The Enduring Appeal of Baldur's Gate 2
Danrilor
Member Posts: 26
I am really excited about the release of the BG2 EE and have it on pre order. I recently wrote an article for Yahoo discussing the enduring appeal of BG 2 that can be read here: http://voices.yahoo.com/you-must-gather-party-venturing-forth-12344150.html?cat=19
What are some of the elements that you guys think contribute to the timeless appeal of BG2 ? I am thinking of writing a follow-up article further promoting the release on Nov 15th
What are some of the elements that you guys think contribute to the timeless appeal of BG2 ? I am thinking of writing a follow-up article further promoting the release on Nov 15th
2
Comments
It's the plot really. Games these days are mostly tactics and action oriented. Which means they fade away as soon as something better comes out. But a good story, ah, you can't have enough of those (the fact that the baldur's gate novel wasn't good doesn't really contradict this point, it's a very different kind of storytelling). I think the key word is immersion.
Of course the infinity engine itself was very good, and is in fact still decent by today's standards, but you have allready pointed it out in your article. Other games using it didn't fare just as well.
- There is no better rpg for pc.
If the market were full of good quality rpg games instead of cheap craps which clone each other by only adding more lightning effects over years, I wouldn't be playing bg:ee or bg2 now.
The article, however, seemed rather light of content and did not, in my opinion, really have much to offer about the 'enduring appeal' - why it's enduring, for instance. What makes the saga enduring for me is the perfect balance between silliness and seriousness, if that makes sense. The quest and story are serious, but there's a humorous quality in the NPC's and their banters, as well as jokes and references to pop culture throughout the game.
Another thing that was very appealing about the game is the scale. Lots of places to go and see, and a variety of things to do. There were some true surprises and challenges in the game (for instance, some very powerful beasties in the city) that added to the adventure.
Beyond that, Minsc and Boo. Hamsters and Rangers everywhere rejoice!
I guess this played a significant role in making the game endure the “test of time”. If there was an all time chart of fictional villains, I would place Irenicus somewhere at the top – side by side with the likes of Darth Vader. Surprisingly, I find that most of the more recent fiction titles fail at producing a villain that is as intriguing and intimidating as any of them. I would like to see developers and writers concentrate more on this, instead of just the eye candy.
"Look, Minsc and Jan are fighting over boo!"
"Great, Viconia is love-talking my Lawful Good Paladin again."
"Why does Firkragg sound like Benedict Cumberbach?"
It never gets old. The plot twists, the side quests, the entire gaming experience is very immersive. I cannot remember another game that had to remind you to eat between screens. Even the NPCs that you hate seem to be designed to be so. You hardly ever feel that despising Nalia is something she didn't earn (and I have to admit that when I saw the "Nalia Romance" mod I almost choked on my soda). It is a game that makes it worthwhile to take along Incompatable NPCs just to see the sparks fly. It is so much fun to carry Viconia, Keldorn, Mazzy, and Edwin while Charname and Minsc look on with bemusement. One of my most fun experiences was being a dude carrying every "romancible" female and start their romance clock just to watch them argue and bicker.
And the cheese... oh lord the cheese.