Baldur's Gate

 PC
User Score
8.9

Generally favorable reviews- based on 909 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 805 out of 909
  2. Mixed: 68 out of 909
  3. Negative: 36 out of 909

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  1. DantheMan
    Mar 18, 2011
    10
    'Legendary' is a term much bandied about these days but this game is one than genuinely deserves the adjective. Many people consider this game to have single handily have saved the single-player RPG genre on the PC just when it looked dead. It represents a definite turning point in the history of gaming. This can be hard to appreciate today because even I'll concede that the graphics'Legendary' is a term much bandied about these days but this game is one than genuinely deserves the adjective. Many people consider this game to have single handily have saved the single-player RPG genre on the PC just when it looked dead. It represents a definite turning point in the history of gaming. This can be hard to appreciate today because even I'll concede that the graphics are dated. But the truth of the matter is that RPGs have never been about graphics anyway. What made Balder's Gate innovative it was the first RPG to actually use NPCs to advance the story in a mission critical way. It put their stories, their personalities, their goals on a footing that was equal to your own. What made it show-stopping was the nature of those personalities. They were all different, all unique, and they all didn't necessarily care about you. You had to not just manage combat but manage people if your little band was going to finish the game.

    Yes, the combat can be unbalanced at times. There are a few bugs. But if you cannot laugh when Minsc shouts, "Go for the eyes, Boo" there is something wrong not with the game but with your life. If you want, you can break this game down and find all it's flaws; they exist. But if you don't cheer sitting in your chair when Minsc shouts, "Butt kicking for Goodness!" you have no heart. This isn't just so much a game as it is an experience. That, it seems to me, is what an RPG is all about. It's about creating experiences; it's about making memories. It's playing your role to the hilt and loving it. Baldur's Gate might not have been the best, some people argue the sequel is better, but it was the first to offer that immersion in a way no other game had up until that point in time. If you haven't played this game you should. Because this is where it all began.    … Expand
  2. Mystril
    Oct 24, 2011
    10
    Wanting to give BG2 a 20/10, this would at least be a 19/10... I liked the sequel better, it was bigger, flashier, prettier, funnier, just better in every sense of the word. But that does not mean that this isn't a game that should be on every gamers shelf. I still have the old 7-cd pack on my shelf, and every time i see it it stirs some fond memories. Even if I was only 12 when it cameWanting to give BG2 a 20/10, this would at least be a 19/10... I liked the sequel better, it was bigger, flashier, prettier, funnier, just better in every sense of the word. But that does not mean that this isn't a game that should be on every gamers shelf. I still have the old 7-cd pack on my shelf, and every time i see it it stirs some fond memories. Even if I was only 12 when it came out, I understood enough to enjoy the game for what it was, even though I probably would have enjoyed it much more had I been older. I will agree with DantheMan, this game, as number 2 aswell, is legendary.… Expand
  3. Kirase
    Jan 1, 2012
    10
    One of the best 2D Dungeons and Dragons RPGs ever made.

    If you like the genre and you think you can overlook the slightly outdated 2D graphics (Just look at some screenshots or videos) than you should really give it a try. Its simply brilliant.
  4. Synplasm
    Feb 15, 2012
    10
    I must have had about 7 different computers since this game came out and this game has always been one of the first things that I've put on the hard drive of every single one of them. I 've also bought the whole series 3 times. Over 50,000 possible parties of 6, no two of which would play out the same. This says it all. An emphatic, nailed-on, incontrovertible, fantastic 10.
  5. Freeid
    Jun 3, 2011
    9
    whether your talking about gameplay, storyline or hours of entertainment this game has it all, Along with the original 2 Fallout games this game is among the top 3 rpgs of all time.

