Even today, the BG series is rewarding, and if you're considering it, you might peek at Is it worth playing after so long?.
You can get the game on CD or download it through Steam or my personal preference, GoG.
Because BG is old in gaming terms, it's easy to get confused about current mods and tweakpacks. I'm reposting this from the old Bioware forums to gather the useful links; some will surely need updating, so please post as you see fit.
The setup below refers to using 'EasyTutu,' a method for playing BG1 with the improved BG2 engine. Just install both games and EasyTutu as described below. Some players favor using the BGT method instead; see Sarielle's post in the first link, above, for a good explanation, and The Cow King's install guide, on the same page.
In the week of this posting, the Gibberling's site has been up and down several times. If you find links to G3 mods do not work, try either the G3 Emergency Mirror or the Wayback Machine. See Gibberlings down? for discussion.
Installs
In this order:
- BG1/ToSC.
- ToSC patch. If you have the (less common) 3-CD set, skip the patch. If you downloaded from GoG, no patch needed.
- BG2 and Throne of Bhaal
- ToB patch v. 26498 (not 26499, which isn't compatible with some mods. Again, none needed if playing from GoG).
- EasyTutu and Spawn Randomizer Go with 50%/7d for spawns, and do select BG2 ammo stacking and BG1 Summons.
- Degreenifier (same link as above, a cosmetic fix)
- Gibberlings Three BG1 NPC Project, a simple, highly-recommended enhancement of NPC interactions.
- G3 Level 1 NPCs mod. Completely optional. I don't use it, but many players do, and here is where you want it in Installation order.
- G3 BG1 Tweaks or BG2 Tweaks if using EasyTutu. You do not need the Fixpack, as EasyTutu includes its own fixes. More on this Tweakpack below.
- G3 Widescreen Mod, if you want the game to fill your huge new screen.
and finally, - Generalized Biffing mod, installed last, if you experience slowdowns.
If playing only BG2, skip the BG1 and EasyTutu installs.
There is little content alteration here, with a focus on improved gameplay.
Tweakpack
While not strictly necessary, the G3 BG1 Tweaks offers wonderful options for improved gameplay.
These are the ones I include. Most veterans will laugh at how I opt for all the 'make my life easier' tweaks, and you may have stricter preferences. I've put an * by the ones I recommend for any new player.
* More Interjections
* Add Bags of Holding
(Exotic Items Pack, if playing a BG1 chr using katanas)
* Add Map Notes
* Stores Sell Larger Stacks
Wear Multiple Protection Items, PnP style
* Higher HP on Level Up
* Maximum HP, Joinable NPCs
Identify All Items (I wouldn't include this for a new player, but it's your choice)
* Easy Spell Learning
* Shut Up "You Must Gather Your Party ..." (Include this and thank me later)
* Unlimited Stacks
* Prevent random crashes in Beregost
Happy Patch
no helmet animation (personal preference)
No Traps or Locks (again, for a new player, I wouldn't usually include this, but if traps irritate you, by all means, add it in)
Adjust Evil Joinable NPC Reactions
ToB Style NPCs
Change Jaheira to N. Good
Consistent Stats: Edwin, Jaheira, Minsc, Viconia (I use the BG2 settings. May want to skip this if using the Level 1 NPC mod)
Allow player to choose NPC proficiencies and skills
NPCs go to inns
for BG2, consider
* Bonus Merchants
Female Edwina
* Romance Bug Fixes
* Imoen ToB Dialogue Fix
Un-Nerfed THAC0 Table
Un-Nerfed Sorceror Spell Progression Table (if playing a Sorc)
Alter Mage, Cleric, and Druid Progression Tables (to un-nerfed)
Invisible Cloak of Mirroring
No Drow Avatars on Party in Underdark (personal preference)
If you want to see everything in the game, take the Multiple Strongholds. If you want a streamlined experience, skip it, as I do. Though they offer some amusing scenes, they require periodic attention, save for the Cleric Stronghold. Clerics seem content to have your help whenever you choose to bring it. Or not.
Don't know what these are? Don't worry! Many can be changed even in the middle of a game, and you can finish them game with any of them.
I cannot recommend highly enough that you choose the tweak to "Shut Up 'You Must Gather Your Party ...'"
Want more? See Bhryaen's detailed mod descriptions and Team BG's Completed Mod List
Technical Challenges for a Modern Computer
Yes, it is possible to play with Windows 7. Many problems are graphics card-related, and you can find solutions in the BG1 Technical Forum (the NWN forum has some good Nvidia advice, too) and elsewhere on the Internet. This thread at Spellhold Studios summarizes some good workarounds, especially to switch on Software Transparent BLT and use 16-bit color depth.
Here is an explanation on how to turn off graphics acceleration in Windows Vista/7.
I play on a Mac running Windows through Parallels, and I run the game without 3D acceleration. It works fine.
Character Creation
Play whatever you like best. Don't worry: you can win the game.
Don't worry about your stats! Many veterans here just take their first roll.
If you're an obsessive re-roller like me, you might want to use 85 as a good mark (it usually takes me an hour to beat that, and I always wish instead that I'd saved an hour by accepting the 83 I got on the second roll).
It becomes exponentially less likely any roll will improve beyond 85, but trust me: in the 80's is plenty good enough, anything above 85 is wonderful. You have less than a 1 in 1000 chance of hitting 90 and 1 in 10000 of hitting 93. Sure, some players have done it, but in that time, you could have saved half the Sword Coast and bought a few rounds at the Jovial Juggler. Don't worry about rolls, and move on to playing!
