Around November 2021, my partner and I started playing Divinity: Original Sin 2. It was not our first go at a CRPG, we’ve each played CRPGs or at least games with CRPG elements.

She played XCOM and Divinity: Original Sin, while I played Shadowrun Returns, XCOM: Enemy Within, and XCOM 2.

We thoroughly enjoyed Divinity: Original Sin 2 but held off playing it for a couple of months multiple times since we didn’t have the time, energy, and attention to stay locked in for its story and world exploration.

It took us almost 2 years to finish the game and celebrate Fane, Lohse, and Red Prince’s triumphant journey. Unfortunately, Ifan turned against us at the end of our playthrough and we had to kill him. Poor Ifan.

Right after Divinity: Original Sin 2, we went straight to another CRPG – the multiaward winning RPG Baldur’s Gate 3 released in 2023.

If I had to compare my experience with the two games, I must say that this game took everything that Divinity: Original Sin 2 had and improved upon it by miles.

I have lots to talk about this game but instead, we’ll go over the different gameplay features that it has to offer new players and what they can expect from it.

Origin Characters

The first feature you will encounter in the game is the character creation. You will have eight Origin characters to choose from, two of which you can freely customize the physical appearance of.

The fully customizable character is called Tav, I think this comes from the game files or something. The other seven Origin characters can be found in the game if you do not choose them, but only six can be recruited as your companions.

Customization

If you are playing a Tav or the Dark Urge, you will have many options for customizing your physical appearance as the game allows you to choose from 4 body types, 11 races, at least 4 faces, 80 hair styles, 16 eye makeup styles, 40 tattoo styles, and 13 beard hairstyles.

These numbers will also vary depending on your chosen race, and additional options may be present or absent in others such as subraces or an extra cantrip.

Aside from Physical appearance, you can choose your character’s class from 12 different options. Subclasses can also be chosen depending on your main class, and other modifiers may also be present such as your background, followed Deity, Favoured Enemy, Fighting Style, and more.

Later in the game, you can also acquire other main classes and their respective abilities to spice up your gameplay. This mechanic is called Multiclassing.

There is a wide variety of customization options available for you and you may play dress up as much as you like when creating your character. You can change both your character’s Physical appearance and class mid-campaign.

Complex Companions

Remember when we told you that you could recruit Origin characters you did not choose to play as at the start of the game? Good, because I encourage you to find them.

The game boasts a roster of complex Origin characters/companions that each have a unique backstory, motivation, and goal. These characters add depth and authenticity to your adventuring party, making every interaction feel meaningful and engaging.

Your choices in dialogue and gameplay impact not only their personal journeys but also the overarching narrative, fostering an environment rich in player choice and creativity.

For example, Lae’zel is a Githyanki character who has a central role in Act 1 and Act 2 of the game and Shadowheart has a mysterious back story that slowly reveals itself throughout Act 2 and finishes quite nicely in Act 3. The other characters also have their own complex stories, but I urge you to discover them on your own.

If you choose to play as one of these named characters, you will still experience their stories but now from a first-person perspective. Larian Studios, the game’s developers, have painstakingly provided you the chance to look at each Origin character’s story from different perspectives.

List of Companions you can Acquire

• Astarion
• Gale
• Lae’zel
• Shadowheart
• Wyll
• Karlach
• Halsin
• Minthara
• Jaheira
• Minsc

I cannot emphasize this enough, but all of these characters have deep and intertwined stories that will surely pique your interest and even have you obsessing over at least one character.

Swappable 4-Member Party and Camp System

So you have at most six recruitable Origin character companions, can you use them all at the same time?

Instead, the game allows you to bring three companions and have the rest of your companions stay in your camp. You can freely go in and out of the camp – unless you are in combat or a dangerous area – and swap party members as you see fit.

This allows you to use the different characters you recruited, explore how their stories unfold, and see their differing reactions to the shenanigans you do in the world.

Gameplay

Turn-Based Combat

The game follows the classic TTRPG combat system of Turn-based actions. This approach allows you to meticulously plan and execute your moves, emphasizing thoughtful and occasionally not-so-good decision-making.

