Baldur's Gate (1998) Online

It feels almost weird to review a game that was made almost 10 years ago, but the fact that it still holds a place as one of the best games I've ever played speaks volumes of it's qualities. The story, the game-play, the very world you play in are all parts that make up this masterpiece. In this game, and it's even better sequel, BG 2 - Shadows of Amn, I AM Talle, an orphan from Candlekeep, whom is forced to leave his home and try to survive in a beautiful and at times dangerous Faurun. Few games has made me feel so involved. In fact the only games that compares are the above-mentioned Shadows of Amn, Planescape Torment and Fallout 1 & 2, all products of Interplays daring and artistic vision. With risk of sounding like an old man I have to say it's a shame they don't do games like these anymore.

With its complex plot, huge game world and memorable characters, BG is the worthy heir of the Ultima series. This gem is an isometric, party-based, real-time-with-pause RPG following the D&D rule-set.

The story starts with the (fully customizable) main character living in the monastery-library of Candlekeep, adopted by wizard Gorion. When mysterious assassins show up, Gorion realizes Candlekeep is not safe anymore.

I love so many things about Baldur's Gate. I love the ominous introduction. I love the initial sense of being utterly lost in a big, dangerous world (this had more freedom of exploration than all other BioWare games). I love how different locations, from the city of Baldur's Gate to the Cloaked Wood, are huge, detailed and full of atmosphere. I love the feeling of menace when you come back to Candlekeep and realize the place has changed.

My only real gripe is the ending: after the final battle, the epilogue is abrupt and underwhelming (as in "twenty-seconds cutscene"). Thankfully, the sequel picks up where this one ends.

Along with the even superior sequel, this is a milestone no RPG fan should miss.

This is definitely one of, if not the greatest RPG of all time!!! There is only one major flaw in the gameplay, that having to do with the inventory, however, this game creates a whole universe- a metropolis and several hamlets (you call go inside ALL the buildings in the game!) and an entire world filled with castles, mines, monsters, and dungeons! Don't miss!!!

A brilliantly put together role-playing strategy game a la Dungeons & Dragons, with real characters and sub-plots, swords and sorcery. The player controls up to 6 characters (sometimes more, though magical means) who can interact with each other and who have their strengths and weaknesses. Like taking part in a novel.

If you can't find someone to play Dungeons and Dragons with, try your computer. The game is well designed, uses good graphics, and involves a moving story. In a word, it is fun. The Non Player Characters who join your party are easy to like/dislike, they are well designed characters.

When I first played this game it was ridiculously awesome! Only to be toooed by the sequel!

There are lots of RPG among VG, some good and some really bad. But BG I is probably the Greatest. It's a masterpiece. The storyline is awesome, the freedom of choices and moves ( often a problem in RPG ) are huge and the realization is brilliant ( the voices are funny for most characters and creepy for the bad guys, the visuals are awesome ) . The scene were the main character learn is true identity in the library is really distressing and the twists are unexpected and huge. But what make this game unique are all the quest that the player may accomplish in more of the main quest. I can't write more.

Really brilliant 10/10

I haven't played the sequel "Baldur's Gate II - Shadows of Amn" yet, which is said to be even better, but Baldur's Gate is definitely one of the best RPGs of recent times. The storyline is great and there are so many subplots and quests that you can't count them. Of all the games I've played Baldur's Gate is the one that comes closest to the quality of Ultima VII which I consider to be the best RPG of all time.