February 2018
Baldur's Gate: Enhanced Edition
February 13, 2018 Filed in: Video Games
Over twelve years ago, I played Baldur’s Gate II, which was a terrific Dungeons & Dragons computer game featuring AD&D second edition rules. I finished Shadows of Amn and the Throne of Bhaal expansion to complete the Baldur’s Gate saga. Afterwards, I considered it my favorite computer role-playing game of all-time. Unfortunately, I jumped directly into the sequel and had skipped over the original game.
It’s been a while since I played a D&D computer game or any computer RPG for that matter. A return to one of my favorite game genres was definitely overdue. Thankfully, an Enhanced Edition of Baldur’s Gate was released several years ago. I used this edition to fill in the backstory of Kevin the Bard, the character I played in Baldur’s Gate II. Joining Kevin the Bard in his adventures were several companions: Khalid (half-elf fighter), Kivan (elf ranger), Jaheira (half-elf fighter/druid), Neera (half-elf wild mage), and Imoen (human thief). I was familiar with Jaheira and Imoen from BG2; the other characters were new to me. I read that Neera was introduced in the Enhanced Edition and was not in the original game.
I took my time and completed many side quests in addition to the central story line. Most of my party made it to 7th level by the end. All in all, it provided over 50 hours of gameplay. There is still more content available should I wish to continue playing. I will probably explore the areas that were from the Tales of the Sword Coast expansion. There is also a new expansion, Siege of Dragonspear, that is available to purchase. It takes place in the time between BG and BG2. I found Baldur’s Gate: Enhanced Edition just about as enjoyable as my experience with Baldur’s Gate II. It is hard to surpass the fun I had with BG2 many years ago. In some ways, however, I preferred Baldur’s Gate to its sequel. BG2 featured high level adventuring. I prefer the experience of starting with novice characters and building them up from first level.
Kevin the Bard near the end of Baldur’s Gate: Enhanced Edition
It’s been a while since I played a D&D computer game or any computer RPG for that matter. A return to one of my favorite game genres was definitely overdue. Thankfully, an Enhanced Edition of Baldur’s Gate was released several years ago. I used this edition to fill in the backstory of Kevin the Bard, the character I played in Baldur’s Gate II. Joining Kevin the Bard in his adventures were several companions: Khalid (half-elf fighter), Kivan (elf ranger), Jaheira (half-elf fighter/druid), Neera (half-elf wild mage), and Imoen (human thief). I was familiar with Jaheira and Imoen from BG2; the other characters were new to me. I read that Neera was introduced in the Enhanced Edition and was not in the original game.
I took my time and completed many side quests in addition to the central story line. Most of my party made it to 7th level by the end. All in all, it provided over 50 hours of gameplay. There is still more content available should I wish to continue playing. I will probably explore the areas that were from the Tales of the Sword Coast expansion. There is also a new expansion, Siege of Dragonspear, that is available to purchase. It takes place in the time between BG and BG2. I found Baldur’s Gate: Enhanced Edition just about as enjoyable as my experience with Baldur’s Gate II. It is hard to surpass the fun I had with BG2 many years ago. In some ways, however, I preferred Baldur’s Gate to its sequel. BG2 featured high level adventuring. I prefer the experience of starting with novice characters and building them up from first level.
Kevin the Bard near the end of Baldur’s Gate: Enhanced Edition