I've been playing BG3 over the past week or so, and so far, the game appears to be very polished for something in pre-release and that's great! However, after putting in about 40 hours, I've noticed that the game feels a lot like DOS2 with a D&D 5E veneer, and as good as that game is, it's not D&D.
The Baldur's Gate 3 in my head is a platform. If Larian implements a DM mode and world editor like they did with DOS2, this game could be an incredible way to create new adventure modules using the D&D ruleset. If Larian chose to, they could create new official assets for use in adventure creation that would supplement the needs of module creators. It could be the next (non-MMO) Neverwinter Nights. The point that I'm trying to make is that if they build the game closer to 5E RAW, it would be a much more attractive prospect for community development and fan projects, a la Skyrim. D&D has never been more popular than it is right now, and building a game that fits the source material, that is familiar to fans of the source material, means that it will be easier for those people to adopt and to adapt modules for. I want that reality for Larian and for me, who would absolutely love to become part of that community.
So here are my observations on some of the design elements that I think Larian should address prior to release. I'm sure some of this stuff has been discussed to death, but I'm new, so bear with me.
Agreed
Alignment
I know that some people hate alignment, and some people say it has no purpose in 5E. I disagree. Alignment provides a guideline for character development and a moral base to consider when taking actions in the game. Without alignment, many players would not consider their actions and simply do what they feel is the best option at the time. Additionally, there are alignment bound spells, abilities and races in the game. Alignment has wide-ranging effects that may not be immediately apparent in the moment-to-moment gameplay, but it can have major character and story ramifications when used properly.
I also know that they discussed this with WotC and Wizards said that they don't need to emphasize alignment. I think that this is the wrong choice, but if it's not going to be implemented in the main game, I would still like for the option to be there if a module editor is made available. It's a fundamental part of the D&D experience.
This is one I am not in agreement with. Its like saying someone isn't moral or ethical unless they are X religion. It also ruins the experience of getting to know your companions. It was a real problem with old school CRPG D&D games and BG1 and 2 where you would just be "presented" with the alignment.
In addition, say I am Neutral Evil and I am not living up to your expectations of what you think that means. I have observed that most people have a puerile idea of what evil actually looks like. Evil people must always be rude, greedy, cowardly and can never be authentic. Can a Neutral Evil person be ruthless towards enemies and protective of friends? Can a LG person? Yep to both.
Is Gale good or evil? He comes off as selfish and manipulative. He leaves if you wipe out the druid grove but is he doing that because he doesn't want to be associated with that behavior or because he actually cares?
is Shadowheart Good or evil? Or neutral? She is a priestess of Shar, so she must be evil, right?
Oh wait, let me check her alignment tag. Well that ruined everything.
No, Larian has it 100% right on this. Alignment has been a chain around our necks. I am glad to be free of it.
Food
Food severely unbalances the spell and action resource management aspect of the game and makes combat into a healfest. It's extremely easy to find and it can be used in-combat for an immediate health boost, just like a healing potion or spell. I know that Larian designed Divinity: Original Sin with food as an immediate buff, but that's not how it works in D&D. It's a requirement for life, and it can have beneficial and harmful effects, but it's not a magic potion. It can be important, but it should have more of a preparatory role and be used while at Camp and during rests, or for roleplaying purposes.
Agreed
As for the spell issue, the tags simply have not been implemented yet.