The dynamic combat encounters adapt based on your choices, and positioning your characters strategically on the battlefield adds depth to the experience. This is made even more complicated with more combat mechanics such as elevation, environmental interactions, and NPC allegiances.

Weapons, Classes, Subclasses, Races, Illithid Powers and More

We have already touched upon Classes, Subclasses, and Races. But just to make it quick and clear, these three characteristics are the biggest factors that determine what equipment you can, well, equip and what actions you can make.

These include the jump distance, movement distance, spells, elemental resistances, and more.

Aside from these, you are also given Illithid Powers which you may or may not use in the game. Surprisingly enough, this is heavily tied in a narrative sense as you are under a suspended Ceremorphosis but you are actually not forced to use it.

You can search up on Illithid Powers, Ceremorphosis, and Mindflayers on your own. I think it’s too complicated for me to explain.

Non-Combat Choices and Dialogue Options

Non-combat choices and dialogue options can also reflect the outcome of a battle or a story sequence.

Sometimes, weapons may not be an option and battles can entirely be avoided if you are clever enough.

This does not only pertain to talking to your enemies or other NPCs, but also sneaking or manipulating the battlefield such as stealing items, setting up traps, or taking away objects in the environment that you think may be important to the event.

Skill Checks and Dice Rolling

Many may not know this, but the game is based on the TTRPG Dungeons and Dragons. Previous entries of the franchise are also considered as Classic CRPGs which is basically a genre that aimed to emulate Table Top games into the computer system.

As such, the game borrows two of the most fundamental mechanics of Tabletop RPGs which are Skill Checks and Dice Rolling.

Skill Checks simply pertain to the requirement of a skill to be on a certain level or value to be successful. Therefore, certain actions will be determined through dice rolling.

Think of Monopoly, and Snakes and Ladders (or Chutes and Ladders, depending on where you’re from).

You will also gain advantages or disadvantages depending on the base stats of your characters. Certain items and spells can also provide help by giving additional points to meet the skill check requirement.

World Building

Strong Narrative

Baldur’s Gate 3 narrative is a compelling journey set in the iconic Forgotten Realms. The writers have deep respect for the source material, but do not shy away from taking their own liberties and spin to make the game stand on its own.

With regard to player choice and experience, every decision you make may have far-reaching consequences that provide a deeply personalized and unique experience for every campaign you run.

With well-developed characters, engaging quests, and morally challenging situations, the game’s writing shines. This strong narrative foundation adds an exciting layer of gameplay that keeps you immersed.

Excellent Graphics and Animations

From intricate character models to breathtaking landscapes, Baldur’s Gate 3 graphics immerse players in its world of fantasy without breaking reality too much.

Character movements are tracked by actual humans which elevates their personality and expressions more. Even facial animations are also tracked, allowing the characters to more intricately express their emotions.

Intricate World and Level Design

The game’s world is meticulously crafted, from the bustling city of Baldur’s Gate to the vast open landscapes. Each location offers challenges and rewards, and the attention to detail extends to gameplay mechanics.

Interact with objects in your surroundings to solve puzzles and gain advantages in combat, as well as learn about the place you are currently in. Sometimes, you may find tidbits of lore relating to you or your companions.

Is Baldur’s Gate 3 the Pinnacle of CRPGs? It might be.

In summary, this game is a masterpiece that immerses you with its complex companions, turn-based combat, strong narrative, excellent graphics, intricate world design, and in-depth world-building. It also promotes player choice and creativity.

In my opinion, Baldur’s Gate 3 has given me an unforgettable RPG experience.

This is not a game review so if you expected it to be one, sorry! Also, I played the Baldur’s Gate 3 Deluxe Edition it’s not really necessary to get the most fun out of the game.

Anway, check out these two articles if you want to know more game reviews:

• What Is A Game Review? No, Really. – Alfenwylm’s Restless Listless Mind
• Game Reviews Are No Fun (They Suck!)

I’ll also be trying to create some news content, possibly covering these topics:

• Will there be a Baldur’s Gate 4?
• Is Larian Studios done with the Baldur’s Gate franchise?
• What’s next for Larian Studios?