    If you like rpgs you like Baldurs gate.
  6. google_calasade
    May 27, 2011
    9
    Evolutionary when it came out, the first offering in the Baldur's Gate series does not disappoint. From the moment you leave Candlekeep, you feel you're on a journey, and you are. Though this title hasn't held up to the test of time as well as Baldur's Gate II, it still packs a wallop with good quests, entertaining NPCs, plenty of adventuring and a surprise ending. You can't go wrongEvolutionary when it came out, the first offering in the Baldur's Gate series does not disappoint. From the moment you leave Candlekeep, you feel you're on a journey, and you are. Though this title hasn't held up to the test of time as well as Baldur's Gate II, it still packs a wallop with good quests, entertaining NPCs, plenty of adventuring and a surprise ending. You can't go wrong here in the golden age of CRPG. My suggestion? Get the 4 in 1 offering, and play this, the expansion Tales of the Sword Coast and the sequel with its expansion (Baldur's Gate: Shadows of Amn and Throne of Bhaal). There are plenty of mods out there for all. See http://www.pocketplane.com and http://www.gibberlings3.com to make the gameplaying experience even more enjoyable.… Expand
  7. Remedios
    Aug 5, 2011
    10
    Simply love this game. My first walkthrough was so great and so freaking difficult! You actually have to use tactics when you fight not like in Dragon Age where, when you have three mages and only one warrior you can kill pretty much everything even on hard mode. One think you can complain about in Baldur's Gate is relation with your team members. Well, they're not talkative ones but ifSimply love this game. My first walkthrough was so great and so freaking difficult! You actually have to use tactics when you fight not like in Dragon Age where, when you have three mages and only one warrior you can kill pretty much everything even on hard mode. One think you can complain about in Baldur's Gate is relation with your team members. Well, they're not talkative ones but if you like you can use mods. NPC Project is really cool. You have romances, friendships and all this stuff. Imoen rocks! :P… Expand
  8. Kronos362
    Oct 10, 2013
    10
    A great game that at the time shaped my enthusiasm as a gamer, but would unfortunately ruin my appetite for the modern vein of rpgs that focus on form over substance.
  9. DeusXCom
    Aug 5, 2014
    10
    My favourite fantasy RPG of all time. This is the best transformation of AD&D into cRPG form. The world that has been created here to explore is just breathtaking, all beautifully hand-drawn visuals, vast forests with creatures, treasures, and other characters to meet, interesting quests to do, amazing story to read. All the little details, you can absolutely feel the love that went intoMy favourite fantasy RPG of all time. This is the best transformation of AD&D into cRPG form. The world that has been created here to explore is just breathtaking, all beautifully hand-drawn visuals, vast forests with creatures, treasures, and other characters to meet, interesting quests to do, amazing story to read. All the little details, you can absolutely feel the love that went into creating this masterpiece. The music gets me every time. This was, and still is an incredible adventure and my all-time favourite in this genre. 10/10… Expand
  10. Wolfie1987
    Mar 26, 2014
    10
    The atmosphere is incredible. I can't think of many 2D RPG games that can touch Baldur's Gate. Fallout 1 & 2 perhaps, I dunno. Though slightly blinded by nostalgia, in my opinion this is either the chosen one or at least top 3.
  11. Vamrem
    Dec 9, 2014
    10
    This game from 1998 still a reference for all RPG, since the character creation you feel that you are entering in the Dungeons & Dragons world by the right way. The game begins with a hurried trip that will end leaving us alone in the woods with few things and one friend, since that point you will learn how to survive by your way in an hostile and huge world, exploring, surviving, sleepingThis game from 1998 still a reference for all RPG, since the character creation you feel that you are entering in the Dungeons & Dragons world by the right way. The game begins with a hurried trip that will end leaving us alone in the woods with few things and one friend, since that point you will learn how to survive by your way in an hostile and huge world, exploring, surviving, sleeping and using all your potions and arrows until you reach a safe location. Today we have mods that allows to play the complete saga in one installation with the Baldur's Gate 2 improved engine, so, is a must have for each worthy RPG gamer.… Expand
  12. roboticsun
    Oct 6, 2011
    9
    Baldur's Gate is a revolutionary game and it changes how computer RPG could be played. The story in Baldur's Gate is epic. If comparing to modern games, it's quite similar to Dragon Age Origins. You can control up to 6 party members engaging in challenging battles and hard decisions. The quality of the writing and the customization is spot-on. The freedom in this game is also great whichBaldur's Gate is a revolutionary game and it changes how computer RPG could be played. The story in Baldur's Gate is epic. If comparing to modern games, it's quite similar to Dragon Age Origins. You can control up to 6 party members engaging in challenging battles and hard decisions. The quality of the writing and the customization is spot-on. The freedom in this game is also great which allows you to explore many inconsequential non-plot areas. I give it 9 out of 10, because Baldur's gate II surpassed it in so many ways… Expand
  13. Gratson
    Oct 14, 2011
    9
    The classic RPG that had an immense influence on most RPGs that followed. It was the leader of its time, and is still one of the best RPGs ever made. I'm giving 1 a 9 and 2 a 10 since I feel Baldur's Gate 2 was simply a bit more enjoyable.
  14. Biss
    May 20, 2011
    10
    The best Exploring-RPG, that Black Isle ever had created. Only the Love Interests are missing. But that's not really a minus, because they are introduced/invented in the second part.
  15. DRiVER_helsinki
    Dec 22, 2013
    10
    the most epic of original the game stories. even time has eaten the visuals little its actually still beautiful easily enjoyable and u forget the time and irl troubles
  16. Kylo190
    Nov 19, 2014
    10
    One of the best RPGs in the world. D&D system, storyline and excellent gameplay. 10/10
    P.S Sorry for my English.
  17. Skulb
    Mar 14, 2014
    10
    Out of all the AD&D titles released as computer games Baldur`s Gate is probably the best of all of them. In addition to the good characters, nice story lines, clean interface and good game play you find in Fallout, Torment, Icewind Dale and Neverwinter Nights as well as in the sequel to BG there is a great sense of exploration in this game. Even with repeat runs there is a powerfulOut of all the AD&D titles released as computer games Baldur`s Gate is probably the best of all of them. In addition to the good characters, nice story lines, clean interface and good game play you find in Fallout, Torment, Icewind Dale and Neverwinter Nights as well as in the sequel to BG there is a great sense of exploration in this game. Even with repeat runs there is a powerful compulsion to fully reveal all the maps to make sure you haven`t missed anything, and above all most of the areas in the game are totally optional. This means that the game is almost completely non linear, letting you choose for yourself when to do what, something almost entirely lost in RPGs since the original Baldur`s Gate.
    On top of this the soundtrack is awesome and so are the sound effects and graphics, which really hold up pretty well even 16 years later.
    Special mention also needs to be made regarding the NPCs in Baldur`s Gate, which are almost all magnificent. Some are annoying, like the awful Branwen with her battle shout "BY TEMPUS`SHIELD!" which still drives me up the wall. Some are comical, like Xzar the insane mage or Minsc the addled berserker. Some of them have story connections, like Minsc, Dynaheir and Edwin and all of them have interesting stories to tell if you keep them in your group and to top it all off inter NPC banter depending on which of them you keep around, giving you endless reasons for replaying the game with different NPCs in the group. And during all this the voice acting is perfect in every way, and the entire system of NPC based groups gives you the best reason in the world to explore, if gear and being obsessive won`t do it for you,, since you might otherwise miss one of them.
    My personal favorite is Kagain, the depressed, mean dwarf fighter with a drinking problem who keeps saying "I need an ale..." when combat begins. Some people may want to make their entire group from scratch but this can be done by setting up a multiplayer session anyway so it shouldn`t be an issue.

