26 réponses à ce sujet

[ChaosAgentLoki]

Hello all Baldur's Gate fans. I'm curious, since I adore DA:O, is this a great set of games to add to my collection because of that? Any input would be appreciated.

[Thrar]

I haven't played DA:O, so I can't comment on how these games compare. However, be aware that you're looking at a game that's more than a decade old. If you're bothered by isometric 2D graphics or, compared to modern games, a user interface that may feel clunky at first, it can take some time to get used to it.
The story and atmosphere, however, seem to be generally agreed on to be brilliant. There are a lot of things to do, a lot of character and build options to choose from, and for a large part of the game you can freely choose what to do next rather than follow a clearly given path.

Also be aware that, if you end up liking it, you will spend a lot of time playing.

[ScotGaymer]

This is 2nd Edition Dungeons and Dragons, which actually requires a MUCH steeper learning curve than modern games. Much steeper.

D&D has a spell system that is exceptionally opaque; with spells called Chromatic Orb, Nahal's Reckless Dweomer, Spell Thrust, Skull Trap, and Tenser's Transformation; it doesnt really lend itself to at-a-glance understanding.
Also figuring out what THAC0 means; or that you need to have as low an AC (Armour class) as possible; can be quite difficult.

Hell even figuring out how to stay alive without cheating like mad is a royal pain-in-butt.And early on in BG1 even a rat can kill you - thats how weak your character is.

It's very difficult to get a hang of to be sure; but honestly its completely worth the slog.

It has its flaws (in BG2 the Auto-Romancing; precursor to Bioware's traditional dreaded Ninjamancing) but the storyline of both games (and ToB) is amongst the best of any RPG of any time period, IMO.

[ChaosAgentLoki]

Thanks for the input, I really appreciate it. It sounds like an interesting game and Isometric viewpoints are nothing new to me so that won't be an issue. By the way, what is the easiest way to acquire a copy of the game?

Modifié par ChaosAgentLoki, 08 mars 2012 - 02:33 .

[Grond0]

The easiest way is probably by download. I haven't heard of any problems with the version at GOG, though a couple of people have complained recently that the Gamers Gate version is not compatible with windows 7.

The GOG versions of BG1 and BG2 are $10 each and include all the official expansions and patches so you don't need to do anything else to them (unless you want to use some of the multitude of fan mods).

[ChaosAgentLoki]

Cool, thanks for the input.

[Grimwald the Wise]

Games are also available very cheaply from Amazon if you like having the discs.

Modifié par Grimwald the Wise, 08 mars 2012 - 10:59 .

[Jozape]

If you liked DA:O, BG2 is probably more your thing. BG1 is lighter on character interaction than BG2 or DA:O.

[Dr. Freud]

At least it worth a try since the game doesn't cost much. I'd recommend trying the second BG first since it's much more accessible and in many ways superior to the first one. Also you might want to read the manual since understanding the game mechanisms is crucial in BG and they're not explained in tutorial.

Modifié par Dr. Freud, 08 mars 2012 - 01:24 .

[Son of Imoen]

Be aware though that BG2 spoils the mystery behind BG1. BG1 is a good game in itself and can be played in the improved BG2 engine by using a mod called Tutu (or use BG Trilogy to make both games into one seamless one) and with Tutu (or BGT) the mod NPC1 Project is a must-have as it adds banter to the otherwise quiet silent BG1 NPCs. Another reason I always advocate to play BG1 first, is the pleasure of seeing a character rise from being very weak and being able to get killed by a kobold arrow, to an awesome powerful hero. Thirdly, it makes it easier to get to know the spell system by starting with level 1 spells and slowly getting to know all spells.

[BelgarathMTH]

I've played both BG (for years) and DA:O, and have enjoyed both of them.

I would say that the main similarity between the two is the complex development of NPC characters and a deep, intnriguing story arc for the player.

The main way in which they are different, as other people are saying, is in combat mechanics and tactics. Combat is much more complicated and intricate in Baldur's Gate. In D:AO, you can set the AI  tabs for each character, and combat practically resolves itself. If you try to let the AI fight for you in Baldur's Gate, your entire party will die so fast it will almost be funny, until you start screaming in frustration that your whole party of six keeps getting slaughtered over and over by two wolves.

Baldur's Gate is kind of the grandaddy of character-driven cRPG's. As such, it may seem quaintly outdated if you've played D:AO first. In D:AO, you have long, animated cutscenes to enjoy for most of the character interaction. In Baldur's Gate, a screen comes up with a portrait of the speaking character with the lines of dialogue printed out, and you have to actually read most of it. Only the first few lines will be voiced, although what voice acting there is is very, very good. (The characters in Baldur's Gate are so well-voiced, in time they will become like old friends.)

So, if you can get around the initial time-warp based culture shock, and master the more difficult combat and spell system, you will find a very worthwhle experience that is indeed of the same genre and flavor as D:AO. I highly recommend it.

[ChaosAgentLoki]

BelgarathMTH wrote...

I've played both BG (for years) and DA:O, and have enjoyed both of them.

I would say that the main similarity between the two is the complex development of NPC characters and a deep, intnriguing story arc for the player.

The main way in which they are different, as other people are saying, is in combat mechanics and tactics. Combat is much more complicated and intricate in Baldur's Gate. In D:AO, you can set the AI  tabs for each character, and combat practically resolves itself. If you try to let the AI fight for you in Baldur's Gate, your entire party will die so fast it will almost be funny, until you start screaming in frustration that your whole party of six keeps getting slaughtered over and over by two wolves.

