Baldur's Gate 3 hit Steam Early Access in October 2020, bringing the third installment of the much-loved D&D video game series to fans after a 20-year wait. Baldur's Gate 3 is being developed by Larian Studios, creator of Divinity: Original Sin, which has instilled the fanbase for both games with high expectations for what to expect at the game's release. With several months of player now available, the first impressions for Baldur's Gate 3 are accessible for those still on the fence about buying it.
Overall, Baldur's Gate 3 appears to be doing well, with players giving it "Very Positive" overall reviews on Steam. Character models are smooth and appealing, the available map is promising, and players appear to be enjoying Baldur's Gate 3's romantic options. They seem to approve of how Larian Studios has reimagined the world's appearance, applying many of the qualities that players saw in Divinity: Original Sin 2 in order to improve game mechanics and overall playability.
However, there are a few points where Baldur's Gate 3 fans aren't in agreement. While many reviewers on the game's Steam page approve of how the developers integrated D&D mechanics, such as dice roles, classes, and races, into the game, some feel that it relies too heavily on the outcome of a d20 to determine the main character's reactions. This creates situations where the player's character behaves in a way they don't approve of thanks to a bad roll, instead of letting them govern their character's personality trait reactions. Player opinions are also divided on the leveling system; whereas some enjoy the streamlined process, others want more freedom and control over their character's stats and abilities.
Baldur's Gate 3 Early Access Is A Mixed Bag Of Pros And Cons
Baldur's Gate 3 also takes a hit with some players due to frustrations with how similar gameplay is to Divinity: Original Sin 2. In some reviews, players express frustrations with how Larian Studios is handling the game's narrative, which has many similarities to its other titles, and the gameplay, which mirrors many of Divinity: Original Sin 2's mechanics. Some players feel the game is less Baldur's Gate 3 and more Divinity: Original Sin 3, causing frustration for those who were hopeful for the continuation of the older Baldur's Gate series. Baldur's Gate 3 has also received negative about the early access version being full-price, stripping the discount incentive that early access players usually enjoy as compensation for their to developers.
While it isn't clear when Baldur's Gate 3 will be released as a finished game, it appears there are aspects of the game players are enjoying, while there is also still room for changes fans would appreciate, both to the narrative and the combat and leveling systems. With the game largely unfinished, Larian Studios has the chance to incorporate this and make the game more appealing to its audience. Hopefully, Baldur's Gate 3 players will see more content released for early access in the near future, helping to justify the sharp price tag for an unfinished game.
Source: Steam