    On the "negative" side the game is absolutely merciless, exactly like the AD&D franchise it was based on, with casters easily able to wipe out your entire group with a single cast of hold person, charm person or something similar, which you can`t deal with too well until about level 5. Similarly archers are a pain in the butt, and single ones will oneshot low level mages while a group of them will make you tear your hair out. Of course the only solution to this is exploration to make sure you find all the gear, potions and spells you can possibly get your hands on to be able to survive. Also some areas are very annoying to explore, and the Firewine Bridge and ruins in particular. The AI will cause you to cry in confined and laborious locations, and especially when there`s respawn.

    Of course all this frustration is authentic and a relic of the AD&D experience which is the setting where most nerds who were young in the 70s and 80s got punched in the nose for the first time after getting their best friend`s level 9 paladin killed by mistake, or causing the 29th level 2 dwarf warrior in a row to get killed by hobgoblins right outside town with all the other nerds mocking the victim. Ritual burning of character sheets ahoy!
    Sadly Baldur`s Gate has save games which break that good `ol nerd torture. Of course you`d never be able to finish the game without them, but real men play it without loading and saving. My personal record is level 5, at which point I was killed by gnolls, exploding in a shower or body parts.    … Expand
  18. iseeall
    Jul 29, 2013
    9
    A great RPG game. Actually, I played it after BG 2, that's why 9/10. Baldur's Gate 2 just fixed all the small things in BG. So, if you haven't played either BG or BG 2, just start with this one and then play BG 2.
    It's just amazing how after so many years these "legacy" games (Baldur's Gate, Fallout, Jagged Alliance) don't lose any of their value.
  19. MaxNormal
    Aug 30, 2013
    10
    My favourite game of all time.

    Better then any other D&D game to date because of the exploration. A really interesting world with engaging characters and side quests. Little touches of polish make the game, such as the sound effects in the woodlands, and gold and magic rings hidden in tree trunks. The environments are gorgeous and the graphics are good for the time. The combat is    My favourite game of all time.

    Better then any other D&D game to date because of the exploration. A really interesting world with engaging characters and side quests. Little touches of polish make the game, such as the sound effects in the woodlands, and gold and magic rings hidden in tree trunks. The environments are gorgeous and the graphics are good for the time.

