On the question of whether to go ahead and level up a character or two to be ready to play SoD upon release, I've decided to wait. I'm hoping to level up in BG:EE using the new AI and interface improvements.
I'm not one that feels like I have to be one of the first to play a new release. If I wait, maybe they'll release the patch for BG:EE a little before the release of SoD, and even if they don't, I'll have the advantage of maybe getting my first experience of SoD to be with a patch or two.
The only big disadvantage will be trying to avoid spoilers in the forums.
@bengoshi, Ah, okay, thanks for the clarification. I still think I'd like to level up in BG:EE with whatever improvements they *do* add in the patch, though.
I think I'm waiting for the official release of SoD before I start a new character to make a run through the game too. I want to experience the seamless transition and remember all of the choices I made with that particular character instead of just playing through it with an old one. I can't wait! It would be nice if they could release the BGEE patch with the updated UI and the new shaman class patch a bit sooner so players like me could get a head start just before the release of SoD, but either way I'll probably wait until this occurs. Couldn't be more excited for this release! I love everything I've seen so far.
I know Trent said the game will tell us when it is ready, but seriously this is like the fifth pair of shoes SoD has tried on, how long does it really need in front of the mirror, doesn't it know that we already love it and that it already looks great? We are seriously gonna be late for that dinner reservation...
I know Trent said the game will tell us when it is ready, but seriously this is like the fifth pair of shoes SoD has tried on, how long did it really need in front of the mirror, didn't it know that we already love it and that it already looks great? We are seriously gonna be late for that dinner reservation...
You could always start (or continue) modding. (Or go back to it) It is a great way to pass the time
I think I'm waiting for the official release of SoD before I start a new character to make a run through the game too. I want to experience the seamless transition and remember all of the choices I made with that particular character instead of just playing through it with an old one. I can't wait! It would be nice if they could release the BGEE patch with the updated UI and the new shaman class patch a bit sooner so players like me could get a head start just before the release of SoD, but either way I'll probably wait until this occurs. Couldn't be more excited for this release! I love everything I've seen so far.
Same here, I am waiting for BGEE and BG2EE to be patched with the engine/UI/graphics updates of SoD before I start a full play through as a Shaman
Lemme ask a question: seeing that BG:EE level cap officially at lvl 161.000 xp points (normally lvl 8 to 10) and baldur's gate start with lvl 7/8 characters, i have to ask: all the experience of the dragonspear module, where it will go and what it will do to balance on early BG2:EE.
Obs: I can be somehow hipocryte asking this as i always remove xp cap from BG EE and start BG2 EE with lvl 12/13 characters normally, but still, it's an valid question i think.
Another thing: will the starting NPCs from irenicus dungeon be changed now? I ask this because not changing this will seriously compromise the storyline of siege of dragonspear, i believe, after all i will play the module until irenicus kidnapping.
I could ask if dragonsiege NPCs would be in the future added to BG2 EE, but... i rather not. Surprise me with this Beamdog !
Edit: I forgot! One more thing, when this project ends, focus in the copyrights for an Planescape: Torment Enhanced Edition plz (and do something with the shit battle system of that game, the only point that keep it from be perfect).
Lemme ask a question: seeing that BG:EE level cap officially at lvl 161.000 xp points (normally lvl 8 to 10) and baldur's gate start with lvl 7/8 characters, i have to ask: all the experience of the dragonspear module, where it will go and what it will do to balance on early BG2:EE.
They haven't given us many specifics, but the Beamdog peeps said they would look into balancing the start of BG2:EE for higher level parties. As an example they referred to how some chapter 2 encounters are already customized in difficulty depending on your level.
Another thing: will the starting NPCs from irenicus dungeon be changed now? I ask this because not changing this will seriously compromise the storyline of siege of dragonspear, i believe, after all i will play the module until irenicus kidnapping.