Do keep balanced stats. For first-time players, you may want to keep all your stats above 8. Leave playing with an incredibly ugly or dimwit character for your next run.
Know that race can affect your Romance options in BG2. No Drow will date an elf, and there's no love for half-orcs. If you want specifics, see Extremist's Romance Guide.
About weapon Proficiencies: if you chose via the Tweakpack to allow BG2-style Proficiencies, be aware that there are fewer good 'exotic' weapons (like Wakizashis) than traditional ones, like Axes and Hammers. Three exceptions: there is a nice katana in BG2, there aren't many good Bastard Swords, and the longsword that most veterans like doesn't appear until late in Throne of Bhaal.
Shadowkeeper
You'll see veterans refer to Shadowkeeper for editing game files (or 'Gatekeeper' if you are playing without EasyTutu), but be careful: it can be hard to resist the temptation to edit out all the challenge of the game.
There isn't much that makes it necessary in BG1 (I use it only for portrait changes), so I recommend skipping it, but if you do want the program, choose your limits before using it about whether you'll strengthen your character and if so, how far.
Portraits
You can keep the ones in the game or use your own. I like the BG2 art, so I change only a couple. I use an Imoen portrait from NWN and a BG1-influenced portrait for Jaheira, That's also the site from which I get my PC portrait.
Here you can find others in BG1 style and a modified one for Viconia, plus more on the G3 site, if it is up.
Walkthroughs
I highly recommend playing the first time without a Walkthrough guide.
If you have one, it's hard to resist following the directions someone else has given, and there are so many wonderful surprises in the game, you should treat yourself for your first time. Use a Walkthrough when you replay.
That said, by far the most common Walkthrough is Dan Simpson's, which you can find many places, including Sorcerer's Place. I prefer Dave Milward's (same link) amusing and opinionated guide. He explains his reasoning so you can make your own decisions.
You do NOT need a Walkthrough to complete the game. Really! Just play as you see best, and if you get stuck, post here on the Forums.
If I could wish just two things for every new player, it would be to let them experience the surprises of the original story, and to install the Tweak to "Shut Up 'You Must Gather Your Party ...'"
NPC's
You have room for five companions at a time, and you can swap between them. They'll wait for you.
If your party is very good or very evil (Reputation above 18 or terribly low), some NPC's may decide to leave you. You can prevent this with the Happy Party tweak, or by keeping your Reputation from getting too low or too high.
I always have a full party, as the NPC banter is my favorite part of the game, but some people like to customize their party or even play solo. Save that for veterans. If this is your first time through, try out the different NPC's to get the ones you enjoy most.
Don't worry! Your character, your current items, and your party are enough to finish the game. You don't need a spoiling Walkthrough! All you need is your wits, this Forum, and the tweak to "Shut Up 'You Must Gather Your Party ...'"
Basic Tips
- It helps with NPC interaction to have a character with high charisma in your Leader (first) slot, but it isn't essential.
- Stick to the road as you travel until you get stronger. If the first couple of levels are hard, hang in there! It gets easier.
- If you're really taking a beating while on the road in your first levels, get to the Friendly Arms Inn or Nashkel for more companions.
- A well-rounded party includes a tank, a healer, a caster, and a thief.
- Rest in safe places at early levels, so you aren't ambushed.
- The general quest suggestions made by your companions will nudge you in useful directions.
Battle Strategies
- It's a huge help to have a scout, either a hidden thief/ranger, or an invisible character.
- Ranged attacks are quite strong in BG1.
- If your enemy group includes a spellcaster, kill him first.
- Limit your enemies by holding some, or stunning them, or sleeping them, etc.
- If a fight is hard, a potion or scroll can make a big difference.
- There are a few fights that can be very difficult at low levels (one example is right outside the Nashkel mines). There's nothing wrong with skipping them until you've gained a few levels.
- The Spoiler Forum is a great place to ask for help with a specific fight.
Items
- There's no one thing you need to complete the game.
- Items last forever in chests, barrels, and vendor inventory.
- Use the TAB key to reveal selectable items (if using EasyTutu)
- If you think you're done with a quest item, you probably are. Don't worry about ditching things. You can always sell to a vendor and re-buy if needed.
- If you can't stop worrying, put all your Most-Likely-Junk but-I-Can't-Get-Rid-of-It items in a chest, and then stop worrying.
- Beregost is a good central place for storage. I use Kagain's shop and the Jovial Juggler, which has the same layout as the Helm and Cloak in BG city.
- Items get cheaper as your Reputation improves.
Other Useful Sites
There are tons, but here are a few gems:
- Mike's RPG center for screen-by-screen quests and maps.
- Dudleyville mirror site. Also excellent screen-by-screen info. Use either of these before a Walkthrough.
- Sorcerer's Place Useful files and downloads. Look at the categories on the upper right.
- Gibberlings Three Mods made at a high standard.
- XyX's Spell Reference Guide
Those may be of interest, but you don't need them. You don't need an uber-rolled character. You don't need a Walkthrough telling you what to do.
Don't worry! You'll save the Sword Coast with just your heart, humor, and the occasional hamster.
Now go gather your party and venture forth!
Modifié par CBGB, 11 novembre 2011 - 12:34 .
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