons, in BG2 magics (and melee weapons) rule supreme. The spell system is the best I've ever seen.
2) Start with part 1, but use either Tutu or BGT. I don't know exactly which mods you should install on top of Tutu to take care of bugs (never having used Tutu for its inferior importing), but with BGT you need the G3 BG2 Fixpack. In either case, you should also install the BG1 NPC Project and the Widescreen mod.
3) When new to Baldur's Gate, you will notice an intense decrease of tempo. After the opening, you are literally left in the middle of nowhere with no great quest or anything to lead you to the ending. This sounds a bit like the sandboxgames Elder Scrolls, but differently from those, this game actually does have a continuous story - all you need to do is find it. You can travel all over the place though before turning to the main plot - which puts this game significantly apart from railroad "RP"Gs like Mass Effect or even actual RPGs like Dragon Age. It may also be a complete turn-off to people used to faster games. Combined with the less than modern combat (what, NO special abilities? My fighter can ATTACK the enemy, and that's IT?!) that drives most modern RPG fans away.
4) The combat system is not really inferior to the modern combat systems though. It is deeper, your formation and your weapon (or spell) choices will have a much bigger impact. Illithids require a completely different kind of approach from beholders, and either of the two monster types could easily wipe the floor with an unprepared group of travelers. BG1 is a game that favors ranged weapons, in BG2 magics (and melee weapons) rule supreme. The spell system is the best I've ever seen.
#3
Posté 27 octobre 2011 - 03:14
Grond0
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I haven't used the version on steam, but the one from GOG seems to work well.
#4
Posté 27 octobre 2011 - 04:13
Sarielle
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If it's worth anything, I just started playing BG1 (using the BGT mod that upgrades it to the BGII engine) and I'm enjoying myself. I got a hankering for Neverwinter Nights again and decided that I'd try Baldur's Gate series instead. I'm not sorry 
EDIT: Yeah, I'm using the GOG version myself.
EDIT: Yeah, I'm using the GOG version myself.
Modifié par Sarielle, 27 octobre 2011 - 04:13 .
#5
Posté 27 octobre 2011 - 06:41
The Cow King
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BG1->TOB, it's kinda of a double edged sword.
For a person accustomed to modern games, BG1 (even with tutu) will feel very slow and boring with 80% certainty. The main plot only REALLY kicks in during the last two chapters of the game (which are short, and there are seven in total). However, BG1 has a really, really awesome plot drive towards the end, not many games make you so compelled to rush to finish the game.
So in short, BG1 will probably feel very boring to you for the majority of the game, unless you enjoy the slow pace. There's really not much actual RP'ing in BG1, you have quite limited dialogue options. There are benefits for playing BG1 though, as you will get great stats boosts that will travel with you all the way to the end of Throne of Baal, you get to actually play the backstory of BG2 (which is very tied to the plot of BG2), and there are loads of NPCs (playable and unplayable) alike in BG2 that appear in BG1, which makes your BG2 experience more fun.
BG2 however, is a complete beast of a game, still absolutely top notch (graphics included) even today. The limited battle abilities make an end in BG2 & TOB, where you will reach high levels and you get cool spells/abilities and character customization via gear/spells/abilities/class/tactics etc... go through the roof. There are still lots of tactics in BG1, but requires a bit of knowledge of the game/spells to use them. Combat in TOB for example, there are more awesome and interesting characters to play than you have time to (which is why you still have people here playing this game over and over again 10 years later, BG2 has very high replayability). You also get way more interesting quests/dialogue in BG2, and it's way more fast paced with the plot and everything than BG1. BG2 really is probably the best RPG ever made.
If you play any BG for the first time, I really recommend NOT using content altering mods (eg. battle difficulty, extra npcs, quests, items etc...). A good tutu install for the first playthrough for BG1 could be something like this.
- EasyTutu
- Degreenifier
- NPC Kits (this makes you able to give kits to NPCs that can join you, it's content altering yes, but makes the BG1 experience more interesting. You can skip this though, as giving the joinable NPCs kits that make sense, kinda requires you know the NPCs already.)
- BG1 Casting Sounds (since EasyTutu uses BG2 ones, BG1 sounds are imo better)
- Restored TextScreen Music (must!) - you also need this for it to work.
- BG2 *tweakpack (read below!)
- Spawn Randomizer (again, a VERY good idea, otherwise you'll run into way too much monsters than you should in vanilla BG1)... personally I used 50% / 7d options.
- TutuGUI (for authentic BG1 feel)
- TutuGUI font (uses BG1 font instead of BG2)
- Widescreen mod (again, a must have)
For BG1, these would be good *tweakpack installs.
- Avatar morphing script
- Disable portrait icons added by equipment
- Force all dialogue to pause
- More interjections
- Add bags of holding
- Reveal city maps
- Higher hp on level up (so you don't have to slide down difficulty every time you level up, this doesn't actually give you "higher" HP than you could get otherwise, just means you automatically roll 10 on a 1d10 for example)
- Neutral Characters Make Happy Comments at Mid-Range Reputation
- Dispel Magic fix
- Prevent random crashes in Beregost
- Allow player to choose NPC proficiencies and skills
- NPCs go to inns
I think you get to choose these during EasyTutu install.
