Baldur’s Gate 3 launch impressions: a compelling journey thus far

destructoid.com:

Baldur’s Gate 3 is out of Early Access. Larian Studios’ take on the classic Dungeons & Dragons series sees two role-playing giants collide, with all the entwined legacy and carryover you might expect. But in its early hours, what’s impressing me most is how Larian keeps the party moving towards goals, both grandiose and small.

I’ve only had a few days with the launch version of Baldur’s Gate 3, so this isn’t comprehensive by any means. I’m writing this after just having retread Act 1, the same area that was in the Early Access but feels noticeably different in launch. I’ve got more on that in a write-up here, that’s also angled a bit more towards returning players.

For these day-one impressions, I wanted to speak a bit more to newcomers. Not the folks who have been poring over community updates, or posting anxious forum memes counting down days to launch, or who have hundreds of hours in the EA already. If you feel intrigued by the allure of a big, high-production RPG with several legacies behind it—or maybe you just saw the bear scene and said “I’m in”—this one’s for you.

Baldur’s Gate 3 marks the continuation of a classic RPG series that has lain dormant for years, Baldur’s Gate. It was one of the most notable BioWare games in the pre-Mass Effect days, and its second entry still garners acclaim.

Larian, meanwhile, has made a name on continuing the CRPG (computer role-playing game) legacy through its Divinity games. Divinity: Original Sin 2 was a superb entry, and now, with Baldur’s Gate 3, Larian has been given the keys to a beloved classic.

It opens like most role-playing games do; make a character (or choose a pre-made Origin character), customize them, and set off on a journey. One thing I’ve always really liked