Should I bother with Baldur's Gate?

[SonicWaffle]

Dragon Age: Origins is one of my favorite games of all time. Looking for another game similar to it, I discovered that it's the spiritual successor to Baldur's Gate, and now I'm curious about it. I was wondering, do you think I'd like Baldur's Gate if I liked Dragon Age? I've also heard that the second game is considerably better than the first. Should I even play the first, or just skip to the second?

EDIT: Also, if anybody knows of any other games similar to Dragon Age, feel free to list them.

EDIT: Thanks for all the responses and recommendations. I've decided to try a few games, as they're all quite cheap right now. I've gotten Neverwinter Nights 2, and both Baldur's Gates (I'm currently installing the Tutu mod).

I tried both BG1 and the original NWN and never got too far into them, honestly. The difficulty of BG1 can be unforgiving (ugh, dat first miniboss outside the inn and the random ogre in the wilderness...) but I imagine it's good if you have the patience. The original NWN was just a bit too hacky/slashy. Neither game holds your hand much.

If you liked the story aspect of DA:O, I would agree with what others and said and recommend Planescape: Torment. Fuck, I'd recommend that game to anyone. It's a masterpiece.

If you enjoyed the combat aspect more then have a look at Dragon's Dogma. Not an amazing game - like BG1, it can be harsh and unforgiving - but it plays similarly to DA:O at times.

 

[iseko]

I still play it on a yearly basis. It is one of the best games ever. I wish they would make more games like this . I would say: try it. It hasn't aged as well as baldurs gate 2 mind you. And sometimes it can seem a little strange as to what you are supposed to do (thy journal is thy friend). But you just got to love the story! And the character are very well done.

 

[sXeth]

Dragon Age: Origins is one of my favorite games of all time. Looking for another game similar to it, I discovered that it's the spiritual successor to Baldur's Gate, and now I'm curious about it. I was wondering, do you think I'd like Baldur's Gate if I liked Dragon Age? I've also heard that the second game is considerably better than the first. Should I even play the first, or just skip to the second?

EDIT: Also, if anybody knows of any other games similar to Dragon Age, feel free to list them.

You're better off with Neverwinter Nights 2. Baldur's Gate was awesome for its time, but NWN2 is more modern and in a way has a better story.
If you've played NWN2 already, though, you should definitely play Baldur's Gate or Baldur's Gate 2.

Do not play Neverwinter Nights 1 until you've already played all of the other games I mentioned above. Because NWN1 is more of a hack and slash than a deep rpg.

Source: I own and played all of these games.

Yeah, I played Neverwinter Nights for almost 12 years straight. That said.
All the singleplayer campaigns were horrible. The "Premium Mods", which were essentially DLC before the term became popular, are alright, but I don't know if they're available or work properly anymore (they also had early DRM). There's still some pretty good multiplayer community around, but if you dig the tactical party controls, you'll be very disappointed. If you poke around on NWVault they do have some decent story-based user mods though.

The second one improved on the SP though, and brought back full party control. (And kind of sucked for MP, in contrast)

 

[Gankytim]

Eh, it really depends. Like, REALLY REALLY depends.

Do you like stats, Dungeons and Dragons, and micromanaging your characters stats to the finest detail so you don't end up in an imposssible situation where your character is too underleveled to progresss?

If yes, then go for it.

 

[KingsGambit_v1legacy]

Thank you for the detailed recommendation, I appreciate it. As for the TuTu mod, where can I find it, and how easy is it to install? (I have minimal experience installing mods) Also, can these mods be installed on a Mac? I mainly use my Windows desktop for gaming, but I'd like to be able to mod my Mac installs as well, in case I want to transfer my save files for when I'm away from home, and only have access to my laptop.

This link here is for a guide to Mac EasyTuTu [http://www.usoutpost31.com/easytutu/mac/]. I've not played it on a Mac, but in general the steps are about the same. You install BG, you install BG2, patch them (not required with GoG versions which are already patched), then you run EasyTuTu and select both folders. It will create a TuTu install automatically, with any optional extras you choose during the process (quality of life mods, NPC mods, etc). The advantages are that it lets the games work at modern resolutions, brings BG into the BG2 engine (better FX, same UI across entire trilogy, classes and kits from BG2 available from the start, etc) and integrates both games and expansions into one seamless whole. It's very polished and works great.

It may look complex but it really isn't. If you prefer to avoid the faff, the Enhanced Ed. will eliminate the need for it tho TuTu is easy to use and quite comprehensive. You're in for a treat and I think it's worth spending the time at the beginning getting it set up for you.

