Almost 10 years ago i wrote an article about Baldur's Gate II : Shadows of Amn. Up until recently i had never yet played the first one of the series. I had this idea that somehow, starting at lvl 1 isn't a very pleasing experience. So i have always played the second one, without any second thought.
What a mistake that was. Baldur's Gate, first of his name is a way better game than the second one. Not because it came first. not because i have played the second one too many times. nope.
To begin with, the story of the game is incredibly well made and yet so simple. You start in a castle, well fed and well protected, just like old tales. Your adoptive father is waiting on you to start a journey, because apparently things have taken a turn for the worst, he fears. Then he gets ambushed on the first night and dies, leaving you all alone right from the start. The adventure begins right there, but soon you find something to do. If you want to avenge him, you need friends and to become strong. Nothing like a well made story to have you enticed to go adventuring. But where does that adventure takes you really? dungeons, mines, forests, caves, towns and cites... to name a few.
As the mystery unravels, it is not uncommon for new players to die alongside the road. Ogres, wolves, Orcs even sometimes attacks you while you are trying to figure out where the fuck you are supposed to go. And if you stray off the road too much, you might find yourself in deep trouble. Trouble you may not come unscathed from.
Let me be honest, if it wasn't for my 20+ years of dungeons&dragons rules experience, i would have thought completing this game is utterly impossible. But i knew better. I knew there was a trick to it. All C-RPGs always have a trick to it. Be it a class, overpowered, or maybe just a really powerful magical item, lying somewhere close that you could get your hands on easily. So i didn't gave up and pushed onwards. I kept pushing until my character was strong enough to defeat Sarevok, your brother and arch enemy.
Then, i restarted the game again with an new character. And again and.. again. I could not get enough of this adventure. If you yet have to play Baldur's Gate, i assure you, you will not be disappointed. It lived up to my expectations and much more. if you are familiar with Baldur's Gate II, then you can start the series from the scratch and then export your character along, to keep on going. If you are not, then no big deal. The adventure is here for you. But fear not, it will difficult but not impossible. Try to find a way around, like i did.
Do not forget, when there is a will, there is a way.
Have fun my friend.
