"Class choice paralysis" enjoyment of certain classes in BG2 and expansions?
rickcr
Member Posts: 77
Since I'm new to playing the franchise, I'm having 'class choice paralysis' (common issue I know.) The character I play in BG1, I definitely want to transfer to BG2, so I don't want to a choose a character that may be fun in BG1 but be relatively lame, either in power and/or enjoyment, in BG2.
Some thought on some classes I'm interested in considering below.
Notes:
- I want to play with good alignment and no evil ncps in the party (neutral is fine.)
- I don't mind being underpowered in BG1 as long as not lame in BG2
Inquisitor. This was my first instinct of a class to play. (would skip using Keldorn in BG2.) Concern with this class is it might get sort of boring (until I run into battles that can use dispel magic.) Then again I can also enjoy the micro management of the NPCs.
Stalker. I really like the RP aspect of this class - your 'good assassin' type of character that can fight as well as backstab. I've just read a bit that the stalker loses it's luster in BG2? I also do worry that I might get tired of always using stealth and backstab, in which case, if I stopped using it, it would be a waste to invest in this kit vs going with a different melee class.
Gnome F/Illusionist. Comes highly recommended as one of the best classes to play (along with a dual F/M) I guess I'd play this as a buffed dual-wielding fighter/tank. Quick question here: I'm not going to like switching in/out of armor - I am assuming with all the buffs I won't need to worry about switching to armor before engaging in melee and can remain in mage gear. (Do you have to rest a lot after fights? )
Cleric (Dwarf) of multi F/C or dual berzerker/C. I enjoy being a party healer/buffer and crushing undead. However, reading up, it sounds like there isn't much need for a maxed out Cleric in BG2?, yet a F/C is a strong class.
Blade. Just seems like it would a really fun class to play.
Pure Mage. Starts of challenging, but later on becomes super powerful.
Obviously all classes are viable, and yes I know it depends on what style I'd like to play (melee, nuker, healer, combo, etc.), but I'd be interested in some comments on certain aspects of the classes above that they really disliked, or certain areas they found surprisingly enjoyable about the class.
Thanks!
Some thought on some classes I'm interested in considering below.
Notes:
- I want to play with good alignment and no evil ncps in the party (neutral is fine.)
- I don't mind being underpowered in BG1 as long as not lame in BG2
Inquisitor. This was my first instinct of a class to play. (would skip using Keldorn in BG2.) Concern with this class is it might get sort of boring (until I run into battles that can use dispel magic.) Then again I can also enjoy the micro management of the NPCs.
Stalker. I really like the RP aspect of this class - your 'good assassin' type of character that can fight as well as backstab. I've just read a bit that the stalker loses it's luster in BG2? I also do worry that I might get tired of always using stealth and backstab, in which case, if I stopped using it, it would be a waste to invest in this kit vs going with a different melee class.
Gnome F/Illusionist. Comes highly recommended as one of the best classes to play (along with a dual F/M) I guess I'd play this as a buffed dual-wielding fighter/tank. Quick question here: I'm not going to like switching in/out of armor - I am assuming with all the buffs I won't need to worry about switching to armor before engaging in melee and can remain in mage gear. (Do you have to rest a lot after fights? )
Cleric (Dwarf) of multi F/C or dual berzerker/C. I enjoy being a party healer/buffer and crushing undead. However, reading up, it sounds like there isn't much need for a maxed out Cleric in BG2?, yet a F/C is a strong class.
Blade. Just seems like it would a really fun class to play.
Pure Mage. Starts of challenging, but later on becomes super powerful.
Obviously all classes are viable, and yes I know it depends on what style I'd like to play (melee, nuker, healer, combo, etc.), but I'd be interested in some comments on certain aspects of the classes above that they really disliked, or certain areas they found surprisingly enjoyable about the class.
Thanks!
5
Comments
If you played a gnome F/I and brought Keldorn, Valygar, Anomen, Haer'Dalis, and Nalia you would have all of those options represented in one very effective party.
Edit: I felt like elaborating somewhat...
I have a tendency to avoid classes that are represented by NPCs. Even if you do not have that tendency, at least this strategy would enable you to experience all of the classes you talked about (or at least close) and you could make an informed decision.
I dont really like the end game cleric spells, though that may be just me.
F/M or F/T are both powerhouses, each bringing along a myriad of features to try out in order not to get bored.
Last year I played through the entire saga as a Blade and quite enjoyed it.
I'm also a fan of Avengers and Mages (almost any kind).
You will don the Robe of the ____ Arch Mage and likely never touch armor. The shield amulet is great for BG and then all the Ghost/Spirit Armors will be standard procedure later. You will have a gimped fighter after your spells are gone, but how often you rest is up to you. You will be tempted to rest once your last stoneskin is gone. Save your mirror images, blurs, and PfMW for hard fights. Maxed out clerics can be fun...make undead go POP! Granted you can clear undead pretty easily without them, but they do make life easier in quite a few areas of the game.
I agree with @Thrasymachus re:Blades. You definitely have a fun, varied playthrough with Blades.
