Game Review: Baldur's Gate Enhanced Edition



BALDUR’S GATE GOODNESS

   The majority of RPG fans have already played the original Baldur’s Gate games. There is no question, no debate; no doubt… these were some of the best video games ever.

   Only two were made with an expansion pack for each. Back when expansion packs meant a huge amount of content to extend the game… opposed to the current definition of cut-content already developed sold alongside the game to rip you off.

    Despite raving reviews and a cult following, the uncertainty of the gaming industry kept anymore from being made.

     Eventually Dragon Age: Origins was released as a “spiritual successor”, while a good game it took over five years to develop and didn’t even come close to the scale or wonder or adventure of the Baldur’s Gate games. And with the flop that was Dragon Age 2 it’s clear that Bioware (in its current form) is no longer aware of what made their early games such a success or how to recreate said success. Basically Dragon Age is a very poor candidate to be a successor at this point.

    Enter Beamdog & Overhaul Games companies made by a Bioware co-founder & lead programmer, who apparently are also aware of Biowares inability to continue the work of Baldur’s Gate. So they have taken it upon themselves to do what’s right… to carry the torch.

     So far they have revamped the first Baldur’s Gate, combining the expansion with the base game, upgrading the engine and resolution to that of the second game (something done before by modders, but now integrated to save you from the fuss), added three new characters with their own storylines, and fixed a plethora of bugs, giving you the best experience in one attractive package.

   Honestly? I think this new company is worth giving a chance.

   I’m sure most fans already own a version of these games. The catch is buying old versions from random sites on the internet (or just pirating it) ends up giving the money to anyone but the creators of the game (or more importantly people who are trying to improve the game). Overhaul Games is already working on the Enhanced Edition of the Sequel and have stated that if sales are good they will FINALLY work on the third installment (something that should have been made a decade ago). Better late then never I say.

   We are entering a new age of gaming in which the gamers can directly fund the games they want with their money, as opposed to giving a giant publisher (that did nothing on the games themselves) the majority of the money, forcing the developers out of business. For only $20 it’s very nice to be able to own the original Baldur’s Gate with all the ground work of modding it done for you, also knowing that you’re directly funding Baldur’s Gate 3!