    The combat is good, you pause with the space bar for semi-turned based combat, where you can give orders to your party members. Not as involving as Temple of Elemental Evil but still good fun and not completely hack and slash.

    Starting as a weak low level character makes the game much more interesting then BGII, which I found too boring to play.

    Well worth a play if you've not before, unless you can't get past dating graphics.    … Expand
  20. sovereign007
    Nov 10, 2015
    10
    Even in 2015, this game is still every single bit as good as it was when it was first released. I recently started another gameplay on a whim, after not touching the series for over a decade. Yes, the graphics are dated, yes, some mechanics are old. Yes, it has a learning cliff because few people today are familiar with the AD&D 2nd Edition rule set (and especially its spell books, whichEven in 2015, this game is still every single bit as good as it was when it was first released. I recently started another gameplay on a whim, after not touching the series for over a decade. Yes, the graphics are dated, yes, some mechanics are old. Yes, it has a learning cliff because few people today are familiar with the AD&D 2nd Edition rule set (and especially its spell books, which are very, very, very diverse and a result complex). But, still, this is one of the greatest games of all time and it has aged gracefully. There is an endless amount of mods to improve the already stellar adventure, and the Enhanced Edition is a quick (even if a pricier) way to sort out many bugs without installing fix packs. The replay value is still there, nearly two decades after this masterpiece came out. If you have not played this yet, it is a must-have game. It also runs of pretty much anything, so if you need a game to accompany you on a business trip long hours in airports and airplanes, this is it.

