I read this news and my heart seized in my chest for a brief moment...
... Then I read that no new content was being added, and I could breathe freely again.
While I appreciate the fact that the Enhanced editions have brought about a renaissance of these wondrous games, I have *never* appreciated the fact that Beamdog have used Baldur's Gate as their own personal playground (especially mauling classic characters like Safana in SoD - a completely unforgivable crime against long-term fans and the series as a whole). Reading some of the comments on the YouTube video, I can see I am not alone with such a reaction.
These games were much loved for a reason - they were as close to role-playing perfection as it is possible to get. Enhancing games I have no issue with - and Beamdog have proven experts at this. They have added great and useful features, making gameplay smoother and better. The multiplayer isn't great, but it's much better than the originals, and can be played through. Beamdog should be congratulated on their hard work on these fronts. It is truly a job well done.
However, fiddling with content that is not yours to fiddle with I take extreme issues with - and Beamdog has proven rather inept at both writing and character-building. Only one NPC stands out from Beamdog, and they did a fantastic job with him - the Gnome from SoD (Glint). Great character. And I think he was great because he was so light-hearted and a comedic character. Beamdog aren't very good on the heavier stuff, I've realised. That takes the genius of Black Isle to do well.
So, the rest of it - especially giving beloved characters like Safana a "makeover" (and actually having the gall, without a single blush of shame, to say it is a "way better personality upgrade") in the process - hell no. The original Baldur's Gate games were of course much more progressive in their writing and demonstrated social and political issues throughout the game perfectly. They were true masters of the craft, subtly weaving in quests and sub-quests that you could tie in with real world issues, and actually making you think about them rather than saying "this is the way you need to think" (Beamdog's heavy-handed style). Black Isle was Socrates to Beamdog's Stalin. It showed you right and wrong through enabling you to experience consequences of poor choices for yourself, not via finger-wagging moralising and name-calling.
Thankfully, Planescape will be spared that kind of treatment and simply be enhanced by the looks of things, and a huge sigh of relief follows. It will take some time for this feeling of reactive nausea that instantly hit me when I read the news to fade, but as long as this classic is untouched in any way, things will be okay.
This poster from the comments section on YouTube sums it up rather perfectly "Interested but any changes whatsoever to dialogue for social/political reasons and into the trash it goes."
I doubted if I would buy the Enhanced Edition of PS:T as I couldn't really get into the game. I started the original twice, then lost interest once I managed to escape the mortuary, checking my inventory with what I start out with in Sigil and finding clogs of blood, pieces of thread, rusty needles and other such junk occupying my inventory instead of a nifty sword or trusty sling to start out my adventuring days with.
But when I saw at the GOG forum every post saying something positive about Beamdog and the Enhanced Editions being downvoted, I decided to vote with my wallet and say YES to this new game, made by a company that made a so very pleasantly playable editions of the Baldur's Gate games, that I quitted all ongoing Tutu and vanilla BG2 campaigns that I still had going, as those older versions felt so clunky once exposed to the joy of the quickloot bar, the icons that show which action is next for every character and the switching between sword-and-board and two-handed weapons.
Beamdog just earned 13,99 (the pre-order price for those that own the original GOG PS:T).
P.S.: sorry the middle paragraph is one long sentence, I tend to write that way. Cookies and a free gazebo for those that manage to wriggle their way through till the one and only full stop in that paragraph.
Why not create a Deluxe Edition or something that includes both, the game and the soundtrack for those that want?
You can purchase both for $29.98! Two cents off the $30 version.
Kids these days...
I know I can purchase both. The question was to get both together for a better price. and maybe more goodies but that's ok, I understand that sometimes people needs more explanation and details :-)
I'm not as excited as many others here. I've never actually finished the game, got as far as what I think is the final zone. While it's a great game, it just isn't Baldur's Gate.
i absolutely agree -- it's much better than baldur's gate, which was a really good, but ultimately run-of-the-mill rpg.
another interesting aspect to me is that so many have mentioned how they never finished playing the game -- of all the infinity engine rpgs, planescape: torment was the only one i completed, basically in a binge session, no less.
i hope the mod options will allow easy mixing with the other games' elements, and also additions of community developed npcs and quests.
Ask for tips when you start again! Planescape has an unconventional setting and a different system for changing classes and such. You have to find a spot to rest early on because you're attacked by thugs in most parts of the city.
One thing I would very much like to know to motivate me: Does party's equipment progress past the pieces of junk-stage when you continue The Nameless One's adventure?
Ask for tips when you start again! Planescape has an unconventional setting and a different system for changing classes and such. You have to find a spot to rest early on because you're attacked by thugs in most parts of the city.
One thing I would very much like to know to motivate me: Does party's equipment progress past the pieces of junk-stage when you continue The Nameless One's adventure?
Yes. There are low-level magical items in the Hive and better equipment as you move along.
I see you started giving out pre-order badges >.> I don't supposse the SOD colloctor's edition buyers and the beta testers are gonna get these too without buying and additional copy of the game <.<
I see you started giving out pre-order badges >.> I don't supposse the SOD colloctor's edition buyers and the beta testers are gonna get these too without buying and additional copy of the game <.<</p>
Yes, both these groups should get the badge.
