Only wrapped up Baldur's Gate 1 recently and have gotten to chapter 9 of SoD. I have to say I'm loving it so far. Ive enjoyed the extra depth given to the companions. The combat encounters feel very thoughtful. (playing on core rules)
I've been on a bit of a binge of Baldur's Gate inspired games, from Dragon age to Pillars and more.
This is more of a Baldur's Gate praise generally, but going from the reputation of Baldur's Gate, I went in expecting a complicated slog. I was pleasantly surprised that I find Baldur's Gate combat more intuitive than a lot of newer party based games. Revisiting pillars DLC was frustrating trying to re-learn where all the important abilities are, how to resist different effect etc. There's something nice about being able to jump right in instead of figuring out 4-6 separate full hotbars of abilities. Even when things get complicated it feels like I can re-approach it a new way rather than like I have to suffer for not being an expert.
In retrospect the complicated reputation is probably from Thac0
Where that's SOD praise is it feels like a great mesh of Baldur's gate's manageable micromanagement, and more modern environment and encounter design
I really appreciate that after years (!) all the EE games are still being updated and bugs that may be left are being fixed.
Also, thanks a lot for adding new things to my all-time favorite games!
What I like about SoD in particular is how the story can make one question good and evil, right and wrong.
My character certainly did. I like that.
As for player convenience, the personal chest was a really nice touch.
Overall I really like SoD! I think inserting a new chapter between two pretty old and very well known games is beyond challenging. People like me might expect the same look and feel of the old games, but honestly I think making a break from the past and showing off some dazzling creativity was genius. It also seems like the EE engine is capable of some pretty nice scripting. Overall a very worthy addition to the series IMO
Comments
I've been on a bit of a binge of Baldur's Gate inspired games, from Dragon age to Pillars and more.
This is more of a Baldur's Gate praise generally, but going from the reputation of Baldur's Gate, I went in expecting a complicated slog. I was pleasantly surprised that I find Baldur's Gate combat more intuitive than a lot of newer party based games. Revisiting pillars DLC was frustrating trying to re-learn where all the important abilities are, how to resist different effect etc. There's something nice about being able to jump right in instead of figuring out 4-6 separate full hotbars of abilities. Even when things get complicated it feels like I can re-approach it a new way rather than like I have to suffer for not being an expert.
In retrospect the complicated reputation is probably from Thac0
Where that's SOD praise is it feels like a great mesh of Baldur's gate's manageable micromanagement, and more modern environment and encounter design
Also, thanks a lot for adding new things to my all-time favorite games!
What I like about SoD in particular is how the story can make one question good and evil, right and wrong.
My character certainly did. I like that.
As for player convenience, the personal chest was a really nice touch.