The locations of BG2 NPCs will not be altered. I believe Beamdog is aiming to explain this dichotomy through writing instead. E.g. it could be explained why Irenicus would kidnap Imoen, Minsc, Jaheira, Khalid and Dynaheir alongside you rather than your earlier party. They've also said some NPCs would be available only in part of the Dragonspear campaign instead of its entirety.
What they bring in siege of dragonspear they can add to BG2, that's not a closed door.
As long they don't change the starting basics of BG2, aka Imoen freeing you, Minsc and Jaheira on the cells near you and yoshimo at the 2° level of the dungeon, if they add more ppl inside Irenicus dungeon, i see no problem.
What they bring in siege of dragonspear they can add to BG2, that's not a closed door.
As long they don't change the starting basics of BG2, aka Imoen freeing you, Minsc and Jaheira on the cells near you and yoshimo at the 2° level of the dungeon, if they add more ppl inside Irenicus dungeon, i see no problem.
if you will have finished SoD with for example viconia, she will not be present in the dungeon - that's what we know so far because devs have said that starting locations for npcs won't be changed
also it has been talked about how it's "impossible" to displace edwin from his role in a certain quest...
probably there will be no npc additions to the dungeon. maybe someone like baeloth in the future or other new npcs if they get made for bg2:ee
i'm not currently happy with this but maybe the transition will be executed so tightly and the plot developments will make so much sense that it will look ok.
What they bring in siege of dragonspear they can add to BG2, that's not a closed door.
As long they don't change the starting basics of BG2, aka Imoen freeing you, Minsc and Jaheira on the cells near you and yoshimo at the 2° level of the dungeon, if they add more ppl inside Irenicus dungeon, i see no problem.
if you will have finished SoD with for example viconia, she will not be present in the dungeon - that's what we know so far because devs have said that starting locations for npcs won't be changed
also it has been talked about how it's "impossible" to displace edwin from his role in a certain quest...
probably there will be no npc additions to the dungeon. maybe someone like baeloth in the future or other new npcs if they get made for bg2:ee
i'm not currently happy with this but maybe the transition will be executed so tightly and the plot developments will make so much sense that it will look ok.
Viconia is one of the original NPCs, no NPC from the original game of BG1 will be reintroduced in BG2 EE. This discussion already happened in the past, before the release of BG:EE and the devs let this point very clear... unfortunally !
New NPCs developed for Dragonsiege module would be beamdog work only, so it's very possible to introduce them in BG2:EE. I believe this will happen in general (maybe not for all NPCs made in dragonsiege).
My point is: Some of these new NPCs could appear in BG2:EE, starting in irenicus dungeon WITHOUT displacing any of the original NPCs of Baldur's Gate 2. There are space enough in Irenicus's Dungeon to place them throught the levels.
My point is: Some of these new NPCs could appear in BG2:EE, starting in irenicus dungeon WITHOUT displacing any of the original NPCs of Baldur's Gate 2. There are space enough in Irenicus's Dungeon to place them throught the levels.
the devs said they will consider adding some npcs to bg2:ee if SoD sells well (i think). i also have a feeling they might get a first dungeon start, but then they would also have to have a post-dungeon recruitment place so that players that didn't bring them over from the previous game could experience them.
that raises the question - is beamdog ready to create both those alternative starting positions? maybe not. maybe, if they're added at all they will only get a starting position outside of irenicus' dungeon
What they've said, specifically and to the point, is that they're not messing with existing starting positions, and if Glint, M'Khiin, Schael and/or Baeloth make it to the BG2:EE campaign, they won't be in Chateau Irenicus.
Now, as Safana appears to have a bigger role in SoD, maybe she could turn up somewhere as an NPC in Athkatla in BG2EE...and that little incident in the Tethyr forest could be put down to Biff the Understudy in disguise, hmmm? I can dream...
Now, as Safana appears to have a bigger role in SoD, maybe she could turn up somewhere as an NPC in Athkatla in BG2EE...and that little incident in the Tethyr forest could be put down to Biff the Understudy in disguise, hmmm? I can dream...
or be captured with you and brought to chateau irenicus. hypothetically. i mean, why not? wouldn't it be ideal?