    So gather your party, and venture forth.    … Expand
  21. RedDuck
    Dec 10, 2014
    9
    Traditional feel RPG, good system of classes, great strategical fights, nice story, majestic music, well done exploring. Negatives like path finding, chaotic journal and fetch quests were solved in sequel. For better resolution download resolution patch or buy some enhanced modern versions.
  22. Bib
    Jun 7, 2004
    10
    I love the atmosphere and the chance to go into old times like that. all the adventures. The decisions you can chose. The temple missions. The game is just outstanding. id give it a 20 if it were possible.
  23. JohnR
    Jun 9, 2008
    10
    In my view the Infinity Engine games will never be bettered for all-round quality. Baldur's Gate was the first PC game I ever played and it's still the first game I install on any new computer I buy. The good points are too many to mention and I don't want to write an essay, so suffice it to say that Baldur's Gate is, along with it's younger brother BG2 and perhapsIn my view the Infinity Engine games will never be bettered for all-round quality. Baldur's Gate was the first PC game I ever played and it's still the first game I install on any new computer I buy. The good points are too many to mention and I don't want to write an essay, so suffice it to say that Baldur's Gate is, along with it's younger brother BG2 and perhaps Torment, simply the best game ever created.… Expand
  24. Ozard
    May 9, 2015
    10
    A top notch game which was fantastic when it came out and which can still give you many many hours of entertainment today. Great characters, great story, great gameplay, great everything. And when you've explored the incredible replayabilty that this game offers there's always the sequel...
  25. AndyC.
    Aug 9, 2006
    9
    A quality game which kept me engrossed for hours.
  26. Sai9s
    Jul 8, 2004
    10
    I haven't had this much challenge and fun in an rpg in forever, i'm finally glad an outstanding ad&d title has finally been released.
  27. PatrickG
    Dec 2, 2008
    10
    10 years later after it's release Baldur's Gate is still a fun and amazing RPG experience to play. When Bioware created this game, the created a enjoyable story with good graphic and sound effects and music. There is a good balance with what technology can do and how to make the game fun. The engine support tons of options to the player to interact with the world: talking to 10 years later after it's release Baldur's Gate is still a fun and amazing RPG experience to play. When Bioware created this game, the created a enjoyable story with good graphic and sound effects and music. There is a good balance with what technology can do and how to make the game fun. The engine support tons of options to the player to interact with the world: talking to NPC, getting sidequest, customize equipment of the party and their progression with proficiency and spells to learn, finding and disarming traps, replenish missiles stock, use potion or not, weapon is destroyed... need to replace it, found a new magic item... need to identify them... the interaction and options goes on and on. The battles are the core of the experience and this is where I think BG shines the most. The player can choose different tactics to approach a situation: cast defensive spells, go spy, backstab, run and hide, cast healing spells, protect some member, boost a fighter, charm an enemy and make him attack its friends, find a inn to sleep... The game offer lot of challenges and has the complexity to keep the player always looking for his next move which create a sense of need and can be define with great addictiveness. The great story line and it's sidequest keeps the player involve in the progression of this marvelous game. I'm rediscover this classic with an enhanced and updated version thanks to Baldur's Gate TuTu. Worth to play and replay if you like epic game D&D game with an easy interface to control your party - which I found was missing in all the neverwinter nights games after.… Expand
  28. [Anonymous]
    Jun 7, 2004
    10
    I've never been addicted to an rpg as i've with bg, the game can get impossibly hard but those are the best parts, where you have to think up the greatest strategies and the wackiest at that!
  29. MedillenA.
    Mar 5, 2007
    10
    one of the best RP game ever. and for the record, the n00b who ended dead with kobolds must have been really a very awful player. I really don't see how that is actually possible.
  30. Bakleth
    Mar 17, 2008
    10
    I still go back to this game even now(2008). It's the only one that's always got a place on my hard drive. Plot driven, but not linear. Want to wander for a few hours looking for random encounters?Want to pile headlong into the best story in RPGs? Yes, I know it's over 10 years old and the graphics won't stand up against anything modern, but the gameplay simply has not I still go back to this game even now(2008). It's the only one that's always got a place on my hard drive. Plot driven, but not linear. Want to wander for a few hours looking for random encounters?Want to pile headlong into the best story in RPGs? Yes, I know it's over 10 years old and the graphics won't stand up against anything modern, but the gameplay simply has not been beaten yet.… Expand
  31. Lefteris
    Jul 25, 2005
    10
    One of the best RPG!!!!
  32. MetaPhysical
    Dec 5, 2006
    10
    A truly *epic* RPG game that has revolutionized what the gaming industry now sets as a standard for its games - this game can totally engross the player in its amazing, seemingly limitless world, fully catered with an excellent plot, amazing playability, and everything one could probably ever want in an RPG.
  33. DannyM.
    Sep 18, 2006
    10
    The best RPG of all time, for having created a perfect plot in a world you can travel about in for hours.
  34. Nova
    Mar 21, 2008
    10
    Amazing game- great graphics for the time, wondrful story and character development. Download Baldur's Gate TuTu and you can play BG using the BG2 game engine - more diverse weapon proficiencies etc. Can revitalize this game for people who have played it through 300+ times like me.
  35. SHODAN
    Nov 10, 2007
    9
    Complex, believable plot. Detailed, subtle world inhabited by meaningful characters with personality and back story. Beautiful, appropriate and effective score and art-direction.
  36. Swatpl
    Jun 8, 2016
    8
    a gold era of D&D rpg and gold era of Bioware It will never forgotten, In my Opinion every gamer should try at least this game, because this game is father of many games at modern times
  37. gracjanski
    Apr 2, 2016
    10
    Everything was better earlier...I dont like nostalgia, because I dont think that everything was better before. But there are Morrowind and Baldurs Gate 1 and 2, who dont fit in it, because they are still top and not outdated.
    The most genious element in BG1 are the many mods, that you can install very easily. With the Big World Seteup you can merge BG1 and 2 together to one world and play    Everything was better earlier...I dont like nostalgia, because I dont think that everything was better before. But there are Morrowind and Baldurs Gate 1 and 2, who dont fit in it, because they are still top and not outdated.
    The most genious element in BG1 are the many mods, that you can install very easily. With the Big World Seteup you can merge BG1 and 2 together to one world and play the first part with the engine of the second. In addition you get the AD&D rules of BG 2. Alltogether it makes the game more beautiful and more complex as BG 1 without the mods.
    The story is adult and a bit complex too, just like the great dialogs (except Imoen).
    I liked the addon legend of swordcoast, because you get content in a very dense manner. The background informations were very interesting and gives you a taste for BG 2. There is something important, that I need to mention and that I appreciate: You can play BG1 without any problems in Win 7 :)