- BG2 ammo stacks (must)
- BG1 summons (otherwise monster summoning spells are useless)
After you've done your BG1 mod install, I REALLY RECOMMEND installing Generalized Biffing mod, otherwise you might run into severe slowdowns in BG1 tutu.
There is very little actual game content change in there, just things that enhance your game, make it feel more like original BG1 (with the good stuff from BG2 like ammo stacks) and bug fixes.
For BG2 install, a mod setup something like this could do.
Fixpack
- Core Fixes
- Beta Fixes
Tweak Pack
COSMETIC
- Imoen Avatar Change
- Avatar Morphing Script
- Disable Portrait Icons Added by Equipped Items
- Force All Dialogue to Pause
CONTENT
- More Interjections
- Alter HP Triggers for NPC Wounded Dialogues
- Add Bags of Holding
- Bonus Merchants
CONV
- Higher HP on Level Up
- Neutral Characters Make Happy Comments at Mid-Range Reputation
- No Drow Avatars on Party In Underdark
NPC
- ToB Style NPCs
Widescreen mod
If you play through EasyTutu, it's super important you pick the class/kit you want to play, as you're stuck with it. You can't change kit in BG2. Might be possible with some cheating but I'd not recommend it.
I'd say play through BG1->TOB, even if BG1 isn't as "great", you'll be rewarded for your efforts in BG2 & TOB with increased abilities & knowing the backstory (which would be confusing without playing BG1) and NPCs that appear in BG2 (several of the crucially plot related characters are actually mentioned in passing in BG1). And you might still like BG1, even though it's slow.
Btw I also recommend rolling at least 90 in abilities when creating your character in BG1, being the powergamer I am. Otherwise the extra stat boosts in BG1 will be somewhat in vain. Make sure you max your main stat for your character (eg STR & CON for fighters). Dex & CON are useful for all. Constitution above 16 is only useful for figher types, there's a sticky about it in this section. You could leave your CON at 15 with casters/rogues etc..., and get it to 16 from the stat books you find in BG1. HP changes from CON are retroactive (whatever).
If you install combat difficulty mods, prepare to get your ass handed to you, as combat difficulty in BG series correlates directly with your knowledge of the game/spells.
I really recommend reading the game manuals as well.
Remember to install the official patches before installing mods (depending on what version of BG you installed), they fix game breaking bugs. 3CD BG1 is actually pre-patched for example, and should not be patched.
Words of truth.
BG2 is the most tactical RPG I've ever played as well, largely thanks to the spell system. NWN downtoned it A LOT.
For a person accustomed to modern games, BG1 (even with tutu) will feel very slow and boring with 80% certainty. The main plot only REALLY kicks in during the last two chapters of the game (which are short, and there are seven in total). However, BG1 has a really, really awesome plot drive towards the end, not many games make you so compelled to rush to finish the game.
So in short, BG1 will probably feel very boring to you for the majority of the game, unless you enjoy the slow pace. There's really not much actual RP'ing in BG1, you have quite limited dialogue options. There are benefits for playing BG1 though, as you will get great stats boosts that will travel with you all the way to the end of Throne of Baal, you get to actually play the backstory of BG2 (which is very tied to the plot of BG2), and there are loads of NPCs (playable and unplayable) alike in BG2 that appear in BG1, which makes your BG2 experience more fun.
BG2 however, is a complete beast of a game, still absolutely top notch (graphics included) even today. The limited battle abilities make an end in BG2 & TOB, where you will reach high levels and you get cool spells/abilities and character customization via gear/spells/abilities/class/tactics etc... go through the roof. There are still lots of tactics in BG1, but requires a bit of knowledge of the game/spells to use them. Combat in TOB for example, there are more awesome and interesting characters to play than you have time to (which is why you still have people here playing this game over and over again 10 years later, BG2 has very high replayability). You also get way more interesting quests/dialogue in BG2, and it's way more fast paced with the plot and everything than BG1. BG2 really is probably the best RPG ever made.
If you play any BG for the first time, I really recommend NOT using content altering mods (eg. battle difficulty, extra npcs, quests, items etc...). A good tutu install for the first playthrough for BG1 could be something like this.
- EasyTutu
- Degreenifier
- NPC Kits (this makes you able to give kits to NPCs that can join you, it's content altering yes, but makes the BG1 experience more interesting. You can skip this though, as giving the joinable NPCs kits that make sense, kinda requires you know the NPCs already.)
- BG1 Casting Sounds (since EasyTutu uses BG2 ones, BG1 sounds are imo better)
- Restored TextScreen Music (must!) - you also need this for it to work.
- BG2 *tweakpack (read below!)
- Spawn Randomizer (again, a VERY good idea, otherwise you'll run into way too much monsters than you should in vanilla BG1)... personally I used 50% / 7d options.