I have no idea what to expect at this point... I can't have Xzar in BG2SoA/ToB because of a plot in Shadows of Amn... and i can't have Baeloth because of his appearance in Black Pits 2. Unless they write Black Pits 2 off as a alternate "what if" path. Since we have no idea if they will ever make a Black Pits 3... which i get the vibe they might not... i don't think it was successful enough... even though it was fun... i bit hard and repetitive...
When NPCs join party, their XP is adjusted to (roughly) match the player.
This will apply also to BG1:EE and BG2:EE?
It already does. Every charackter has a couple of versions in different levels and this dates back to the original BG (so I would like some tweaking on some dubious decisions the characters make.. Why agai ndoes someone who breaks into the hall of wonders spends most of her thieving points into pick pockets again? ^^' )
This is not true. There's a big difference if is adjusted lvl or XP.
Adjusted lvl suck, because you get random HP and you can not distribute skill and weapon points. Adjusted XP is great, because you can do everything mentioned above.
I've just come across an interview-like article with communications manager of Wizards of the Coast, Greg Tito.
“It is crazytown, but it actually makes sense. Beamdog has done a great job updating the older code for new operating systems and devices with Baldur’s Gate: Enhanced Edition, the sequel, and Icewind Dale. In addition to the technical prowess of Trent Oster’s team, everyone at Beamdog is a hardcore D&D fan and loves the lore behind the Forgotten Realms. We think it is really exciting for them to bring a new Dungeons & Dragons story to life set in the timeline of the original Baldur’s Gate video game. I’m psyched for this expansion!”
“The people of the Sword Coast know the name of Dragonspear Castle as a place of great evil,” Tito said. “Centuries ago it was a structure built by an ex-adventurer from the loot he earned in his career, but somehow a portal beneath the castle belched out countless devils and other filth from the Nine Hells to terrorize the lands. Armies from Baldur’s Gate and Waterdeep traveled to squelch this terror many times, but the portal is yet to be permanently closed.
“… But the cool thing about the tabletop incarnation of Dragonspear Castle is that although it firmly has a place in Forgotten Legends lore, the specifics of the caverns below the castle were left open for Dungeon Masters to flesh out on their own,” continued Tito. “I think it’s really cool that Beamdog is taking up the gauntlet and presenting their vision of Dragonspear Castle to D&D fans in this expansion to Baldur’s Gate.”
or be captured with you and brought to chateau irenicus. hypothetically. i mean, why not? wouldn't it be ideal?
Why not? Because the whole point of the opening sequence is that you're not supposed to come bursting out of the first dungeon with a full party. Same reason you don't start BG:EE outside Candlekeep with Jaheira, Khalid, Imoen, Minsc and Dynaheir.
or be captured with you and brought to chateau irenicus. hypothetically. i mean, why not? wouldn't it be ideal?
Why not? Because the whole point of the opening sequence is that you're not supposed to come bursting out of the first dungeon with a full party. Same reason you don't start BG:EE outside Candlekeep with Jaheira, Khalid, Imoen, Minsc and Dynaheir.
but there are already four available characters and the dungeon is a pushover. it's a negligible difference, to have one more.
Comments
I'm not one that feels like I have to be one of the first to play a new release. If I wait, maybe they'll release the patch for BG:EE a little before the release of SoD, and even if they don't, I'll have the advantage of maybe getting my first experience of SoD to be with a patch or two.
The only big disadvantage will be trying to avoid spoilers in the forums.
So, I think that the new AI in a patch for BGEE (at least, the patch that goes out with or prior to SoD's release) seems unlikely.
It isnt the when and where, its the company. And if SoD wants to look its best, then it can take all the time it needs.
It's going to be a longgggggggg wait
Obs: I can be somehow hipocryte asking this as i always remove xp cap from BG EE and start BG2 EE with lvl 12/13 characters normally, but still, it's an valid question i think.
