Baldur's Gate 3 Review: A Masterpiece with Room for Polishing
[SPOILERS AHEAD]
Having finally conquered the game on tactician, I find myself compelled to pen this review on Baldur's Gate 3. It is a behemoth in the gaming industry and while I label it a ‘masterpiece’, there are some areas I found lacking, despite its generally awe-inspiring depth and design.
Act I
This act greeted me with familiarity as I had delved into it during early access. Thoroughly polished and brimming with a sense of advancement, Act I masterfully lays the groundwork, fostering anticipation for what lies ahead.
Act II
The story here, though brilliantly fleshed out, left me occasionally feeling out of depth with its non-linear progression. In particular, I realized too late the narrative weight Moonrise Towers carried and inadvertently bypassed some pivotal events, which affected my appreciation of the Gauntlet of Shar and the Nightsong plotline.
While Moonrise Towers brimmed with lore, especially regarding the Absolute's true identity and Ketheric's controversial choices, certain elements like the imprisonment of the Nightsong remained elusive. Nonetheless, the crescendo during the confrontation with Ketheric stands as a testament to the game's storytelling prowess.
However, other locales, particularly Waning Moon and its adjacent regions, felt out of place, detracting from the overall pace.
The Githyanki Creche was an absolute highlight. It's easily my top moment from Act II. Pairing this with the Lathander temple, and the intriguing puzzle to obtain the Blood of Lathander, created one of the most memorable gaming experiences I've ever had. The narrative was superbly crafted, offering a deep dive into Githyanki culture, a peek into the enigma that is Orpheus, and a firsthand encounter with Vlaakith, who, to my surprise, has the power to WISH you dead if you cross her. Altogether, it was an exceptional journey.
Act III - Delving Deep into the Fabric of Baldur’s Gate 3
When venturing into the realm of Act III, one gets the unmistakable impression of diving deep into the core essence of Baldur’s Gate 3. This was, in many ways, the act that kindled my desire to pen down this extensive review. What began as a mere gaming experience turned into an emotional roller-coaster, stirring profound introspection and, at times, even confusion.
From the outset, the act provides players with the intriguing opportunity to engage more deeply with the enigmatic Astral Prism, leading to revelations about the Emperor. Here, I suspect the game's developers intentionally meant for players to be confronted by a disconcerting truth: your dream guardian is none other than an ilithid. To say I was taken aback would be an understatement. This plot twist felt jarring to my gaming sensibilities, and while it's purely subjective, I was nudged into the compelling drive to liberate Orpheus - an objective that, to me, felt intrinsically right.
The sheer magnitude of entering Baldur’s Gate is something worth mentioning. The bustling atmosphere, the nuanced personalities, and the vibrant city life were rendered with such authenticity that I felt transported to a different world. The game surpassed mere visuals, truly capturing the essence of a bustling metropolis teeming with stories waiting to be discovered.
Then comes the narrative's zenith – the poignant decision Raphael offers, exchanging the hammer for the crown. The atmosphere here is palpable, with suspenseful music underscoring the gravitas of your choice. I remember ruminating extensively on the potential ramifications of my decision. Choosing to decline the offer in hopes of an alternate path to acquiring the hammer was a gamble that, fortunately, paid off. This decision, and its emotional weight, is a testament to the game’s deep-rooted storytelling prowess.
Delving deeper into Act III, I found the House of Hope segment utterly captivating. The audacious task of outsmarting a demon within its own dominion was exhilarating. Raphael, as a character, exudes a menacing aura, making every second in his realm feel like a dance with danger. The climax of this segment, which I believe to be one of the game’s most remarkable battles, even eclipsing the Netherbrain confrontation, was elevated further by it's beautiful soundtrack.
The aura of mystery surrounding the Crown of Karsus, coupled with the intricate dynamics between the protagonist and Gale, adds layers of depth to the narrative. The tantalizing prospect of wielding the crown, not for power, but altruistically for the betterment of mortals, becomes a compelling subplot.
An additional highlight was the intricate battle sequence aimed at freeing the prisoners from the Iron Throne. The intricate strategy required, especially on tactician mode, truly pushes players to their limits.
The subsequent unfolding of events, leading to the revelation of the Emperor's dual identity as Balduran, was a perplexing twist, evoking mixed emotions.
The Emperor, despite his rich history of heroics and adventures, left me ambivalent. His transformation into an ilithid and subsequent betrayal of Ansur casts a shadow over his legacy. The inability to persuade him to free Orpheus in the face of the looming Netherbrain threat felt disheartening.
The culmination of Act III thrusts players into the ultimate showdown with the Netherbrain. Facing a crossroads, players must make a heart-wrenching choice between siding with the Emperor or liberating Orpheus.
The game's insistence on including an ilithid within the party felt too forced for my personal taste. My only reasonable choice was to convert Karlach (who was not even in my initial lineup) into a mindflayer, seeing it as her only chance at life, came with its own set of complications, leading to a reshuffle of my preferred party lineup.
The game's climax, though engaging, could benefit from finer narrative tuning. The battle, with allies rallied from past adventures, imparts a sense of culmination, emphasizing the significance of every decision made thus far. However, the post-battle interaction, or lack thereof, with the Crown of Karsus left a void, making Gale's story arc feel somewhat unresolved.
To address the game's conclusion, a consensus among gamers suggests a rushed finale. The character wrap-ups felt superficial, lacking the emotional depth and closure expected after such an epic journey. Characters like Astarion deserved more poignant send-offs, emphasizing their evolution throughout the game.
To draw from my profession as an orthopedic surgeon, we often say, “Regardless of how impeccably the procedure is executed, it's the final stitch that truly matters.” This sentiment perfectly encapsulates my feelings towards Baldur’s Gate 3. While the game stands tall as a monument to storytelling and game design, its conclusion needs a touch more finesse.
In closing, my critique stems from a deep-rooted admiration for Baldur's Gate 3. This game, in all its grandeur, has been a captivating journey, and it's my hope that my feedback might inspire its continuous evolution.
Warm regards!