- TutuGUI (for authentic BG1 feel)
- TutuGUI font (uses BG1 font instead of BG2)
- Widescreen mod (again, a must have)
For BG1, these would be good *tweakpack installs.
- Avatar morphing script
- Disable portrait icons added by equipment
- Force all dialogue to pause
- More interjections
- Add bags of holding
- Reveal city maps
- Higher hp on level up (so you don't have to slide down difficulty every time you level up, this doesn't actually give you "higher" HP than you could get otherwise, just means you automatically roll 10 on a 1d10 for example)
- Neutral Characters Make Happy Comments at Mid-Range Reputation
- Dispel Magic fix
- Prevent random crashes in Beregost
- Allow player to choose NPC proficiencies and skills
- NPCs go to inns
I think you get to choose these during EasyTutu install.
- BG2 ammo stacks (must)
- BG1 summons (otherwise monster summoning spells are useless)
After you've done your BG1 mod install, I REALLY RECOMMEND installing Generalized Biffing mod, otherwise you might run into severe slowdowns in BG1 tutu.
There is very little actual game content change in there, just things that enhance your game, make it feel more like original BG1 (with the good stuff from BG2 like ammo stacks) and bug fixes.
For BG2 install, a mod setup something like this could do.
Fixpack
- Core Fixes
- Beta Fixes
Tweak Pack
COSMETIC
- Imoen Avatar Change
- Avatar Morphing Script
- Disable Portrait Icons Added by Equipped Items
- Force All Dialogue to Pause
CONTENT
- More Interjections
- Alter HP Triggers for NPC Wounded Dialogues
- Add Bags of Holding
- Bonus Merchants
CONV
- Higher HP on Level Up
- Neutral Characters Make Happy Comments at Mid-Range Reputation
- No Drow Avatars on Party In Underdark
NPC
- ToB Style NPCs
Widescreen mod
If you play through EasyTutu, it's super important you pick the class/kit you want to play, as you're stuck with it. You can't change kit in BG2. Might be possible with some cheating but I'd not recommend it.
I'd say play through BG1->TOB, even if BG1 isn't as "great", you'll be rewarded for your efforts in BG2 & TOB with increased abilities & knowing the backstory (which would be confusing without playing BG1) and NPCs that appear in BG2 (several of the crucially plot related characters are actually mentioned in passing in BG1). And you might still like BG1, even though it's slow.
Btw I also recommend rolling at least 90 in abilities when creating your character in BG1, being the powergamer I am. Otherwise the extra stat boosts in BG1 will be somewhat in vain. Make sure you max your main stat for your character (eg STR & CON for fighters). Dex & CON are useful for all. Constitution above 16 is only useful for figher types, there's a sticky about it in this section. You could leave your CON at 15 with casters/rogues etc..., and get it to 16 from the stat books you find in BG1. HP changes from CON are retroactive (whatever).
If you install combat difficulty mods, prepare to get your ass handed to you, as combat difficulty in BG series correlates directly with your knowledge of the game/spells.
I really recommend reading the game manuals as well.
Remember to install the official patches before installing mods (depending on what version of BG you installed), they fix game breaking bugs. 3CD BG1 is actually pre-patched for example, and should not be patched.
Humanoid_Taifun wrote...
The spell system is the best I've ever seen.
Words of truth.
BG2 is the most tactical RPG I've ever played as well, largely thanks to the spell system. NWN downtoned it A LOT.
Modifié par The Cow King, 27 octobre 2011 - 07:40 .
#6
Posté 27 octobre 2011 - 09:23
Sarielle
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I went with BGT because I liked the continuity....no importing, stats/NPCs carry over as you left them, etc. Tutu has its own set of directions. From what I gathered polling people here on the forums, both have diehard followers. People have gotten you started on links for those.
This is what I did. Note a few of these may need to be run from the BG2 folder, but if so, the installer will tell you so. This is a very basic rundown...I'd still check out readmes. I'm also not claiming to be an expert on this....it's what I did after doing some research, but people who have more experience may chime in. I haven't experienced any problems yet.
This PDF has extremely detailed info on installation order and what is, and is not, compatible with other mods. Someone linked this for me and it's what I used to put my list together. I'd recommend you keep it up as you install to doublecheck everything.
EDIT: As for building a character, I found this page very helpful for recommending stats by class. I found it after I'd already bugged a lot of people here, but it would have helped me in the beginning to be less of a noob, heh.
This is what I did. Note a few of these may need to be run from the BG2 folder, but if so, the installer will tell you so. This is a very basic rundown...I'd still check out readmes. I'm also not claiming to be an expert on this....it's what I did after doing some research, but people who have more experience may chime in. I haven't experienced any problems yet.
This PDF has extremely detailed info on installation order and what is, and is not, compatible with other mods. Someone linked this for me and it's what I used to put my list together. I'd recommend you keep it up as you install to doublecheck everything.