Oh and funny enough, all of these ladies will romance a halfling. haha suck it, dwarves!
[ The only issue with playing both is I'm excited to get to BG2 since most seem to enjoy that even more, so playing two chars would slow that down, but I guess I don't need to be in a rush or anything. ]
Neera: any male
Rasaad: any female
Dorn: anyone
Hexxat: any female
For playing from bg1 to bg2 I'd avoid any duals.
I'd probably recommend Fighter/Mage or Fighter/Illusionist. Then perhaps a mostly canon party of Imoen, Minsc, Dynaheir, Jaheira and Khalid for bg1 and Imoen, Minsc, Jaheira, Yoshimo, Aerie for bg2 (I'm trying to avoid spoilers here).
Hopyfully you can find such synergy plays with 2 PCs.
Though some hate them, I loved the Cleric/Ranger dualed human. Ranger to 9 (all of BG1 and early BG2 easy enough) then dualed to cleric for BG2 for experiencing some of the most fun spells in the game. Arcane spells have lots of NPCs.
Second choice would be Undead Hunter type Paladin. Just seems so appropriate for this game role-play wise. Both BG1 and BG2 have enough undead enemies to slake your thirst.
Third would be dual class Mage/Fighter dualed from Fighter at 3 or 6 to enjoy trying out the incredibly powerful high level spells.
Multi-class personally leaves me cold for an early play-through as I first wish to experience the classes at their best, which you will not do as a multi-class.
Later though, sure.
For e.g., I like backstabs and stealth and thus I never get tired of using it - nor in BG1, nor in BG2. I just like this type of characters and it gives me all I need when I can find an enemy standing still and then chunk him to bits. I like to do it with the mere gibberling and I like to do it with beholders. A fighter/thief can be a very fun character if you like this style. This charname stays powerful enough through the whole series.
I also like to combine magic and melee fighting. So a fighter/mage, an illusionist/fighter is a wonderful choice for me. I never get tired of watching how my dual-wielding fighter finishes the pack of tough enemies without getting hit. With the due buffing, this character doesn't need any armour. When I want to add some rogue traits, I take a bard. This character is not so powerful like a fighter/mage but it's a very fun character to play as.
Until recently, I didn't try druids. But now I'm on a no-reload game with a totemic druid and by using this character I've started to love the class. I've begun to understand all ins and outs of it and I like it so much. It will never get boring to use a druid.
So, choose a character based on the things you like. If you like experimenting with different spells choices, if you like killing 10+ trolls with a single spell, if you like to see the progress from "weak" to "godlike", your choice is a mage.
From your list, @rickcr , the most diverse characters are a Gnome F/Illusionist and a Blade.
Inquisitor is a solid melee class, and feels strong through the game. The kit abilities are more powerful versions than anyone elses spells of the same kind. That said, all paladin kits are extremely good choices.
For clerics I'd go with a human because you can't dual dwarves. Multi-classes are restricted but you do keep getting levels in both. Dual either from ranger or berserker. Rangers add druid spells to your spell list and berserker gives you grand mastery to weapons. For weapon proficiencies go with warhammers or flails. Whether you want dualwield or want to use shields, it's up to you, but I always go two weapon style.
I've really enjoyed playing specialist mages and sorcerers so those are an awesome choice as well. You really start feeling the power by the middle part of SoA.
Not going to comment on other classes since other people have more experience with them.
Inquisitor are great in BG2 (specials are not very useful in BG1) but keldorn is a perfectly fine example (he justs need a belt of strength and bracers of dex to be as good as what your PC could do)
Stalker is not so great mechanically and valygar is a very viable example of one.
The is no F/illusionist NPC but they are grossly overpowered (nothing wrong there, but some people may not like that)
F/C is also very good. Anomen or Jaheira can fill the role.
Blade is also good (as any arcane caster) but not grossly OP. Haer Dalis however will perform better than any Charname blade (illegal spec, + special race)
My preferred pick is sorcerer: starts off slow and ultimately becomes all-powerful which gives a nice sense of progression. Also, there is no sorcerer NPC.
There are some mobs that are immune to backstabs, but imo this deficiency is overstated. One overlooked fact is that even if a mob is immune to backstabs, you will still benefit from having a capable dual wielder with improved haste and hardiness appear from the shadows right in their personal space
I would avoid trying to optimize/powergame at this stage of things. You said you are new to the franchise. My advice is to pick a character and go with it, avoiding spoilers as much as possible.
In this sense I agree very much with @Wowo . If you follow his advice, you will not go wrong.
This game is nearly infinitely replayable (or at least restartable
If you are into roleplaying the game, picking a stalker is perfectly fine, it won't hinder you in any major way.
I personally play a F/M multiclass that dual wields long swords or katanas (gotta love Celestial Fury). Nothing makes me more happy than jumping into the thick of battle in a whirlwind while controlling the fight. I guess I'm a control freak that way.
Also, the "bard-only" content was fun, like the magical musical instruments, and during your stonghold quest you get to write, produce, and act in a play. It was a seriously nice roleplaying touch.