Love Baldur’s Gate 3? Need something to play this weekend? Check out this freebie on Amazon Prime Gaming

techradar.com:

It’s been a little over a year since Baldur’s Gate 3 was released and basically shook up what one can expect from a role-playing game… and, indeed, games in general. The level of flexibility, wrapped up in a compelling story and properly interesting characters like Baldur’s Gate 3, sucked up masses of awards and overwhelming critical acclaim. But where did it all begin? 

Well, that’s a somewhat tricky answer, but an easy one – and a cop-out answer – is Baldur’s Gate 1. And it just happens to be free on Amazon Prime Gaming to download and play right now; handy if you’re hankering for a deep game to dive into this weekend. 

Released way back in 1998 for the PC, under the development of Bioware, which wasn't the RPG giant it is today, the original Baldur’s Gate is rather different from Larian’s Baldur’s Gate 3. It uses an isometric perspective that requires mouse and keyboard control and is firmly in what’s now referred to as CRPGs (classic role-playing games); if you’ve played Pillars of Eternity, you’ll have a taste of what to expect. 

Thankfully, Amazon is offering the Enhanced Edition of Baldur’s Gate, which should mean it’ll run smoothly on modern PCs and gaming laptops. 

And for people who want to explore the origins of Baldur’s Gate, are keen for a big hit of nostalgia (if you’re a 30-something RPG fan like myself), or want a great classic RPG with a deep story and some old-school Dungeons & Dragons rules, then Baldur’s Gate is well worth a download.

I’ve not played Baldur’s Gate in years, but I have fond memories of being dropped into a world that feels almost painted onto a screen but has surprising flourishes of detail; I could drink in the layout of Candlekeep for hours.

The combat and D&D ruleset can be a little head-scratching to get on top of, but when it clicks, it can feel rather satisfying to build up your character and party as you explore the Sword Coast. And there’s something relaxing and enjoyable about guiding your party of ragtag heroes via the click