We're currently considering something more (considering the fact not all beta-testers tested the PC version).
Right now I can announce that there will be a special badge for pre-ordering OST.
Those who pre-ordered (please, note, that only those who pre-ordered, not bought SoD CE after they returned to sale) SoD CEs get PST:EE for free, not the soundtrack.
If these people pre-order the sountrack, they will get the appropriate badge for pre-ordering OST.
Comments
... Then I read that no new content was being added, and I could breathe freely again.
While I appreciate the fact that the Enhanced editions have brought about a renaissance of these wondrous games, I have *never* appreciated the fact that Beamdog have used Baldur's Gate as their own personal playground (especially mauling classic characters like Safana in SoD - a completely unforgivable crime against long-term fans and the series as a whole). Reading some of the comments on the YouTube video, I can see I am not alone with such a reaction.
These games were much loved for a reason - they were as close to role-playing perfection as it is possible to get. Enhancing games I have no issue with - and Beamdog have proven experts at this. They have added great and useful features, making gameplay smoother and better. The multiplayer isn't great, but it's much better than the originals, and can be played through. Beamdog should be congratulated on their hard work on these fronts. It is truly a job well done.
However, fiddling with content that is not yours to fiddle with I take extreme issues with - and Beamdog has proven rather inept at both writing and character-building. Only one NPC stands out from Beamdog, and they did a fantastic job with him - the Gnome from SoD (Glint). Great character. And I think he was great because he was so light-hearted and a comedic character. Beamdog aren't very good on the heavier stuff, I've realised. That takes the genius of Black Isle to do well.
So, the rest of it - especially giving beloved characters like Safana a "makeover" (and actually having the gall, without a single blush of shame, to say it is a "way better personality upgrade") in the process - hell no. The original Baldur's Gate games were of course much more progressive in their writing and demonstrated social and political issues throughout the game perfectly. They were true masters of the craft, subtly weaving in quests and sub-quests that you could tie in with real world issues, and actually making you think about them rather than saying "this is the way you need to think" (Beamdog's heavy-handed style). Black Isle was Socrates to Beamdog's Stalin. It showed you right and wrong through enabling you to experience consequences of poor choices for yourself, not via finger-wagging moralising and name-calling.
Thankfully, Planescape will be spared that kind of treatment and simply be enhanced by the looks of things, and a huge sigh of relief follows. It will take some time for this feeling of reactive nausea that instantly hit me when I read the news to fade, but as long as this classic is untouched in any way, things will be okay.
This poster from the comments section on YouTube sums it up rather perfectly "Interested but any changes whatsoever to dialogue for social/political reasons and into the trash it goes."
But when I saw at the GOG forum every post saying something positive about Beamdog and the Enhanced Editions being downvoted, I decided to vote with my wallet and say YES to this new game, made by a company that made a so very pleasantly playable editions of the Baldur's Gate games, that I quitted all ongoing Tutu and vanilla BG2 campaigns that I still had going, as those older versions felt so clunky once exposed to the joy of the quickloot bar, the icons that show which action is next for every character and the switching between sword-and-board and two-handed weapons.
Beamdog just earned 13,99 (the pre-order price for those that own the original GOG PS:T).
P.S.: sorry the middle paragraph is one long sentence, I tend to write that way. Cookies and a free gazebo for those that manage to wriggle their way through till the one and only full stop in that paragraph.
If I explain the joke it ceases to be a joke :-)
EDIT: Crap, it's gone... :-(
another interesting aspect to me is that so many have mentioned how they never finished playing the game -- of all the infinity engine rpgs, planescape: torment was the only one i completed, basically in a binge session, no less.
i hope the mod options will allow easy mixing with the other games' elements, and also additions of community developed npcs and quests.
For this reason alone. I am bouncing off the ceiling... Floating skulls do this to show excitement...
I look forward to playing this.
I don't supposse the SOD colloctor's edition buyers and the beta testers are gonna get these too without buying and additional copy of the game <.<
Yes, both these groups should get the badge.We're currently considering something more (considering the fact not all beta-testers tested the PC version).
Right now I can announce that there will be a special badge for pre-ordering OST.
The Loading badge is a wild surge
If these people pre-order the sountrack, they will get the appropriate badge for pre-ordering OST.
PST:EE Badge for pre-orders, and those who pre-ordered SoD CE
PST:EE Soundtrack pre-order Badge
And potentially something extra for the beta testers?
Magic is impressive, but now Minsc leads. Badges for everyone!
[... I believe that's how the quote went ...]
I couldn't resist your wise words and just pushed some internet buttons to get my OST pre-order in.
[ Also, the psychedelic Lady of Pain badge is pretty awesome. Do it for the merch. Do it for the Forum Badges! ]
In the PST:EE soundtrack, all tracks are provided in both MP3 (320 kbit) and lossless FLAC format, for your listening pleasure.
Now Pre-purchase is possible on Steam!
http://store.steampowered.com/app/466300