Advanced Option: Checkbox to Nerf Major Game Magic Items

Bhryaen

[O] Nerf Major Game Magic Items ((doesn't mention any specifically))

This option is lifted from one of the components of the mod "Hard Times:"
http://www.usoutpost31.com/hardtimes/

Essentially what this option would do is either change or remove and replace a number of the key powerful magic items that make the game easy, particularly ones you get early on. In "Hard Times" it's a change like this:

Boots of Speed -> Gone
Diamond in the tree -> Zircol Gem
+1 Protection Ring in the rock -> Jade ring
Ring of WIzardry -> "Find Familiar" scroll
Algernon's Cloak -> 3 charges
Wands -> 3 charges
Ankheg armor + pearl -> Broken armor + pearl
Greyhawk's +2 Longsword -> +1 Halberd

These are a tad extreme, of course, but this type of change would be what's involved. Essentially taking the key items in the game like those above and reducing them. I was using "Hard Times," so I know it manages to make equipment significantly less important than tactics and skill for survival and success. For the purposes of this option, I'd have to leave it in the hands of the devs to decide how they'd want to change things, but I'll gladly give specific recommendations if they count for anything...

For the above list, however, it is possible for a less extreme version, such as:
Boots of Speed -> Boots that increase speed no faster than wolves
Diamond in the tree -> 3 Zircon Gems
+1 Protection Ring in the rock -> Gold ring
Ring of Wizardry -> Only 1 extra 1st level spell
Algernon's Cloak -> 10 charges
Ankheg armor + pearl -> regular plate + pearl
Greyhawk's +2 Longsword -> +1 Longsword

This is one in a series of game features I'd like added in a separate settings section called Advanced Options that would be available in a new "Advanced Options" Tab on the regular Settings Screen. It would be entirely optional to even peruse it, clearly designated as "Advanced" (even throwing in "Intended for more experienced players only" if that's deemed necessary). It would mean an in-game tweaking mechanism that would no longer require a mod. This particular feature would be further designated by the clarifier: "This option will only affect new games and undoing it will not cause saved games to revert."

Kore

Hmm interesting. I could go for this, it's always fun to try different limitations on different run throughs and I do like having to come up with gear combinations.

Cadros

Or you could just not use those items

Seldar

Items in BG1 are 100% balanced, no one is cheated, excepet Drizzt's equipement. We don't have +5 armor or sword like in ToB or Icewind Dale 2.


You could add these options at the begining of a new game

Bhryaen

@Cadros True enough, but then you could also sell what you don't use... or not. The idea is to create a new, uberequipment-leaner environment- the challenges of which appear native rather than just relying on player restraint in a clearly uberequipment-packed environment. It also creates surprises for those who encounter the alternative versions in those anticipated boon moments... After all, a nerfed Ring of Wizardry is still useful and to now have to budget charges for the All-Powerful Algernon's Cloak...

Kore

Items in BG1 are 100% balanced, no one is cheated, excepet Drizzt's equipement. We don't have +5 armor or sword like in ToB or Icewind Dale 2.

Yes and no. There are still items in BG1 that are substantially more powerful that others and are pretty much a must have if you're into itemising well. Varscona, Spidersword, Bracers of Archery etc etc.

At the moment if you're powergaming (which i very much enjoy) then you will always come across the same old items again.

@Cadros, you know I lack the will power!