- Install Baldur's Gate 1 & 2 (derp), but NOT to C:\\Program Files as there are issues with Win 64 and 7 (so do something like C:\\Games\\Baldur's Gate). If you installed from discs, then you should follow this guide to make sure the mods will work later. If you bought from GOG, nothing special required.
- Patch. If you bought from GOG, ignore this step. You're already patched. If not: (BG1 patches; BG2 patches)
- G3 Fixpack || Additional bug fixes.
(Self-extracting archive...just doubleclick) - 1PP || small visual improvements
(Self-extracting archive...just doubleclick) - BGT || "Baldur's Gate Trilogy" means full continuity between games...including making BG1 run on BG2's engine.
(Extract the BGT##Install.rar to your BG2 directory, then run the .exe from there. REMOVE ANY CDS IN YOUR COMPUTER FIRST.) - BG1 NPC Project || Adds party banter. Do have it ask about each part before it installs, and DON'T install the parts that move NPCs around -- they aren't compatible with BGT. I also skipped parts that opened up areas earlier just to be safe.
(Self-extracting archive...just doubleclick) - BGT Tweakpack || Minor adjustments you may or may not be interested in relating to Baldur's Gate Trilogy.
(Extract to your BG2 folder, run the .exe) - BG2 Tweaks || From this I'd be choosy, and not go overboard modding core rules etc. I went with "Force All Dialogue to Pause Game," "Alter HP Triggers for NPC Wounded Dialogues," "Remove 'You must gather your party" sound," "Turn Off The Hideous Cloak-of-Mirroring, Spell-Trap, and Physical Mirror Animations," "Add bags of holding" and possibly "No Drow Avatars On Party In Underdark."
(Self-extracting archive...just doubleclick) - Moinesse's Avatars || Upgrades some avatar looks, plus allows for long hair.
(Self-extracting archive...just doubleclick) - Ultimate Portrait Pack || Just adds more portraits to choose from. I'd recommend just putting the ones you like in your portraits folder, though, else you'll have tons to sort through.
(Extract to Portraits folder inside BG1 and 2 directories. If you don't have one, make one.) - PC Soundsets || Just like it sounds. More voices.
(Just run installer.) - Widescreen Mod || For higher resolutions.
(Self-extracting archive...just doubleclick)
EDIT: As for building a character, I found this page very helpful for recommending stats by class. I found it after I'd already bugged a lot of people here, but it would have helped me in the beginning to be less of a noob, heh.
Modifié par Sarielle, 27 octobre 2011 - 09:31 .
#7
Posté 28 octobre 2011 - 12:08
ussnorway
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If you want to go first person perspective but keeping the pen/ paper feel then I’d suggest looking for an old series called Wizardry (the true RPG pioneers). This series started back in the hobby shop computer days and makes star-wars look like a short bed time story… unfortunately only wiz 7 & 8 are designed to run on windows.
#8
Posté 28 octobre 2011 - 12:20
Ishad Nha
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Wizardry 7 was okay. Wizards & Warriors had a few glitches but it was very interesting. Check out the Ironworks Forums for the needed tech tips.
#9
Posté 28 octobre 2011 - 02:02
dearlyblvd
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Yes, it's worth it. I finished my first Baldur's Gate 1 playthrough in the middle of this month using a mage, despite knowing huge spoilers, like the ending of the game, and I loved it.MartinDN wrote...
Well i like to think of myself as a huge rpg fan and everywhere i look this is stated as the cream of the crop, let me say ive played almost every modern rpg 2004 onwards and looking for something a bit traditional. I mainly love the stories and gameplay in games so graphics do not bother me, hell i still play Xcom 20 years later, i started with bioware games from Kotor 1 so i just missed out on this.
If the answer to my question is yes, where do i start ? from 1? 2? what mods? it seems so overwhelming :S and where would the best place to get it from be, is it on GoG.com or steam ?
I'm not a fan of mods, but Baldur's Gate 1 interface is worse compared to Baldur's Gate 2, so here is what I did:
- Installed Baldur's Gate 1 and Tales of the Sword Coast
- Installed Baldur's Gate 2 and Throne of Baal
- Installed the patches necessary and a translation for my native language
- Installed Baldur's Gate Trilogy
- Downloaded "Sword Coast Stratagems: Gameplay Tweaks" and installed the component "NPCs go to inns"
After I finished Baldur's Gate 1, I took a screenshot of my character's information and uninstalled everything. Then I started a fresh installation of BG2, following these steps:
- Installed Baldur's Gate 2, Throne of Baal, the latest patch and the translation for my native language
- Installed the following components from BG2 Tweaks:
1) Weapon animations modified (cosmetic)
2) Restore Shadows of Amn logo (cosmetic)
3) Force all dialogues to pause (cosmetic) -> important
4) More interjections (content) -> important
5) Change the amount of HP necessary to active dialogues for wounded NPCs (content)
6) Corrections in the dialogues of ZZZZ (NPC) in ToB (content)
- Installed the following components from BG2 Fixpack:
1) Fix core (important)
2) Installed some "Optional But Cool"
- Installed the following components from Zyraen's Miscellaneous Mods:
1) Transfer XXX's (NPC) experience to YYY (NPC) or the party
After installing all these things, I started a new save and a new character copying everything from my old one (attributes, proficiency points, portrait, etc). The only thing that I didn't copy were:
1) His spells, as I had to choose new ones
2) The stats, as I didn't have the patience to roll everything again, specially because it's possible to increase some of your stats permanently in BG1. To 'fix' this, I used a program called Shadowkeeper to edit my character after the game started, but didn't active the option to refresh memorized spells on save. I also used this program to add a special item that you can import from BG1, called Golden "Something".
