The Baldur's Gate RPGs, although part of a broader universe, have risen to such prominence that they now symbolize Dungeons & Dragons video games. They represent one of the earliest instances of tabletop role-playing games transitioning into the realm of video games, and given the explosive growth of this medium, the investment in them has proven to be highly worthwhile.
The series commenced with the original Baldur's Gate in 1998 and has since continued with the latest release, Baldur's Gate 3. The overarching narrative of Baldur's Gate encompasses numerous other games, some of which take the form of DLCs or spin-offs, yet all seamlessly integrate into the larger storyline set within one of the most beloved settings in the D&D universe.
1. Baldur's Gate (1998)
The inception of this journey dates back to the late 1990s, marked by the release of Baldur's Gate. While it wasn't the pioneering CRPG to meld features such as character development and a narrative tailored to player choices, it did stand among the earliest to employ the D&D rule set, reinvigorating a well-established gaming genre.
The unfolding narrative, which ultimately unveils the protagonist's lineage as a descendant of Bhaal, the deity of assassination, is now recognized as the Bhaalspawn Saga. This epic tale extends across several subsequent games, unfolding along the Sword Coast, a region within the expansive Forgotten Realms, which serves as the backdrop for numerous other TTRPG adventures.
2. Baldur's Gate: Tales Of The Sword Coast (2001)
The first expansion pack for the original game introduced fresh content, comprising additional quests, uncharted territories to explore, and enticing new items. It seamlessly extended the narrative from the initial game. A novel feature allowed players to import their characters or party if they had completed the previous game, greatly pleasing those invested in long-term character progression.
The expansion broadened the game's setting to encompass various other locales within the realm of Faerûn, including notable places like Ulgoth's Beard and Durlag's Tower. It's important to note that none of the details introduced in the expansion altered the overarching storyline of the Bhaalspawn.
3. Baldur's Gate: Siege Of Dragonspear (2019)
Releasing an expansion for a game two decades later is quite remarkable, but Siege of Dragonspear is specifically designed for the Enhanced Version of Baldur's Gate from 2012, not the original 1998 release. The narrative commences after the defeat and demise of Saravok, with the main character and their party venturing through the region to hunt down remnants of their former adversary's army.
In the climactic turning point of the story, which unfolds after the pivotal event at Dragonspear Castle, the protagonist is liberated and reunited with their companions. However, their celebration is short-lived as they are immediately ambushed once more. The identity of the hooded assailant remains shrouded in mystery until the outset of the second game.
4. Baldur's Gate: Dark Alliance (2001)
A spinoff series set within the Sword Coast, this game exists in the same timeframe and location as the previous Baldur's Gate games. However, it distinguishes itself by excluding any characters from the previous installments. Its primary focus lies in hack-and-slash gameplay, with storytelling and character creation assuming a less prominent role, aiming to provide players with a visceral and thrilling experience. Instead of crafting new characters, players are furnished with pre-generated ones for their adventure.
Although the characters are predetermined, players still have the choice of selecting from three distinct race and class combinations. The initial segment of the narrative unfolds within the familiar city of Baldur's Gate but subsequently takes players through the Sunset Mountains and eventually into the Marsh of Chelimber.
5. Baldur's Gate: Dark Alliance 2 (2004)
Dark Alliance 2 builds upon the elements that resonated with players in the initial game and introduces several new character classes to enhance its appeal. While the characters remain pre-designed, the addition of classes like Barbarians, Necromancers, and Monks offers a broader range of choices.
The narrative picks up from where the previous game concluded, incorporating a vampire antagonist and a belligerent goblin army into the storyline. In 2022, a remastered version of the game was released, rekindling interest in this somewhat overlooked and decidedly darker facet of the franchise.
6. Baldur's Gate 2: Shadows Of Amn (2000)
The protagonist awakens within an enigmatic location, confined within a cage, with the option to revive and reunite with their previous allies. Following their escape from the laboratory, they find themselves in the bustling city of Athkatla. However, Imoen is apprehended by their captor, Jon Irenicus, and thus commences the ongoing saga of the Bhaalspawn.
This installment of the game unfolds in the nation of Amn, a different setting within the Faerûn realm, quite some distance from Baldur's Gate. After delving into deep elf history, Irenicus is eventually vanquished, having ensnared the hero and their comrades in a perilous journey through the Nine Hells. Ultimately, everyone is resurrected, and they embark on their respective paths, though challenges inevitably await them in the next expansion.
7. Baldur's Gate 2: Throne Of Bhaal (2001)
Throne of Bhaal serves as the culmination of the Bhaalspawn saga, offering players a range of choices when it comes to character and party creation. They have the option to commence with fresh characters or import those they meticulously crafted during their previous escapades. Furthermore, numerous novel locations are available for exploration, offering valuable equipment and additional experience points.
In this installment, the central narrative revolves around a war that has erupted among the remaining Bhaalspawn. As the storyline unfolds, the victor faces a pivotal decision: either ascend to the throne of the Lord of Murder or leave it vacant. As with any Dungeons & Dragons adventure, the ultimate choice ultimately rests with the player.
8. Baldur's Gate: The Black Pits (2012)
Rather than a traditional role-playing adventure, Baldur's Gate: The Black Pits presents more of an auxiliary diversion, involving the party's struggle for liberation through a succession of gladiatorial contests. They must confront increasingly formidable adversaries on their path to confronting their captor, Baeloth the Entertainer.
Following Baeloth's defeat, not only does the party secure their freedom, but all the other prisoners who were ensnared in the arena also regain their liberty. Among them is a benevolent and appreciative djinn named Najim, previously the Taskmaster, who facilitates the heroes' escape from the Black Pits by opening a portal.
9. Baldur's Gate: The Black Pits 2 – Gladiators Of Thay (2013)
The sequel seamlessly continues mere moments after the conclusion of the previous game. Exiting through the portal, the party finds themselves in a tavern where a Bard immediately identifies them and recounts their tale. However, the situation takes a serious turn when Najim reappears to caution the main character about their lack of safety.
Their newfound sense of security is short-lived as they are suddenly ambushed once more, this time by Dennaton, a Red Wizard of Thay, who transports them to yet another arena. The storyline remains consistent, with the characters once again compelled to battle for the entertainment of the audience and their own liberation.
10. Baldur's Gate 3
The most recent addition to the Baldur's Gate video game series, BG3, has undergone a significant visual transformation, bringing it up to contemporary gaming standards. Its exceptionally positive reception, acclaimed by both critics and players, is breathing new life into the CRPG genre and standalone games in general.
Set roughly 120 years subsequent to Baldur's Gate 2: Shadows of Amn, this installment retains elements of the Lord of Murder and the Time of Troubles, which remain prominent within the game's narrative. The introductory sequence immerses players in a swift descent into the Nine Hells, providing immediate context. For those seeking additional background, there's the tabletop adventure module, Descent Into Avernus, which, although not a video game, serves as a prelude to Baldur's Gate 3 and unfolds just a few months prior to the events of the game.
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