 

[llubtoille]

Gave the first one a shot after years of hearing my friend call it his favorite game,
he later clarified that he was referring to BG2, as the first one proved rather dull.

 

[william12123]

I highly reccomend baldur's gate, baldur's gate 2, and planescape torment (which is in the same system). I played them all quite recently, and they where a blast.

 

[Skull Bearer]

BG1 is in many ways an early sandbox game. You can follow the plot and play through the game quickly, or you can wander off in entirely the wrong direction, solve plots that have nothing to do with the original story, meet whacky NPCs and generally explore a number of interesting, unique and entirely irrelevant areas.

If that sounds like fun, BG1 is a blast.

 

[Johnny Novgorod]

I always thought of Baldur's Gate as Diablo by any other name.

 

[The Madman]

I always thought of Baldur's Gate as Diablo by any other name.

You might be thinking of the old Baldur's Gate: Dark Alliance games that were on consoles. Those were pretty hack & slashey, kinda like Diablo. The Baldur's Gate series on PC however are nothing like Diablo (Or the Dark Alliance games even) save perhaps for being isometric and 2D, beyond that there really aren't any valid comparisons to be made.

The single player campaign of NWN2 is my favorite rpg campaign.

You mean the original campaign for NWN2? The one with Sand and Neeshka and all that?

Huh, well I guess it had to be someones favourite campaign. Mask of the Betrayer I could understand, loving NWN2 for its fan campaigns I could understand, but loving the game for its OC leaves me scratching my head. I mean it wasn't terrible, I've definitely played and even enjoyed worse, but there was just so much filler and the ending was just so bad...

 

[deathmothon]

I finally started Baldur's Gate 1 this month. I'm really enjoying it. It took a couple of attempts to get into and finish BG2 when I played it a few years ago. Definitely be prepared to learn AD&D rules.

 

[Unspoken_Request]

Dragon Age: Origins is one of my favorite games of all time. Looking for another game similar to it, I discovered that it's the spiritual successor to Baldur's Gate, and now I'm curious about it. I was wondering, do you think I'd like Baldur's Gate if I liked Dragon Age? I've also heard that the second game is considerably better than the first. Should I even play the first, or just skip to the second?

EDIT: Also, if anybody knows of any other games similar to Dragon Age, feel free to list them.

EDIT: Thanks for all the responses and recommendations. I've decided to try a few games, as they're all quite cheap right now. I've gotten Neverwinter Nights 2, and both Baldur's Gates (I'm currently installing the Tutu mod).

Glad you decided to get both BG1 & 2 + tutu. It is the best way to go through this epic story, as you get the chance to keep your character from BG1 and import it to BG2. I can assure you that by the end of the saga, you are very much attached to your little isometric guy and to his band of friends (of which many are also returning characters from BG1). I was pretty young, but I remember almost tearing up at the end.

Let me also add that BG1 has a pretty good mystery going on and finding out about it (and about your character in the process) is much better than being told about it at the beginning of BG2.

Also, depending on who you choose to have in your party in BG1, the beginning of BG2 can be pretty emotional for some of your friends. Good stuff.

I am not sure you want to go there (and you certainly do not need to, as there are many fun choices of party members and discovering them yourself is part of the fun), but, from a narrative point of view, there is more or less a "canon party" for BG1 that makes for an optimal narrative transition to BG2. You can google it if you want to. They are pretty easy to find if you play a good guy. In my first playthrough, I ended up with all of them naturally as I found that they provided a very balanced party (with my fighter/mage).

 

[Jolly Co-operator]

Dragon Age: Origins is one of my favorite games of all time. Looking for another game similar to it, I discovered that it's the spiritual successor to Baldur's Gate, and now I'm curious about it. I was wondering, do you think I'd like Baldur's Gate if I liked Dragon Age? I've also heard that the second game is considerably better than the first. Should I even play the first, or just skip to the second?

EDIT: Also, if anybody knows of any other games similar to Dragon Age, feel free to list them.

EDIT: Thanks for all the responses and recommendations. I've decided to try a few games, as they're all quite cheap right now. I've gotten Neverwinter Nights 2, and both Baldur's Gates (I'm currently installing the Tutu mod).

Glad you decided to get both BG1 & 2 + tutu. It is the best way to go through this epic story, as you get the chance to keep your character from BG1 and import it to BG2. I can assure you that by the end of the saga, you are very much attached to your little isometric guy and to his band of friends (of which many are also returning characters from BG1). I was pretty young, but I remember almost tearing up at the end.