I had three reasons to not import my character directly from my BG Trilogy save:
1) BG1: TotSC has a experience cap and BG Trilogy doesn't. I wanted to start with a weaker character.
2) The mage's spellbook is the same from BG1 and I didn't want to access to all my previous spells. Again, I wanted my character to be weaker in the beggining.
3) As I mentioned, I'm not much a fan of modifications, so I wanted the vanilla proficiency points for my NPCs, despite them being worse than the ones from BG's Trilogy
I know that it sounds like a lot of work, but after you buy the games and install them, you will see that it's much simpler. I was in the same boat as you last year, wondering if it was worth to play the game after all these years, and I even stopped playing BG2:SoA after almost reaching the ending, but I'm glad that I decided to play BG1 this year. Currently I'm in the middle of my BG2 SoA playthrough and I hope that I will manage to finish ToB this time, as these games are just great.
Modifié par dearlyblvd, 28 octobre 2011 - 02:08 .
#10
Posté 28 octobre 2011 - 07:33
Humanoid_Taifun
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You do know there is a mod called Tutu out there?dearlyblvd wrote...
After I finished Baldur's Gate 1, I took a screenshot of my character's information and uninstalled everything. Then I started a fresh installation of BG2, following these steps:
Even if you want to stick to BGT, maybe you should simply have altered your character instead of recreating it.
That's 5 seconds with Shadowkeeper.I had three reasons to not import my character directly from my BG Trilogy save:
1) BG1: TotSC has a experience cap and BG Trilogy doesn't. I wanted to start with a weaker character.
This can be changed even in-game. Erase spell etc...2) The mage's spellbook is the same from BG1 and I didn't want to access to all my previous spells. Again, I wanted my character to be weaker in the beggining.
This is purely atmosphere. I am not sure a newcomer would feel the same pull of nostalgia towards the original that a veteran would, but authencity is not really a bad thing.The Cow King wrote...
- BG1 Casting Sounds (since EasyTutu uses BG2 ones, BG1 sounds are imo better)
- Restored TextScreen Music (must!) - you also need this for it to work.
[...]
- TutuGUI (for authentic BG1 feel)
- TutuGUI font (uses BG1 font instead of BG2)
I for one actually like those icons. I'm not sure a first-timer should deactivate them before finding out whether they'd find them useful or not.- Disable portrait icons added by equipment
Just keep in mind that to my knowledge, this component is still bugged in regards to barbarians.-Higher hp on level up
Fortunately that is the last mod to be installed, so it's not a problem to just check whether your game works as is before deciding to add this mod as well.After you've done your BG1 mod install, I REALLY RECOMMEND installing Generalized Biffing mod, otherwise you might run into severe slowdowns in BG1 tutu.
To avoid confusion:If you play through EasyTutu, it's super important you pick the class/kit you want to play, as you're stuck with it.
BGT doesn't allow you to change your kit either.
There are countless threads on this forum from people asking what would be a good character for a newcomer to these games, maybe you can look at some of them or start your own one with personalized criteria (like: I want to use axes!)
You will likely reload a lot even without difficulty enhancing mods.If you install combat difficulty mods, prepare to get your ass handed to you, as combat difficulty in BG series correlates directly with your knowledge of the game/spells.
I am surprised that nobody has yet said that Baldur's Gate 1 is really superior to Baldur's Gate 2...
Maybe the fans of the prequel are all still sitting in their rocking chairs by the fireplace, taking a nap from the knitting, and won't be joining us until after tea time.
Modifié par Humanoid_Taifun, 28 octobre 2011 - 07:35 .
#11
Posté 28 octobre 2011 - 07:55
Grond0
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OK - if you insist! I prefer BG1 to BG2, though that's not the majority opinion on these forums. Things I prefer include:
- it's nice to start with a beginning character rather than missing the most crucial stage of development (you can still choose what level up options you have in BG2, but I don't find that gives the same sense of development).
- BG1 is much more open-ended, i.e. you have freedom to do what you want. BG2 is much more quest-driven (though not to quite the same extent as IWD).
- The map transitions in BG1 also make more sense than in BG2.
- combat is more straightforward in BG1 and based primarily on positional play. In BG2 combat is much more geared to spells and special abilities. I normally play no-reload and survival in BG2 requires the use of a lot of buffs and/or reliance on spell immunities, e.g. from equipping different weapons. I enjoy experimenting with this, but find it gets tedious after a while to constantly be using buffs.