    What is negative? The NPCs are a bit stupid to find their way. Many dungeons are tight and then the NPCs want to run detours. In addition the side quests and places are a bit boring.    … Expand
  38. Byrne2020
    Apr 5, 2016
    10
    The first of probably the best two rpg's of all time in my opinion. Baldurs Gate is a game that I have played since I was 12 and it definately left an impression. Todays rpg,s don't even compare. If you like good games and you like rpg's then you would be missing out big time if you didn't give Baldurs Gate a try because it is amazing in every respect.
  39. Orctownorc
    Oct 7, 2012
    9
    This game demands a SERMON from the grot: Reverance for this game is NOT nostalgia. Aside from the fact that the graphics settings do not scale properly with modern monitors, this game still earns a healthy 9/10 in 2012 on the basis of brilliant design. This game has great writing, great art, great style, great writing, and FANTASTIC character development. How many modern gamers have evenThis game demands a SERMON from the grot: Reverance for this game is NOT nostalgia. Aside from the fact that the graphics settings do not scale properly with modern monitors, this game still earns a healthy 9/10 in 2012 on the basis of brilliant design. This game has great writing, great art, great style, great writing, and FANTASTIC character development. How many modern gamers have even played dice and pencil D&D with a good Dungeon Master? Baldur's Gate brought the core experience into the digital age. It will soon be released again, in open sale competition with Diabolo 3 and Guild Wars 2. Enough said. Newer games do it different, but very few have done it better. The real mystery is how after 14 years no team has had the ability to better this game. Maybe someone will finally realise that it is a whole lot of fun to have a class system that allows about 30 completely different builds. Maybe they will also note that when each characters can be built in 30 ways and you have 6-8 characters in a party, that the possible combinations, will naturally be LIMITLESS. Those who would fly need an open sky. Designers all, heed this profound observation and learn from it. Diversity eliminates the possibility of boredom. Simplifiying games cannot make them better, because the human mind is a bright and curious thing, that demands higher challenges. It's not perfect. It's not the best D&D based computer game. Low level D&D is not always fun. So it scores 9?10 not 10. Despite that this game holds many secrets as to how much better games could be made if designers studied here. If they learned the secrets Of Baldur's Gate and improved on them. So we pray! So may it be!… Expand
  40. KaiEkkrin
    Jun 24, 2011
    8
    This was my first CRPG, so the rose tinted glasses are firmly on.

    Baldur's Gate combines an epic storyline and tactical, party-based combat with an explorable open world, in a way few future games have: most have either become more linear in their pursuit of story (future Bioware games) or focus on the open world at the story's expense (Elder Scrolls). Combined with the hand-drawn style    This was my first CRPG, so the rose tinted glasses are firmly on.

    Baldur's Gate combines an epic storyline and tactical, party-based combat with an explorable open world, in a way few future games have: most have either become more linear in their pursuit of story (future Bioware games) or focus on the open world at the story's expense (Elder Scrolls). Combined with the hand-drawn style world map full of areas that only appear on it when you walk off the edge of a zone in a funny direction, this results in a remarkable feeling of existing in a real world that's bigger than your own tale.

    Baldur's Gate (plus its expansion, Tales of the Sword Coast) kept me engrossed for a whole month, playing solidly, and even then I hadn't found or seen everything.

    It has its problems of course: being based on the D&D 2E ruleset, it has ridiculous mechanics like resting (which means you don't want to use your best magic, for fear of it being unavailable later), and I wouldn't recommend playing a pure fighter or other non-magical character: all you can do with those characters is point and click during combat, so you'll feel disconnected from your own character as a result of spending most of your time with NPC spellcasters.