Let me also add that BG1 has a pretty good mystery going on and finding out about it (and about your character in the process) is much better than being told about it at the beginning of BG2.

Also, depending on who you choose to have in your party in BG1, the beginning of BG2 can be pretty emotional for some of your friends. Good stuff.

I am not sure you want to go there (and you certainly do not need to, as there are many fun choices of party members and discovering them yourself is part of the fun), but, from a narrative point of view, there is more or less a "canon party" for BG1 that makes for an optimal narrative transition to BG2. You can google it if you want to. They are pretty easy to find if you play a good guy. In my first playthrough, I ended up with all of them naturally as I found that they provided a very balanced party (with my fighter/mage).

Coincidentally, I'm also a fighter / mage (multi-class) and my alignment is Neutral Good. As for my party members, is it possible to find members I denied entrance into my party the first time I met them? Just in case I want to change my party later. I ask because I recently met Garruk, but didn't really want him in my party, and I have no idea if he's even still available to me.

 

[Ihrgoth]

there is a Baldur's Gate 1 remake mod that makes it in NWN2's engine I would do that.

 

[The Madman]

Coincidentally, I'm also a fighter / mage (multi-class) and my alignment is Neutral Good. As for my party members, is it possible to find members I denied entrance into my party the first time I met them? Just in case I want to change my party later. I ask because I recently met Garruk, but didn't really want him in my party, and I have no idea if he's even still available to me.

I'm guessing you meant Garrick, and I'm honestly not sure whether he's one of the characters that hangs around or not after refusal. Some characters do, usually plot-important ones, while others will scamper off and never be seen again if you refuse them.

Don't worry though, you're not missing much with him, he's neither very useful nor that great of a character.

Incidentally it's no spoiler to say the 'canonical' group is Imoen, Jaheira, Khalid, Minsc and Dynaheir. That's the group BG2 assumes you had with you when it begins and which makes the most sense story-wise. Other important characters that show up again in BG2 are Viconia and Edwin, who you might or might not meet later in Baldur's Gate. Many of the other possible companions from BG1 might make cameo appearances in BG2 or show up briefly for a quest, but aren't integral to the plot in any way. Garrick for example shows up briefly but it's actually assumed he wasn't part of your group in BG1, or if he was that he only was briefly... which makes sense because he's really not that good so he generally doesn't tend to stick around once better companions become available.

By the way if you're playing the original BG and not the enhanced edition, I very highly recommend the BG1 NPC Project mod. It's good enough I'd even say it's worth restarting for, since what it does is it makes all your companions on BG1 much more interesting with more expansive dialogue (which remains true to the developers intentions) and makes BG1 tie in better with BG2. The mod requires tutu to be installed, but since it seems you've done that already all you'd need to do is download and run the mod and it'll install just fine.

 

[Shamanic Rhythm]

BG 1 was a groundbreaker in terms of what could be achieved with an RPG, but if you fire it up you will immediately appreciate how dated it is. Playing with several level 1 characters for ages requires you to spam quick save in case one of them randomly loses all their health in a single blow. If you can persevere through that, it's fun exploring the world of The Sword Coast. BG 2 definitely has the more engaging storyline though.

The single player campaign of NWN2 is my favorite rpg campaign.

You mean the original campaign for NWN2? The one with Sand and Neeshka and all that?

Huh, well I guess it had to be someones favourite campaign. Mask of the Betrayer I could understand, loving NWN2 for its fan campaigns I could understand, but loving the game for its OC leaves me scratching my head. I mean it wasn't terrible, I've definitely played and even enjoyed worse, but there was just so much filler and the ending was just so bad...

Yeah, I mean, all power to anyone who DID enjoy NWN2, and the story wasn't terrible by any means, but it left me quite... meh. So many RPG storyline stereotypes crammed into one game, and don't even get me started on part where it goes all courtroom drama...

 

[Jolly Co-operator]

Coincidentally, I'm also a fighter / mage (multi-class) and my alignment is Neutral Good. As for my party members, is it possible to find members I denied entrance into my party the first time I met them? Just in case I want to change my party later. I ask because I recently met Garruk, but didn't really want him in my party, and I have no idea if he's even still available to me.

I'm guessing you meant Garrick, and I'm honestly not sure whether he's one of the characters that hangs around or not after refusal. Some characters do, usually plot-important ones, while others will scamper off and never be seen again if you refuse them.

Don't worry though, you're not missing much with him, he's neither very useful nor that great of a character.

