So this will probably be a large wall of text, but I thought I'd throw my own thoughts in the mix. I'll preface this by saying I have played the original Baldur's Gate games, DOS2, and D&D.
- I for one still enjoy the surfaces made from spells/items, but am glad that they are not as prominent as DOS2. I feel like it adds a sense of realism that is tedious to bring to a D&D game. However, I do understand some of the complaints about cantrips like Firebolt causing a surface. Is it possible to give spells only a chance of creating a surface based on spell level? Either that, or reducing the number of turns that surfaces exist? I did have one instance where shooting a firebolt at an oil barrel caused a permanent fire surface (
in the crypt near the beginning
)
- I feel like some of the spell descriptions could be more descriptive, especially the ones that last until resting (like Speak with Animals)
- On a related note, it would also be good to state Thieves Tools are good for only one use, since I'm used to D&D where Thieves Tools do not usually break
- Also regarding Speak with Animals, I can see why a lot of my dialogue with my ranger became "Persuasion" instead of "Animal Handling", but is it possible to incorporate Animal Handling even when speaking with animals? This made my proficiency in Animal Handling mostly wasted, and I would prefer to experience the humorous animal writing Larian is known for.
- I feel like sneak attack as a separate skill in the toolbar is pretty awkward. Is it possible to tie it to a status like "Threatened"? Also, having an indicator that an enemy can be sneak attacked would be helpful if possible.
- Regarding the seemingly infamous Nettie interaction, I know it would add yet another roll, but I feel like a nature check would be appropriate here to indicate
that the branch is poisoned,
especially if the player is a ranger or druid (when added)
- Are there any plans to be able to hide equipped helmets? I am one of those players who typically hates to see helmets in cinematic games like this
- Considering a lot of goblins were disengaging without jumping, is this something that could be incorporated for players as well? I do feel like jumping would be a more vulnerable action than trying to disengage.
- Speaking of disengage/jumping, I also agree with a lot of people that disengaging, jumping, and shoving should be a full action instead of a bonus action. Having these actions as a bonus action tends to make some fights too easy, especially with the verticality of so many encounters.
- While I am still a fan of the humorous shoving in the game, it does seem silly how far even low strength characters like wizards can push enemies. With the number of cliffs we can Spartan Shove enemies off of, even with a less violent shove and the change I mentioned above, there would still be a place for shoving an enemy. I'm not sure a wizard could shove an enemy as far as a Thunderwave would throw them.
- With all the stealthing and jumping in the game, it would be helpful to have options for group stealth or chaining/unchaning all party members with one button
Overall, this has been my first Early Access experience, and I am excited to see where this game leads! Thanks to Larian for working so hard, now only *about a year* to go!