- it's nice to start with a beginning character rather than missing the most crucial stage of development (you can still choose what level up options you have in BG2, but I don't find that gives the same sense of development).
- BG1 is much more open-ended, i.e. you have freedom to do what you want. BG2 is much more quest-driven (though not to quite the same extent as IWD).
- The map transitions in BG1 also make more sense than in BG2.
- combat is more straightforward in BG1 and based primarily on positional play. In BG2 combat is much more geared to spells and special abilities. I normally play no-reload and survival in BG2 requires the use of a lot of buffs and/or reliance on spell immunities, e.g. from equipping different weapons. I enjoy experimenting with this, but find it gets tedious after a while to constantly be using buffs.
Modifié par Grond0, 28 octobre 2011 - 07:56 .
#12
Posté 28 octobre 2011 - 08:46
HoonDing
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Or the Realms of Arkania trilogy.ussnorway wrote...
If you want to go first person perspective but keeping the pen/ paper feel then I’d suggest looking for an old series called Wizardry (the true RPG pioneers). This series started back in the hobby shop computer days and makes star-wars look like a short bed time story… unfortunately only wiz 7 & 8 are designed to run on windows.
#13
Posté 28 octobre 2011 - 10:48
dearlyblvd
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Unfortunately BG Tutu doesn't work very well with the translation that I mentioned.Humanoid_Taifun wrote...
You do know there is a mod called Tutu out there?
#14
Posté 28 octobre 2011 - 09:34
corey_russell
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I like BG 1 more than BG 2 as well. The freedom to explore, the huge development (e.g., you start as a nobody, lousy equipment and abilities, to someone who can take down a feared warrior like the bad guy at the end). As Grond0 said, it's much more about positional play, but your "position" against magic resistant mind-flayers is quite irrelevant - have the right buffs and equipment up, or prepare to be owned! (e.g. brains sucked)
In ToB, it was pretty much all 7th/9th level spells and special abilities, position in most cases was irrelevant.
Corey_Russell
In ToB, it was pretty much all 7th/9th level spells and special abilities, position in most cases was irrelevant.
Corey_Russell
Grond0 wrote...
OK - if you insist! I prefer BG1 to BG2, though that's not the majority opinion on these forums. Things I prefer include:
- it's nice to start with a beginning character rather than missing the most crucial stage of development (you can still choose what level up options you have in BG2, but I don't find that gives the same sense of development).
- BG1 is much more open-ended, i.e. you have freedom to do what you want. BG2 is much more quest-driven (though not to quite the same extent as IWD).
- The map transitions in BG1 also make more sense than in BG2.
- combat is more straightforward in BG1 and based primarily on positional play. In BG2 combat is much more geared to spells and special abilities. I normally play no-reload and survival in BG2 requires the use of a lot of buffs and/or reliance on spell immunities, e.g. from equipping different weapons. I enjoy experimenting with this, but find it gets tedious after a while to constantly be using buffs.
#15
Posté 30 octobre 2011 - 10:32
ScotGaymer
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I would have loved to play BGT but I could never get it to run. At all. Ever.
Its a shame.
Its a shame.
#16
Posté 30 octobre 2011 - 09:36
Sarielle
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FitScotGaymer wrote...
I would have loved to play BGT but I could never get it to run. At all. Ever.
Its a shame.
I dunno how long ago you tried it but now all you do is put the files in your BG2 directory and run the installer, then launch the game from your BG2 folder (even for BG1).
It was really simple.
#17
Posté 01 novembre 2011 - 04:00
themincer
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I would recommend starting from the beginning of the saga, too (for one, you will get far more sucked into the experience if you personalise your story from the beginning).
Also, I found I enjoyed BG1 quite alot more than BG2 personally anyway, and that was at least somewhat due to the differences between more recent rpgs and the BG series being much more pronounced in the first game, and I tend to like my games (like most things, in fact) as distinct an experience as possible.
Although some of these points have already been mentioned (by Grond0 & corey_russell), I feel I must explain my previous point on BG1 (how it is atypical in its priorities for a modern-ish rpg):
- The emphasis placed on freedom of exploration - and your ability to attack/kill pretty much anyone - over say, party interaction, moral-based decision-making/roleplaying, embellished sidequests and 'in-your-face plot' is certainly considerable.
- The different focus on tactics in combat (positional/managing aggro > abilities) are very noticeable.
All in all, I tend to draw some parallels with the RTS genre when it comes to BG1's combat (e.g. large party/groups, scouting ahead, luring enemies into ambushes, splitting up your party and dividing the enemy's etc), and even though I'm not a fan of said genre, I still enjoyed the different style I had to adopt for combat in this game.
- Slow levelling system (with each level having a very noticeable impact on your game).