Baldur's Gate is kind of the grandaddy of character-driven cRPG's. As such, it may seem quaintly outdated if you've played D:AO first. In D:AO, you have long, animated cutscenes to enjoy for most of the character interaction. In Baldur's Gate, a screen comes up with a portrait of the speaking character with the lines of dialogue printed out, and you have to actually read most of it. Only the first few lines will be voiced, although what voice acting there is is very, very good. (The characters in Baldur's Gate are so well-voiced, in time they will become like old friends.)

So, if you can get around the initial time-warp based culture shock, and master the more difficult combat and spell system, you will find a very worthwhle experience that is indeed of the same genre and flavor as D:AO. I highly recommend it.

Cool, thanks for the input. It will be easy for me to get past the initial differences as I still play numerous classic games on the Wii's virtual console. Anyways, thanks for the input. Will probably pick these up sometime in the near future.

[LTD]

Figuring out the basics of (cRPG) version of 2nd edition isn't that tricky. It takes 5 mins to get the " backwards" way THAC0 and AC work.Once you got those tackled you are all set as far as the rules go.Deeper underneath the hood there are some finer points which can be easily picked up as you play.  Personally I find later editions way more confusing. Like one used in NVN2. So many options when lvling up! How am I supposed to know ideal way of distributing lvls among 200000 different classes and hero classes that are all avaiulable for my character for some odd reason?! (Ofc, none of this matters since the wretched camera in NWN2 actually makes it impossible to play the game.. but that's a touch OT!)

Largest bumb on the road must be how Baldur's Gate is often actually rude enough to try and defeat you; towards start of the game you meet plenty of enemies that can and will tear you a new one if you get too close. This can be incredibly fun/challenging/frustrating depending on how you feel about modern games and their habit settling with doing utmost to lose in an entertaining fashion.

Overall, modded Baldur's Gate is an awesome game. One that has aged with much grace. Be sure to install Tutu+Banter packs and you have package that beats vast majority of modern games.

Modifié par LTD, 11 mars 2012 - 06:05 .

[fro7k]

I keep saying this, but if you play BG1 do NOT use the tutu mod (which allows you to run BG1 through the BG2 engine) unless you cannot get it to work on your modern computer. Some aspects of the gameplay are hard-coded into the BG2 engine; specifically you can be level 1 and experience out-of-depth random encounters with dire wolves, and such, which isn't what is intended.  Unless you don't care about playing the game as the developers made it...

BG1 was my favourite because of the totally free-roam exploration and how you unlock new maps by walking to the edge of the current one. They're both outstanding games. Also look for the gibberlings3 patch.

Modifié par fro7k, 14 mars 2012 - 11:45 .

[ChaosAgentLoki]

Alright, thanks everyone for all the input. I'll probably be picking up a copy within the next few months.

[Reiisha]

Minsc wielding Lilarcor is all the reason you need to play/get BG2.

[Mathuzzz]

If you are patient enough, wait till summer and get enhanced edition.

[ChaosAgentLoki]

Mathuzzz wrote...

If you are patient enough, wait till summer and get enhanced edition.

That's become my plan since they announced that. However, if it's only for Ipad, then I'm out of luck as I don't have one.

[Mathuzzz]

It isn´t only for iPad. So many people are confused about this. They made announcement about releasing it on iPad, but the first announcement was about releasing it on PC. So don´t worry

[ChaosAgentLoki]

Mathuzzz wrote...

It isn´t only for iPad. So many people are confused about this. They made announcement about releasing it on iPad, but the first announcement was about releasing it on PC. So don´t worry

That's good, because I'll only be able to acquire a new PC this year (need it for school, gaming and inevitably work) and really didn't want to have to rely on getting an Ipad to play this game.

[Eternal Phoenix]

I guess the topic question is answered but to reinforce things I'd just like to add that I played Dragon Age: Origins before Baldur's Gate and love it too. I got Baldur's Gate afterwards and it's not hard to see some similarities and it's most certainly an epic and fun RPG to play. Baldur's Gate 1 doesn't contain much companion dialogue but the choices, story, combat, quests and RPG mechanics are performed well. BG2 gives companions far much dialogue and adds the romances which were absent from BG1.

The game has Minsc too. That guy could really have his own game. He's that awesome.

[Mathuzzz]

From what I read, Enhanced edition may improve companions in BG1. Also if it won´t, there is a mod out there, which does

[Rhobert]

Mathuzzz wrote...

It isn´t only for iPad. So many people are confused about this. They made announcement about releasing it on iPad, but the first announcement was about releasing it on PC. So don´t worry

Also Mac!  :-)

It's supposed to have the graphics level of BGII, and have "widescreen support" for OS X.

And yes, I also read they're adding a new character.

[Fenton]

It's a much harder learning curve mind you, it's one hell of an game to get. No Bioware fan should not miss out on it. You just need to get it to work on the newer systems and your set. Now there is the EE version coming you can wait on that too. Either if you played DA:O and loved it than get Baldur's Gate 1 & 2 plus the expansions or wait for the EE version when it's out.

[CoM Solaufein]

BG runs circles around DA.DA has nothing on the BG games. Get it you won't be disappointed.