    Save up your consumables for the end: the final encounter is a large difficulty spike.    … Expand
  41. Zoso
    Jun 15, 2012
    10
    The Godfather of RPGs. Period.
    Still pays to play it from time to time. Everything about this game was groundbreaking for the time, the graphics, the interface, the sound, the vastness, the storytelling.
    Had some issues with pathfinding, but those were fixed in Baldur's Gate II.
  42. TheMitherer
    Sep 30, 2011
    10
    Superb game which spawned a superb sequel (a quite rare achievement in itself). People tend to prefer its successor but this game is actually better in some respects. No less than 25 joinable NPCs and many many areas to explore. The beginning can be quite tough but once you are over it the game is rewarding, suspenseful, amusing, intruiging and challenging. Travelling through wildernessSuperb game which spawned a superb sequel (a quite rare achievement in itself). People tend to prefer its successor but this game is actually better in some respects. No less than 25 joinable NPCs and many many areas to explore. The beginning can be quite tough but once you are over it the game is rewarding, suspenseful, amusing, intruiging and challenging. Travelling through wilderness areas always keeps you on your toes - am I going to meet some kobolds, a greater basilisk or just some madman who likes hearing the sound of his own voice? The diversity of weapons, armour, spells and enemies is necessarily limited by your low level but there are enough interesting items and encounters to keep you going throughout the game. One of the joys of this game is that almost any battle can be won by any group (or soloer) just by using the right tactics. Away from the combat, the NPCs have good interactions with each other and the PC and actually have minds of their own. The fact that all NPCs will say something out loud when you click on them is amazing in itself. The story also keeps you motivated and has some very good twists. Unbelievable replayabilty. Play as a thief with Imoen, Branwen, Kivan Xan and Shar-teel. Or maybe be a mage with Kagain, Coran, Safana, Tiax and Garrick. In 1998 this game wiped the floor with everything and it can only be judged on that. This made me a gamer and despite its age I would never hesitate to call it one of my all time favourites.… Expand
  43. Vio
    Nov 20, 2011
    9
    This to me was my first epic rpg, and what I mean by that is that prior to this I had no idea what RPGs really should be a about: storyline. I guess it ended up being good that I ended up with this seeing as it is to this day one, if not thee best rpg story I have ever played. Control scheme is a bit dated today and the graphics as well, but the pre-rendered/painted backgrounds are noneThis to me was my first epic rpg, and what I mean by that is that prior to this I had no idea what RPGs really should be a about: storyline. I guess it ended up being good that I ended up with this seeing as it is to this day one, if not thee best rpg story I have ever played. Control scheme is a bit dated today and the graphics as well, but the pre-rendered/painted backgrounds are none the less beautiful. The mechanics are a bit complicated being based on DnD 2nd Ed, this could have been a attraction in its day, but today no one cares about 2nd Ed. The game world itself is vast and open, and will cater for many many hours of gameplay! Did I like it? Oh I most CERTAINLY did!!… Expand
  44. Ricardsouza
    Jun 11, 2018
    1
    baldur's gate is terrible, even as a genre defining. proof is that the so called genre didnt age well and never developed beyond some lame-ass niche nostalgia fanbase. jrpgs **** on this trash
  45. redsky1205
    Jul 10, 2018
    3
    I don't like Balder's gate series. story plot is not interesting, and battle is so loose and boring.
  46. doggystyle
    Aug 15, 2013
    7
    Much too hyped I think. It's an ok game for sure and back in the day I'm sure it was better, I just got to play this recently which is odd as I'm old for a gamer and have played D&D games since the 80s on computer. This has more or less all the downsides of Bioware games I can think of. Pretty much a hack'n slash rather than a role playing game.
  47. Shiki
    Mar 6, 2012
    5
    Bioware's debut to the world of cRPGs. It has strong points, like its story, which is the main reason why I gave the game a 5 instead of 2 or 3. It is a much weaker game than its sequel, for a lot of reasons. First, low level ad&d2 is really boring and lacking in variety. There isn't much to do besides equiping the bows and using the very few useful spells available. The party NPCs areBioware's debut to the world of cRPGs. It has strong points, like its story, which is the main reason why I gave the game a 5 instead of 2 or 3. It is a much weaker game than its sequel, for a lot of reasons. First, low level ad&d2 is really boring and lacking in variety. There isn't much to do besides equiping the bows and using the very few useful spells available. The party NPCs are lifeless and will almost never intervene during a conversation, being more or less mute for everything but their own side quest. Most of the side quests are weak in content and lack the depth you can find in BG2 where some of them won't even come to a true resolution until you literally stumble upon the "sequel" to that quest, like the one featuring the murderer of the Bridge District. The balance between exploration and access to content itself is lousy and there are too many nearly empty maps. And in the end, the only place worth talking about is the city of Baldur's Gate itself, the rest being terribly unmemorable, in contrast to Baldur's Gate 2 underdark, trademeet, athkatla (which is the main city hub and the starting point of the game, unlike BG-city in BG1 which you can only access later in the game), umar hills.. Mediocre but promising attempt at making a RPG, which ultimately led to the greater and much stronger sequel.… Expand
  48. MathewM.
    Jun 19, 2009
    2
    Quite possibly on the list of the worst five role playing games I have ever played. Don't think that the fact that Black Isle, developers of Fallout and Fallout 2, is on the box means that it is up to that standard. Boring, cheesy storyline that is not even half up to par with any average Dungeons & Dragons group at your local card shop, slow, redundant gameplay, poor engine, and Quite possibly on the list of the worst five role playing games I have ever played. Don't think that the fact that Black Isle, developers of Fallout and Fallout 2, is on the box means that it is up to that standard. Boring, cheesy storyline that is not even half up to par with any average Dungeons & Dragons group at your local card shop, slow, redundant gameplay, poor engine, and awful graphics combine to make one of the RPG genre's greatest settings into a disaster.… Expand
  49. GeoffC.
    Jul 24, 2003
    3
    I love RPGs. I liked playing this game at the beginning. Then I met the kobolds and my party got reloaded about 90 times until I got lucky enough to survive an impossible cave. Then Boo killed my party. Wow, that was rewarding. I had barely even started in the scope of that game, but had wasted 10 hours of my life. I quit and never looked back. Fallout was much better.
  50. KaienShiba
    May 31, 2015
    5
    Game would be great, except in reality whether intended to or not they almost force you to play certain, forget about playing classes, like mage, bard, druid, even kensai, the lack of bard armor and the cost of mage armor makes it impossible, instead of fixing those flaws like BW did in BG2, they made a few changes and left it as is. Dialogue still sucks, Jaheria's husband is still uselessGame would be great, except in reality whether intended to or not they almost force you to play certain, forget about playing classes, like mage, bard, druid, even kensai, the lack of bard armor and the cost of mage armor makes it impossible, instead of fixing those flaws like BW did in BG2, they made a few changes and left it as is. Dialogue still sucks, Jaheria's husband is still useless tool and the new characters are only good for cannon fodder, a monk with useless stats for a monk a wild mage is useless as a companion or kit.… Expand
  51. marc5477
    Mar 17, 2018
    9
    This original western RPG was a masterpiece and still provides more fun than AAA games today for those who prefer gameplay over graphics. This game was recently re-released by a new studio under the title of Baldurs Gate Enhanced Edition (EE) which is 99% exactly the same as the original but with a bigger price tag. If you can get the EE version for the same price I would say to do soThis original western RPG was a masterpiece and still provides more fun than AAA games today for those who prefer gameplay over graphics. This game was recently re-released by a new studio under the title of Baldurs Gate Enhanced Edition (EE) which is 99% exactly the same as the original but with a bigger price tag. If you can get the EE version for the same price I would say to do so otherwise save your money and buy the original and install the trilogy mod which adds a lot more content than the official re-release and is much less buggy.

