Current Events > I can tell Baldurs Gate II will be awesome! I havent even escaped the prison!

(+) Yeah! (+)

Ongoing Spoilers!!!

I've only made my way through the first level of the dungeon you start in. Got Sarevok's Blade of Chaos! I'm letting Minsc have it, as he benefits from it more than I.

Already this feels like a much deeper game than the first. It took me 5 or 6 hours to just to get this far.

I played the Baldur's Gates for the first time last year and I can't imagine what it was like playing them when they first came out because they still feel great to this day.

Ages like fine cheddar.
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Oh man, I am excite.

You can tell a legit first-timer when they love Chateau Irenicus.

Great the first time, a goddamn slog after 4 or 5.

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What class did you pick? Barbarian fighter is the easiest for first timers but it's not like you're gonna have a hard time learning regardless. Mage types are the hardest to learn because of spell prep and stuff.

Personally, I love druid and paladin.


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pres_madagascar posted...

What class did you pick? Barbarian fighter is the easiest for first timers but it's not like you're gonna have a hard time learning regardless. Mage types are the hardest to learn because of spell prep and stuff.

Personally, I love druid and paladin.

Im an Elf Fighter/Mage. So far proficient in 2-weapon fighting style, scimitars and flail. This save continues my BG1 character.

I still can't believe a third one is coming out

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Bad_Mojo posted...

I still can't believe a third one is coming out

Made by Larian instead of Bioware. What a damn plot twist.
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Ic3Bullet posted...

Im an Elf Fighter/Mage. So far proficient in 2-weapon fighting style, scimitars and flail. This save continues my BG1 character.

There's gonna be an irritating woman named Nalia. Do what she asks.

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I prefer the dark alliance games

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SolKarellen posted...

And made by Larian instead of Bioware. What a damn plot twist.

Which is just fine considering Bioware went to shit and larian became the shit. Divinity original sin 2 is a top three rpg of this Gen easily.

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SolKarellen posted...

Bad_Mojo posted...

I still can't believe a third one is coming out

And made by Larian instead of Bioware. What a damn plot twist.

I still dislike they are using the Baldur's Gate game name. Should have called it something else.
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Funkydog posted...

I still dislike they are using the Baldur's Gate game name. Should have called it something else.

I reserve any and all judgment until the game itself is in my hands.

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Funkydog posted...

I still dislike they are using the Baldur's Gate game name. Should have called it something else.

Wizards of the coast named it that. Baldur's gate is the name of a city in dungeons and dragon's.

It's akin to obsidian doing neverwinter nights 2.

But I have faith in larian.

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DrizztLink posted...

Funkydog posted...

I still dislike they are using the Baldur's Gate game name. Should have called it something else.

I reserve any and all judgment until the game itself is in my hands.

It has nothing to do with how good or bad it might be. But the game ended with Throne of Bhaal. The Bhaalspawn's story ended. Using it to sell the game just makes me think BLEH is all.

pres_madagascar posted...

Funkydog posted...

I still dislike they are using the Baldur's Gate game name. Should have called it something else.

Wizards of the coast named it that. Baldur's gate is the name of a city in dungeons and dragon's.

It's akin to obsidian doing neverwinter nights 2.

But I have faith in larian.

It is named 3 though, implying a continuation. Which it isn't and can't be. I fully expect the game to be good though.
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Funkydog posted...

It has nothing to do with how good or bad it might be. But the game ended with Throne of Bhaal. The Bhaalspawn's story ended. Using it to sell the game just makes me think BLEH is all.

Baldur's gate is a city. Neverwinter is a city. You're attaching too much sentimentality to it.

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What system are you playing it?

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Funkydog posted...

It has nothing to do with how good or bad it might be. But the game ended with Throne of Bhaal. The Bhaalspawn's story ended. Using it to sell the game just makes me think BLEH is all.

It is named 3 though, implying a continuation. Which it isn't and can't be. I fully expect the game to be good though.

Kotor 2 really didn't have that much to do with revan ultimately, didn't stop it from being ultimately the better game once it got that content patch.

Neverwinter nights 2 had nothing to do with neverwinter nights 1.

Fallout 2 had nothing to do with fallout 1.