Incidentally it's no spoiler to say the 'canonical' group is Imoen, Jaheira, Khalid, Minsc and Dynaheir. That's the group BG2 assumes you had with you when it begins and which makes the most sense story-wise. Other important characters that show up again in BG2 are Viconia and Edwin, who you might or might not meet later in Baldur's Gate. Many of the other possible companions from BG1 might make cameo appearances in BG2 or show up briefly for a quest, but aren't integral to the plot in any way. Garrick for example shows up briefly but it's actually assumed he wasn't part of your group in BG1, or if he was that he only was briefly... which makes sense because he's really not that good so he generally doesn't tend to stick around once better companions become available.

By the way if you're playing the original BG and not the enhanced edition, I very highly recommend the BG1 NPC Project mod. It's good enough I'd even say it's worth restarting for, since what it does is it makes all your companions on BG1 much more interesting with more expansive dialogue (which remains true to the developers intentions) and makes BG1 tie in better with BG2. The mod requires tutu to be installed, but since it seems you've done that already all you'd need to do is download and run the mod and it'll install just fine.

The mod sounds interesting, but would I have to restart my game for the installation to work?

 

[DementedSheep]

BG1 was good at the time but...it's a bit dated. You start off at level 1, this means you can't do shit and are very dice roll dependent. I still remember starting off with having one piddly spell that couldn't even kill a single gibberling. I ended up running around in circles while Imoen killed things chasing me with a bow. Then you get Xzar!..so you can have two spellcasters with a single spell that can't kill a gibberling. Ah those where the days.
It's also before bioware really got into the interacting with companions and banter. There is some and they did still have character, I'm fond of the lines they give you when you click on them but it's not like DA:O. BG2 is when they really started giving you lots of companion dialogue. Furthermore the story is the same whether you import a save or not. It even outright tell you who you were suppose to have been travelling with (Khalid, Jaheira, Minsc, Dynaheir and Imoen)

If you have a lot of time on your hands and want to experience the whole thing play BG1 and 2 with the TuTu mod. Otherwise you can just skip to the second though it might make the story with your character a Imoen a bit weaker.

 

[The Madman]

The mod sounds interesting, but would I have to restart my game for the installation to work?

You would, but I'd say it's worth it.

Arguably the biggest problem with BG1 when compared to BG2 and later rpg is its relative lack in dialogue and personality for your companions. To give an example: You have already heard everything Imoen has to say in the entirety of BG1. Everything. And yet she's a major character in BG2 and Throne of Bhall. This mod gives her some real dialogue and personality that's in-keeping with how she was originally envisioned as well as her portrayal in later games.

In short, she actually talks and has opinions on stuff. She's a real character as opposed to a last minute addition to the game when the developers realized they needed another rogue class in the game and that the early game was too difficult for a lone adventurer. Same goes for many of the other characters who with the mod installed will talk and argue and crack jokes among themselves as well as with the player.

You're still fairly early into the game, especially seeing as taking a character from BG1 through to the end of Throne of Bhall can easily take 100+ hours. I'd say it's worth it. Plus you can export your existing character if you like and restart with them a second time, only now at a higher level and with better gear so the early stuff isn't a grind to repeat. Don't worry, companions scale with the players level as well.

 

[Jolly Co-operator]

The mod sounds interesting, but would I have to restart my game for the installation to work?

You would, but I'd say it's worth it.

Arguably the biggest problem with BG1 when compared to BG2 and later rpg is its relative lack in dialogue and personality for your companions. To give an example: You have already heard everything Imoen has to say in the entirety of BG1. Everything. And yet she's a major character in BG2 and Throne of Bhall. This mod gives her some real dialogue and personality that's in-keeping with how she was originally envisioned as well as her portrayal in later games.

In short, she actually talks and has opinions on stuff. She's a real character as opposed to a last minute addition to the game when the developers realized they needed another rogue class in the game and that the early game was too difficult for a lone adventurer. Same goes for many of the other characters who with the mod installed will talk and argue and crack jokes among themselves as well as with the player.

You're still fairly early into the game, especially seeing as taking a character from BG1 through to the end of Throne of Bhall can easily take 100+ hours. I'd say it's worth it. Plus you can export your existing character if you like and restart with them a second time, only now at a higher level and with better gear so the early stuff isn't a grind to repeat. Don't worry, companions scale with the players level as well.

Alright, I've installed the mod, exported my character, and then imported him into a new save. When will I first notice the changes in dialogue? Just so I can verify that the mod is actually working properly, before I start playing that file in earnest.