8 replies to this topic

[Seraphim24]

So, how did you guys feel about this one? I realize it was a long time ago when it came out, although I mean to be honest I'm sure the playerbase here remembers it well enough.

 

Personally I thought it kind of was the most epic over the top thing I've ever seen. Obviously, it wasn't as focused on the RPG elements since you basically were just moving from a few zones to few other zones, it was sort of like Dragon Age 2 in that regard.

 

I think overall it was somewhat difficult to decide what I thought about it at the time, although in retrospect it was also very clearly a continuation of the BG series and finally provided a conclusion of sorts.

[corey_russell]

As you say, there weren't a lot of "RPG" elelements to Throne of Bhaal. But still, some of the fights are just epic (the massive # of monks you might fight trying to get into Balthazar's fortress is a good example). Several dragons to fight, and the battles with Melissan are quite challenging, in part to her never-ending healing and summons. Personally, I welcome the levels/HP/Spells/Abilities, as well as the many new interesting, fun and powerful items.

 

What also shouldn't be overlooked is they included several enhancements to the basic game that, really, should have been there in the beginning. The TAB key showing all containers/doors, for example, was much, much needed, and saved a lot of time by not having to do fruitless searches of each screen. This is a huge help when you play BG 1 with the ToB engine.

 

Could they have done better? Sure. But is it worthwhile, as is? Personally, I would say unequivocally yes.

[Seraphim24]

As you say, there weren't a lot of "RPG" elelements to Throne of Bhaal. But still, some of the fights are just epic (the massive # of monks you might fight trying to get into Balthazar's fortress is a good example). Several dragons to fight, and the battles with Melissan are quite challenging, in part to her never-ending healing and summons. Personally, I welcome the levels/HP/Spells/Abilities, as well as the many new interesting, fun and powerful items.

 

What also shouldn't be overlooked is they included several enhancements to the basic game that, really, should have been there in the beginning. The TAB key showing all containers/doors, for example, was much, much needed, and saved a lot of time by not having to do fruitless searches of each screen. This is a huge help when you play BG 1 with the ToB engine.

 

Could they have done better? Sure. But is it worthwhile, as is? Personally, I would say unequivocally yes.

 

Thanks for posting Mr. Russell.

 

Anyway, I would say it's been hard to sort out my feelings, however, it's true I had forgot they did upgrades to the UI and stuff I had forgotten. A bunch of those were done in BG2 but ToB also had a few bells and whistles that they added in like that which I had forgotten.

[corey_russell]

No problem. By the way, you can just call me Corey. I only expect people to call me Mr. Russell when I'm someone's customer or the person is perhaps under 10 years old.

[Aasim]

So, how did you guys feel about this one? I realize it was a long time ago when it came out, although I mean to be honest I'm sure the playerbase here remembers it well enough.

I liked it when it was released. I like it now as well, but it does get a bit of a chore after dozens of times you go through it. With Ascension, it gives a huge sense of accomplishment when you're done. And the endings (Minsc, Keldorn, Anomen) are fantastic, Minsc's ending story always gets tears in my eyes.   Other additions were neat, especially TAB highlight. 

[Seraphim24]

No problem. By the way, you can just call me Corey. I only expect people to call me Mr. Russell when I'm someone's customer or the person is perhaps under 10 years old.

 

Haha! Ok done! =-)

 

I liked it when it was released. I like it now as well, but it does get a bit of a chore after dozens of times you go through it. With Ascension, it gives a huge sense of accomplishment when you're done. And the endings (Minsc, Keldorn, Anomen) are fantastic, Minsc's ending story always gets tears in my eyes.   Other additions were neat, especially TAB highlight. 

 

Oh good point! I had forgotten but yeah some of the endings, especially with the music playing stuck with me. And yeah with ya on Keldorn.

 

 

Korgan, Sarevok, and Viconia were also all pretty powerful although less in the overt positive sense.

 

I think in many ways ToB was perhaps a lot more kind of embittered and dark than the likes of BG1/BG2, and one of the reasons I wasn't always attached to it at times perhaps....

 

...And yet! I also had fun! And It's certainly a part of the trilogy and any BG fan would probably come across it and expect to have an opinion one way or another. =-)

 

I think also it hasn't been mentioned but Watcher's Keep was the most interesting part to me honestly, such a crazy dungeon! I think the sensation of dread before facing the Demogorgon was one of the most potent things in any game I've played.

 

Ahem, he did go down though =-)

[ussnorway]

The main point of Tob is to give the game an ending... something bioware doesn't really do any more.

[Seraphim24]

The main point of Tob is to give the game an ending... something bioware doesn't really do any more.

 

That's a good point too, just the satisfaction of seeing the whole thing completed.

[Remmirath]

I've always really liked Throne of Bhaal, and I feel that it's an important ending piece to Baldur's Gate. It feels appropriate, it's great to have a game with that much high level play, and it adds another dungeon in Watcher's Keep -- and I always like those. From my perspective, there's really nothing not to like about it. All of the possible endings are very satisfying, and there are lots of great fights. It's more light on the RPG elements, yeah, but there's also plenty of room for the imagination to fill in, and that's enough to keep me happy. It is epic and (compared to low-level play, at least) over-the-top, but it should be, and it feels right that it is.

 

I appreciate it even more in retrospect, having now played through some sequels that didn't allow your character to keep their levels all the way through or didn't have satisfying endings.