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pres_madagascar posted...

Funkydog posted...

It has nothing to do with how good or bad it might be. But the game ended with Throne of Bhaal. The Bhaalspawn's story ended. Using it to sell the game just makes me think BLEH is all.

Baldur's gate is a city. Neverwinter is a city. You're attaching too much sentimentality to it.

I am well aware. I still dislike it, given all the other ones in the number system were a continuation. It doesn't bother me terribly much, but do wish they had named it something else regardless.
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Funkydog posted...

I am well aware. I still dislike it, given all the other ones in the number system were a continuation. It doesn't bother me terribly much, but do wish they had named it something else regardless.

We also don't know that this game isn't a continuation of the plot in some way yet, all we have is a teaser with the main enemy type revealed, that's it. It could be related. But it also doesn't matter, as many many many game sequels in history have had nothing or very little to do with their predecessors. I guess stuff like that just doesn't bother me.

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OY

FELLAS

Not the goddamn topic.

Argue elsewhere.

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Orochi_ posted...

What system are you playing it?

PC. I tried to start this save on my android tablet, so I could play on my lunch break at work. But once youve played BG on PC, theres no going back. Everything was too tedious on Android.

DrizztLink posted...

OY

FELLAS

Not the goddamn topic.

Argue elsewhere.

Yeah, you right. Didn't mean to detract. I sorry :(

I always (and still) loved the Chateau myself though. Never got the hate for it. Great opening start and when you get out, a fantastic scene.
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Funkydog posted...

Yeah, you right. Didn't mean to detract. I sorry :(

I always (and still) loved the Chateau myself though. Never got the hate for it. Great opening start and when you get out, a fantastic scene.

It was also pretty daunting, as you basically have the entire city available with a plethora of side quests and characters to recruit, right out of the tutorial level basically. It was pretty crazy.

Real pro gamers grab yojimbe immediately

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Balder's Gate is legit awesome.
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Take Yoshimo on your first playthrough. He should be on the second floor of the dungeon. Once you get out of the dungeon, make sure you're rested and then go into the circus tent (the one with the guard in front of it.) It's a relatively easy quest, gives a decent reward and a decent party member. Go do the quests underneath the Copper Coronet next, then make sure you have Nalia with you when you do her quest because you get a better reward that way. If you don't like her, you can ditch her once the quest is over and grab another mage instead. If you have the EE, Neera looks like she should be a good pick-up.

If you decide to take on other quests straight out of Chateau Irenicus, you may meet some serious difficulty. Doing these quests first will get you a full party, a couple of levels or so, and some decent loot.
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inloveanddeath0 posted...

I prefer the dark alliance games

these are the only BG games I've played

they were alright, am considering getting 1 & 2 for Switch

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Are you doing a Good or Evil party?

DrizztLink posted...

Oh man, I am excite.

You can tell a legit first-timer when they love Chateau Irenicus.

Great the first time, a goddamn slog after 4 or 5.

Chateau Irenicus is for sure the video game dungeon I've played the most times ever
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HylianFox posted...

inloveanddeath0 posted...

I prefer the dark alliance games

these are the only BG games I've played

they were alright, am considering getting 1 & 2 for Switch

If you can at all, get them for PC instead. BG was made for PC controls.

konokonohamaru posted...

DrizztLink posted...

Oh man, I am excite.

You can tell a legit first-timer when they love Chateau Irenicus.

Great the first time, a goddamn slog after 4 or 5.

Chateau Irenicus is for sure the video game dungeon I've played the most times ever

I just have the mod that lets me skip it but still gives me all the loot and xp.
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synth_real posted...

I just have the mod that lets me skip it but still gives me all the loot and xp.

I do too, but good Lord do I hate the voice acting for that guy.

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I played BG 1 and 2 as a middle school kid without really understanding them. I managed to beat 1 but never made too much progress in 2.

I recently bought the console versions and am going to try to get through them with actually trying to understand the systems, etc.

SolKarellen posted...

I played the Baldur's Gates for the first time last year and I can't imagine what it was like playing them when they first came out because they still feel great to this day.

Ages like fine cheddar.

Even the game play ages supremely well. The engine they used for the isometric RPGs is incredible. I've spent a ton of hours playing icewind Dale 2.