- Rarity of gear upgrades/lack of overpowered items (makes you REALLY appreciate it when you are rewarded with something noticeably more useful). It's also very satisfying when you fully equip a character in every available slot (which is also rare for the first part of the game).
- Long gameplay experience with a huge emphasis on combat (less emphasis on banter, cutscenes etc).
- Large areas full with many small battles that take time and lots of care and pacing to get through (your party will get significantly injured alot, and will need alot of resting to restore life/spells etc, for example).
- HUGE, complex areas (like Durlag's Tower and Baldur's Gate itself) that require lots of navigation and patience (which is rewarded).
- Focus on wilderness environments over dungeon-crawling (although there are certainly some fairly large areas in that regard too, but most are not compulsory).
- Focus of plot exposition relies heavily on your character's diary/journal and your character intercepting communications and plans bit-by-bit by their own volition, rather than being told what to do/how to do it/where to go etc, by other characters/unfolding cutscenes indicating such details, etc.
- HUGE roster of recruitable party members. Although they tend to lack depth/character development, all the varied combinations open up many different tactical possibilities, and the potential for alot of replayability, and they will react to your ethical/social reputation and to each other (sometimes fighting each other, or complimenting one another, for example).
All in all, you might feel a bit lonely from time to time in BG1 (sort of like playing a single-player mmo sometimes, lol), but you will certainly feel a real sense of freedom - and a consequental sense of curiosity - and a sense of achievement, all in its place, to more than make up for it.
Also, I found I enjoyed BG1 quite alot more than BG2 personally anyway, and that was at least somewhat due to the differences between more recent rpgs and the BG series being much more pronounced in the first game, and I tend to like my games (like most things, in fact) as distinct an experience as possible.
Although some of these points have already been mentioned (by Grond0 & corey_russell), I feel I must explain my previous point on BG1 (how it is atypical in its priorities for a modern-ish rpg):
- The emphasis placed on freedom of exploration - and your ability to attack/kill pretty much anyone - over say, party interaction, moral-based decision-making/roleplaying, embellished sidequests and 'in-your-face plot' is certainly considerable.
- The different focus on tactics in combat (positional/managing aggro > abilities) are very noticeable.
All in all, I tend to draw some parallels with the RTS genre when it comes to BG1's combat (e.g. large party/groups, scouting ahead, luring enemies into ambushes, splitting up your party and dividing the enemy's etc), and even though I'm not a fan of said genre, I still enjoyed the different style I had to adopt for combat in this game.
- Slow levelling system (with each level having a very noticeable impact on your game).
- Rarity of gear upgrades/lack of overpowered items (makes you REALLY appreciate it when you are rewarded with something noticeably more useful). It's also very satisfying when you fully equip a character in every available slot (which is also rare for the first part of the game).
- Long gameplay experience with a huge emphasis on combat (less emphasis on banter, cutscenes etc).
- Large areas full with many small battles that take time and lots of care and pacing to get through (your party will get significantly injured alot, and will need alot of resting to restore life/spells etc, for example).
- HUGE, complex areas (like Durlag's Tower and Baldur's Gate itself) that require lots of navigation and patience (which is rewarded).
- Focus on wilderness environments over dungeon-crawling (although there are certainly some fairly large areas in that regard too, but most are not compulsory).
- Focus of plot exposition relies heavily on your character's diary/journal and your character intercepting communications and plans bit-by-bit by their own volition, rather than being told what to do/how to do it/where to go etc, by other characters/unfolding cutscenes indicating such details, etc.
- HUGE roster of recruitable party members. Although they tend to lack depth/character development, all the varied combinations open up many different tactical possibilities, and the potential for alot of replayability, and they will react to your ethical/social reputation and to each other (sometimes fighting each other, or complimenting one another, for example).
All in all, you might feel a bit lonely from time to time in BG1 (sort of like playing a single-player mmo sometimes, lol), but you will certainly feel a real sense of freedom - and a consequental sense of curiosity - and a sense of achievement, all in its place, to more than make up for it.
Modifié par themincer, 01 novembre 2011 - 04:18 .
#18
Posté 02 novembre 2011 - 07:04
Gate70
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Being pedantic (and hopefully correct); you also have to type in the location of your BG1 game, have a custom install of BG1 selecting all areas and a full install of BG2, then apply the TotSC and TOB patches if not pre-patched.Sarielle wrote...
I dunno how long ago you tried it but now all you do is put the files in your BG2 directory and run the installer, then launch the game from your BG2 folder (even for BG1).
#19
Posté 03 novembre 2011 - 10:25
ussnorway
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Gate70 wrote...
Being pedantic (and hopefully correct); you also have to type in the location of your BG1 game, have a custom install of BG1 selecting all areas and a full install of BG2, then apply the TotSC and TOB patches if not pre-patched.Sarielle wrote...
I dunno how long ago you tried it but now all you do is put the files in your BG2 directory and run the installer, then launch the game from your BG2 folder (even for BG1).
That's true with a disc install but the GoG versions do all that for you.