Another thing: will the starting NPCs from irenicus dungeon be changed now? I ask this because not changing this will seriously compromise the storyline of siege of dragonspear, i believe, after all i will play the module until irenicus kidnapping.
I could ask if dragonsiege NPCs would be in the future added to BG2 EE, but... i rather not. Surprise me with this Beamdog
Edit: I forgot! One more thing, when this project ends, focus in the copyrights for an Planescape: Torment Enhanced Edition plz (and do something with the shit battle system of that game, the only point that keep it from be perfect).
As long they don't change the starting basics of BG2, aka Imoen freeing you, Minsc and Jaheira on the cells near you and yoshimo at the 2° level of the dungeon, if they add more ppl inside Irenicus dungeon, i see no problem.
also it has been talked about how it's "impossible" to displace edwin from his role in a certain quest...
probably there will be no npc additions to the dungeon. maybe someone like baeloth in the future or other new npcs if they get made for bg2:ee
i'm not currently happy with this but maybe the transition will be executed so tightly and the plot developments will make so much sense that it will look ok.
New NPCs developed for Dragonsiege module would be beamdog work only, so it's very possible to introduce them in BG2:EE. I believe this will happen in general (maybe not for all NPCs made in dragonsiege).
My point is: Some of these new NPCs could appear in BG2:EE, starting in irenicus dungeon WITHOUT displacing any of the original NPCs of Baldur's Gate 2. There are space enough in Irenicus's Dungeon to place them throught the levels.
that raises the question - is beamdog ready to create both those alternative starting positions? maybe not. maybe, if they're added at all they will only get a starting position outside of irenicus' dungeon
edit: adding them to empty cages doesn't change starting positions
Will gazebos be made available in a patch for BG:EE before the release of SoD?
Or will we have to wait...
And what is the possibility of a gazebo for my stronghold in BG2?
I just can't plan my characters garden without this knowledge!
Unless they write Black Pits 2 off as a alternate "what if" path.
Since we have no idea if they will ever make a Black Pits 3... which i get the vibe they might not... i don't think it was successful enough... even though it was fun... i bit hard and repetitive...
There's a big difference if is adjusted lvl or XP.
Adjusted lvl suck, because you get random HP and you can not distribute skill and weapon points.
Adjusted XP is great, because you can do everything mentioned above.
“It is crazytown, but it actually makes sense. Beamdog has done a great job updating the older code for new operating systems and devices with Baldur’s Gate: Enhanced Edition, the sequel, and Icewind Dale. In addition to the technical prowess of Trent Oster’s team, everyone at Beamdog is a hardcore D&D fan and loves the lore behind the Forgotten Realms. We think it is really exciting for them to bring a new Dungeons & Dragons story to life set in the timeline of the original Baldur’s Gate video game. I’m psyched for this expansion!”
“The people of the Sword Coast know the name of Dragonspear Castle as a place of great evil,” Tito said. “Centuries ago it was a structure built by an ex-adventurer from the loot he earned in his career, but somehow a portal beneath the castle belched out countless devils and other filth from the Nine Hells to terrorize the lands. Armies from Baldur’s Gate and Waterdeep traveled to squelch this terror many times, but the portal is yet to be permanently closed.
“… But the cool thing about the tabletop incarnation of Dragonspear Castle is that although it firmly has a place in Forgotten Legends lore, the specifics of the caverns below the castle were left open for Dungeon Masters to flesh out on their own,” continued Tito. “I think it’s really cool that Beamdog is taking up the gauntlet and presenting their vision of Dragonspear Castle to D&D fans in this expansion to Baldur’s Gate.”
http://venturebeat.com/2015/07/09/baldurs-gate-is-getting-siege-of-dragonspear-expansion-nearly-17-years-after-games-original-1998-release/
The article has one new fact announced:
New player soundsets that allow you to customize your hero (I've expected this but it hasn't been announced before)
I hope there also will be soundsets and portraits from both BGEE and BG2EE in SoD.