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Itachi157 posted...

I played BG 1 and 2 as a middle school kid without really understanding them. I managed to beat 1 but never made too much progress in 2.

I recently bought the console versions and am going to try to get through them with actually trying to understand the systems, etc.

Play on Core Rules difficultly and youll be forced to learn. Ive already had a head-scratcher or 2 on the first level of this dungeon.

Esrac posted...

Are you doing a Good or Evil party?

I guess youd call it a good party, though most characters I plan on recruiting are neutral. Im trying to get the best prices without anyone leaving my party, or making reputation management difficult.

I want a pretty diverse party, so I went ahead and glanced through the wiki to see what would be available to me, and heres the party I think I want to roll with:

Me (Fighter/Mage)
Jan Jansen (Illusionist/Thief)
HaerDalis (Bard)
Minsk (Ranger)
Jaheira (Fighter/Druid)
??????

Thinking about putting either Nalia or Cernd in that last spot. Idk. Jaheiras wisdom isnt very high, so I thought about getting Cernd to make up for that. On the other hand, Nalia looks to be a hardier thief/mage than Imoen. But I already have a Thief/illusionist, and Im a mage.

Also thought about just putting another fighter in that spot. Theres a guy whose stats are about as good as Minsc, cant remember his name.

Ic3Bullet posted...

Me (Fighter/Mage)
Jan Jansen (Illusionist/Thief)
HaerDalis (Bard)
Minsk (Ranger)
Jaheira (Fighter/Druid)
??????

Thinking about putting either Nalia or Cernd in that last spot. Idk. Jaheiras wisdom isnt very high, so I thought about getting Cernd to make up for that. On the other hand, Nalia looks to be a hardier thief/mage than Imoen. But I already have a Thief/illusionist, and Im a mage.

Also thought about just putting another fighter in that spot. Theres a guy whose stats are about as good as Minsc, cant remember his name.

You could go with Keldorn. He wrecks magic users to the point of almost being a cheat code, and by being a paladin he can use some of the best equipment in the game that no one else has access to.

You might want to consider a cleric too. They have access to Chaotic Commands, which is pretty crucial in some later fights. Can't remember if Jaheira has access to that. Anomen is basically a good frontline cleric, Aerie gives arcane spellcasting utility, and Viconia can make a good frontline cleric too if you give her Gauntlets of Ogre Strength or some other strength boosting item so she can wear platemail
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Keldorn is absolutely crucial for you.

The only person more important for your party is Mr. ToB.

Get ye to the Temple.

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Ic3Bullet posted...

Itachi157 posted...

I played BG 1 and 2 as a middle school kid without really understanding them. I managed to beat 1 but never made too much progress in 2.

I recently bought the console versions and am going to try to get through them with actually trying to understand the systems, etc.

Play on Core Rules difficultly and youll be forced to learn. Ive already had a head-scratcher or 2 on the first level of this dungeon.

Esrac posted...

Are you doing a Good or Evil party?

I guess youd call it a good party, though most characters I plan on recruiting are neutral. Im trying to get the best prices without anyone leaving my party, or making reputation management difficult.

I want a pretty diverse party, so I went ahead and glanced through the wiki to see what would be available to me, and heres the party I think I want to roll with:

Me (Fighter/Mage)
Jan Jansen (Illusionist/Thief)
HaerDalis (Bard)
Minsk (Ranger)
Jaheira (Fighter/Druid)
??????

Thinking about putting either Nalia or Cernd in that last spot. Idk. Jaheiras wisdom isnt very high, so I thought about getting Cernd to make up for that. On the other hand, Nalia looks to be a hardier thief/mage than Imoen. But I already have a Thief/illusionist, and Im a mage.

Also thought about just putting another fighter in that spot. Theres a guy whose stats are about as good as Minsc, cant remember his name.

Pick the party you like most, but if you're taking suggestions, I'd recommend taking Imoen on your first playthrough. She's blatantly superior to Nalia and has some more relevance to the main story of the game.

Keldorn is also an excellent choice. He can use the Holy Avenger Carsomyr and he can completely nullify enemy Mage buffs with his Inquisitor Dispel Magic.