#20
Posté 02 décembre 2011 - 12:50
Mikey_205
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I find that the G3 NPC pack basically does an excellent job of making BG1 feel like BG2 in terms of character interaction. Basically in BG1 apart from intro text, soundbites and complaints companions said nothing. The pack changes that completely and introduces lots of well written banter, interjections and romances. Part of it is foreshadowing for BG2 and provides development for characters featured in the sequel but otherwise it also gives personality to certain characters only in the original game. Once I had tutu and this pack installed BG1 became more fun for me than its sequel (which I cant seem to force myself to play through after a tutu import). My main problem with BGTutu and Trilogy is that as yet neither truly bridges BG1 & BG2 in terms of carrying your choices and companions forward.
Modifié par Mikey_205, 02 décembre 2011 - 12:56 .
#21
Posté 02 décembre 2011 - 05:40
Dante2377
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I personally much prefer BG2 to BG1. In a vacuum, BG1 is fine, but every time i play it now, I just wish it was BG2 and I stop to actually play BG2. Most of this stems from the fact that I don't like playing level 1-2 characters.
I don't like Mages casting their 1 spell per day and then sitting around. Low level thieves, ugh. Basically, it's a bunch of characters shooting missile weapons and hoping not to get hit.
For me, the most fun is really starts at level 7 or so through about 13-15 or so - your characters have enough weapon proficiencies, gear, spells, to actually do things, but aren't so high-level that it starts to get a little ridiculous. For me, that's probably why I'm a habitual BG2 restarter - I get a party to somewhere around level 15, then start over.
However, a lot of people really enjoy BG1.
I'd ask this of you - if you start with BG1 and don't like it all that much, give BG2 a chance after that.
I don't like Mages casting their 1 spell per day and then sitting around. Low level thieves, ugh. Basically, it's a bunch of characters shooting missile weapons and hoping not to get hit.
For me, the most fun is really starts at level 7 or so through about 13-15 or so - your characters have enough weapon proficiencies, gear, spells, to actually do things, but aren't so high-level that it starts to get a little ridiculous. For me, that's probably why I'm a habitual BG2 restarter - I get a party to somewhere around level 15, then start over.
However, a lot of people really enjoy BG1.
I'd ask this of you - if you start with BG1 and don't like it all that much, give BG2 a chance after that.
#22
Posté 02 décembre 2011 - 08:18
Easymask
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With BGTUTU installed, I can't really say that I feel too much of a difference between the two games - gameplay wise. I've never been to much of a fan in quickly reaching the higher levels, rather I enjoy the process of turning a fresh character into a semi-powerful one(and eventually very powerful one!) - but Baldurs Gate really is fun enough to actually make it all the way through. The story being told is, in my humble opinion, one of the best there is to find out there - especially if you try looking at the games in a roleplayer perspective.
There's nothing like starting a fresh specialized Mage, having to make due with only two spells every time you rest. Too many games out there on the market today are way to easy, allowing you to be a powerhouse even from the start - that's not something I enjoy at all, so I guess that's pretty much why I love the challenge, gameplay and story of the Baldurs Gate series.
Long story short: Yes, Baldurs Gate is still one of the very best CRPG's out there(may the modders be praised as well!) - but it might seem a bit overwhelming to someone used to the simplicity of modern day CRPGs.
There's nothing like starting a fresh specialized Mage, having to make due with only two spells every time you rest. Too many games out there on the market today are way to easy, allowing you to be a powerhouse even from the start - that's not something I enjoy at all, so I guess that's pretty much why I love the challenge, gameplay and story of the Baldurs Gate series.
Long story short: Yes, Baldurs Gate is still one of the very best CRPG's out there(may the modders be praised as well!) - but it might seem a bit overwhelming to someone used to the simplicity of modern day CRPGs.
Modifié par Easymask, 02 décembre 2011 - 08:20 .
#23
Posté 02 décembre 2011 - 09:36
Dante2377
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Easymask wrote...
With BGTUTU installed, I can't really say that I feel too much of a difference between the two games - gameplay wise. I've never been to much of a fan in quickly reaching the higher levels, rather I enjoy the process of turning a fresh character into a semi-powerful one(and eventually very powerful one!) - but Baldurs Gate really is fun enough to actually make it all the way through. The story being told is, in my humble opinion, one of the best there is to find out there - especially if you try looking at the games in a roleplayer perspective.
There's nothing like starting a fresh specialized Mage, having to make due with only two spells every time you rest. Too many games out there on the market today are way to easy, allowing you to be a powerhouse even from the start - that's not something I enjoy at all, so I guess that's pretty much why I love the challenge, gameplay and story of the Baldurs Gate series.
Long story short: Yes, Baldurs Gate is still one of the very best CRPG's out there(may the modders be praised as well!) - but it might seem a bit overwhelming to someone used to the simplicity of modern day CRPGs.
That's exactly why the whole saga is great - there's different fun for different types of players. But if you only try one game and don't like it, I'd recommend trying the other one and it will be different enough to potentially be enjoyed, regardless of not liking the other.
