Casual players have been quick to draw comparisons between Larian Studios’ latest game, Baldur’s Gate 3, and BioWare’s beloved IP. This connection can be attributed to the colorful companions featured in both games and the strong relationships players form with them. The “bear trailer” used for marketing Baldur’s Gate 3 has been incredibly successful, as evidenced by the game’s continued popularity even one week after its release, with the upcoming launch on PS5 next month. While the CRPG community was eagerly awaiting a worthy successor to BioWare’s original games, it’s safe to say that BG3 owes its mainstream success to a specific fantasy RPG crowd.
There is a sense of poetic justice in this situation, considering that BioWare initiated this trend with their own take on the Baldur’s Gate universe, which featured a combat system closer to that of Jade Empire and KOTOR. Interestingly, the first Dragon Age game was marketed as a darker and edgier fantasy RPG, but players actually resonated more with its lighter and goofier elements. This shift in player preference influenced the creative direction of the Dragon Age saga, gradually removing its sharper edges. However, the series did not lose its strong world-building and serious side along the way. The evolution of the fandom showed a clear shift from a “dark and cruel fantasy universe” to a playful alternative to Dungeons & Dragons’ Forgotten Realms setting, attracting adventurers who may have previously overlooked video game RPGs.
Baldur’s Gate 3 has not only appealed to CRPG newcomers but also to more casual players who previously found such games too complex. Just as Dragon Age and Mass Effect had to convince potential recruits in the past, the trend of offering a “choose your own adventure in a cinematic way” gameplay experience in the late 2000s helped attract new players. Nowadays, game studios understand that many players are drawn to RPGs for their plots and romances, leading to the inclusion of accessibility options. However, in the past, these olive branches were not as readily available to casual gamers. Despite this, many players took a leap into the RPG genre with Dragon Age and Mass Effect and became obsessed with BioWare’s universes, similar to what happened with The Witcher 3 years later.
There is a clear demand for a successor to the Dragon Age series, as evident from the enthusiasm for any alternative that comes close to the original games. Traditional and modern massive RPGs still have their place in the gaming landscape, but satisfying the particular Dragon Age itch has been challenging. It’s fitting that Larian’s Baldur’s Gate 3 has emerged as the game to soothe the pain of Dragon Age fans. While the game follows Dungeons & Dragons’ systems, with the main difference being turn-based combat, it captures the attention of BioWare’s dedicated fanbase. The mischievous spirit that permeates the game is a key factor in its appeal.
Baldur’s Gate 3 offers more than just dungeon-delving and problem-solving. It allows players to create unique and often humorous characters and interact with a diverse cast of companions. The most memorable moments often occur within the camp, reminiscent of Dragon Age: Origins’ downtime between quests. Every companion in Baldur’s Gate 3 has a personal secondary questline to explore, encouraging players to engage with each character individually. Although one small flaw of the game is that companions seem immediately interested in romance, contrasted with Dragon Age’s slower-paced relationships, this doesn’t diminish the enjoyment players derive from these moments. Many players are thoroughly enjoying the interactions with NPCs and the extensive maps within Baldur’s Gate 3, regardless of their personal interests.
Baldur’s Gate 3’s exceptional writing and overall design deserve recognition and celebration. The quality and care put into the vast array of characters, big and small, from the texts themselves to the voice acting, are commendable. This makes Baldur’s Gate 3, akin to a memorable D&D campaign, a story composed of smaller yet equally significant narratives. The game is a perfect blend of substance and style.
Looking towards the future of Dragon Age, leaked information suggests that the combat in the upcoming installment, Dreadwolf, will adopt a more modern design approach. This may spark debate among long-time fans. However, as long as the game captures the essence of the series by delivering compelling characters and maintaining a joyful spirit in the face of adversity, it is unlikely that dedicated fans will turn their backs on the highly anticipated fourth installment after a decade-long wait. Baldur’s Gate 3 has provided a sanctuary for Dragon Age fans, and those who embark on their first D&D-like adventure with Larian’s behemoth will undoubtedly seek similar experiences in the future. This success is also bound to indirectly benefit EA and BioWare, creating a positive environment for Western RPGs.
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Eugen Boglaru is an AI aficionado covering the fascinating and rapidly advancing field of Artificial Intelligence. From machine learning breakthroughs to ethical considerations, Eugen provides readers with a deep dive into the world of AI, demystifying complex concepts and exploring the transformative impact of intelligent technologies.