Anomen is a good choice too. He is decent enough for melee and comes with all those handy Cleric spells.

Aerie is another great option, for being a Cleric/Mage elf. She is a little bit of a late bloomer, but having access to both Cleric and Mage spells makes for a real powerhouse and some interesting Spell Trigger and Contingency options.

Jaheira and Minsc are both fully capable. Though there is a party member you can pick up early in ToB who completely outclasses Minsc.

Cernd is generally regarded as the worst party member in the game. Jan Jansen is a great character who can satisfy almost any of your Thief and Mage needs. Haer'Dalis is decent, but I honestly can never really find a place for him on my teams. Nalia is just a weaker Imoen. Mazzy is good, if you really like Fighters who specialize in Short Bows. Outside of his quest, I always forget about Valygar.

Yoshimo might be a good choice for a first playthrough too. Thief traps are really strong. At least until you can replace him with Imoen for your Thief needs.

Not counting the evil characters like Edwin, Korgan, and Viconia. Who are all good at what they do. My parties usually end up looking pretty similar on my playthroughs:

PC (usually a Cavalier or some Fighter/?)
Jan Jansen/Yoshimo > Imoen
Jaheira
Minsc > Mr ToB
Aerie
Keldorn/Anomen/Viconia

Esrac posted...

Yoshimo might be a good choice for a first playthrough too

Yoshimo got game. He has competition for best Thief, but cut him some slack. It's worth it.

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Does mr TOB appear in Shadows of Amn?

i dont wanna know where. Just if he does.

After a total of about 8 hours total playing, I'm out!

Took my poor party over 3.5 in-game days to escape that place!

Ic3Bullet posted...

Does mr TOB appear in Shadows of Amn?

i dont wanna know where. Just if he does.

No. He doesn't appear until early Throne of Bhaal.

I really need to replay this before III is out. :D Hope you're digging it, TC!

Who should I fill in my last blank with if I decided to go with Viconia for my cleric? My updated party looks like this:

Me (Fighter/Mage)
Jan Jansen (Illusionist/Thief)
HaerDalis (Bard)
Minsc (Ranger)
Viconia (Cleric)
?????

I like Viconia, so I might have to avoid getting a reputation higher than 15. Discounts arent that important anyway, right?

Ic3Bullet posted...

Who should I fill in my last blank with if I decided to go with Viconia for my cleric? My updated party looks like this:

Me (Fighter/Mage)
Jan Jansen (Illusionist/Thief)
HaerDalis (Bard)
Minsc (Ranger)
Viconia (Cleric)
?????

I like Viconia, so I might have to avoid getting a reputation higher than 15. Discounts arent that important anyway, right?

Imoen.

Esrac posted...

Imoen.

Cool now who should I choose if I decide to go with Kelborn instead of Viconia?

Ic3Bullet posted...

Esrac posted...

Imoen.

Cool now who should I choose if I decide to go with Kelborn instead of Viconia?

For your group healer? Drop Jan and take Anomen, Aerie and/or Imoen.

You
Imoen
Minsc
Anomen/Jan Jansen/Aerie
Haer'Dalis/Aerie
Keldorn/Viconia/Aerie

Just don't take Viconia and Keldorn. They don't get along. And having Aerie and Haer in the party can lead to a conflict if you try to romance Aerie.

Jaheira is also a great choice, because she can effectively melee combat by DWing Scimitars and Clubs and buffing herself with Ironskins, heal, rez the dead, and use Druid-only spells like Summon Insect Swarm and Summon Fire Elemental.

Alucard188 posted...

Even the game play ages supremely well. The engine they used for the isometric RPGs is incredible. I've spent a ton of hours playing icewind Dale 2.

It's kind of a slog in BG1 until you get to the Cloakwood Mine (all you need prior is a firing squad of bows and slings), but man does it ever pick up from there. So many different ways to handle a battle, so many different spells to try, backstabs to micromanage, swapping around the best weapons for the job on your fighters...especially micromanaging backstabs. BG's stealth and backstabs feel better than most games to this day (in both result and execution). The final battle of BG1 is a huge highlight because you don't deal with just one big bad and it's a great clusterfuck of a battle.

You can do any battle twenty different ways.

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