1. Chance to kill illithid even before conversation, you are given loads of clues as to what is going on and don't need to put your arm into the crocodile's mouth so to speak. Most people do of course because they are used to being cuddled even against their own stupidity. Like jumping down the gaping black hole w/o Feather Fall and arriving dead on the scene in Underdark (statistics revealed over 40% of players did this). Gravity can be a bitch lol.
2. Chance to succeed multiple checks to avoid "perceived failure".
3. Even with what would be "catastrophic failure"/game over in any other game, you are instead rewarded with a challenging and interesting combat, and experience you don't otherwise get.
This game design is the staple of the game (though there are certainly exceptions as there should be), but I suspect you being so triggered by perceived failure means a hefty amount of confirmation bias on your part. All the other mechanics also work to limit the bad-RNG, several companions who can be used and built to limit any weaknesses etc, etc.
I totally agree. The game is 200% more fun if you can get past worrying about 'failing' and instead look for creative solutions and go with the flow if things don't work out.
1) Some events are supposed to fail for story purposes, but Larian gives you a small chance to 'succeed' which results in a less interesting story.
2) Many checks can be avoided completely by resolving issues before you have to check, ie the check is only offered as a way to bail you out for initial poor choices.
3) Sometimes there are alternative solutions even after you fail checks. eg the trapped burning guy . . . even if you fail the checks there is a way to save him anyway.
4) Many checks for traps and sometimes dialogue events can be skipped if you have search and found keys, books, notes etc. It pays to explore thoroughly.
5) Buffs!!! Buffs and more Buffs! Guidance (+1d4), Thaumaturgy (advantage), Friends (advantage), Charm Person (advantage), Disguise Self, Detect Thoughts . . . can all have a huge impact on passing checks or avoiding them entirely. And the first four can be cast AFTER beginning conversation . . . as long as the caster isn't the one doing the talking. Being a preferred race can have a big positive impact (or negative if your race isn't liked)
6) Character Builds . . . if you want to be good at Charisma checks . . . then build a character who can pass them. A 14 or even just 12 Charisma really helps (and of course 16 is even better) and pickup a couple of the related skills. The number of YouTube lets plays I've watched where players get frustrated at failing conversation checks and save scum . . . despite making an 8 Charisma character with zero skills or buffs . . . well what the heck did you expect!. 😊
Baldur's Gate 3 is really a game that rewards planning and thinking outside the box.