    This game along with Planescape Torment, Neverwinter Nights and Icewind Dale represented the peak of western RPG's in a time when gamers were being tortured by cheap and childish Japanese remakes of Final Fantasy and Dragon Warrior. They offered a much enhanced RPG experience with choices that mattered and character building that changed the game significantly.

    In these "infinity engine" games, you had multitudes of classes and class combinations which allowed you to tailor your character any way you want. They mostly followed pen and paper Dungeons and Dragons rules which are very comprehensive. They also offered more interesting combat choices compared to the old and tired turn based system a plethora of magic abilities and special skills that brought shame to console counterparts.

    I would say that in terms of innovation, they pushed the entire gaming industry forward and spawned a whole lot of clones over time. Even today, we see games that have similar if not carbon copy features such as the Divinity and Dragon Age series of games. Other franchises also adopted many of the features including the FF and Dragon Warrior games.

    That said, the games are graphically dated so if you are a graphic loving person and cant live with anything but AAA quality 3D, then these games are not for you. But if you love strategy RPG's then this title is still very good and playable. In fact, I still replay the game every couple of years or so because it is indeed superior in many ways to even modern attempts at the strategy RPG genre.

    If you are a young gamer, be warned. The older games are not as forgiving as new games. Baldurs gate requires character planning and at times, strategy in encounters to survive or you will be obliterated 100x over. I've read a lot of funny comments by younger gamers on the Beamdog forums who claim that some battles are impossible when really, they just didnt bother to read spell and class descriptions to know how things works. There is a lot of complexity to the way DnD works and although there are ways to cheese the game, they are very beatable without guides and cheesing. We all beat them without both 20 years ago.    … Expand
  52. night4
    Oct 18, 2016
    10
    This is one of the rare 10's, even though I would have to give a slight edge to the sequel.

    The story is really what sets it apart from other RPG's.
  53. Broyax
    Apr 8, 2017
    1
    On restera indulgent avec les graphismes eu égard à son grand âge ; on ne le sera pas avec l'interface et les menus, vraiment affreux et pas pratiques : dans le genre anti-ergonomique, difficile de faire pire.

    Le copié-collé des règles très rigides des jeux de plateau est particulièrement inadapté à un jeu sur ordinateur et l'ensemble est très lourd à l'utilisation sans parler de la    On restera indulgent avec les graphismes eu égard à son grand âge ; on ne le sera pas avec l'interface et les menus, vraiment affreux et pas pratiques : dans le genre anti-ergonomique, difficile de faire pire.

    Le copié-collé des règles très rigides des jeux de plateau est particulièrement inadapté à un jeu sur ordinateur et l'ensemble est très lourd à l'utilisation sans parler de la difficulté qui souffre de graves problèmes d'équilibrage.

    Quant au monde, à l'histoire, à ses personnages, rien de palpitant à signaler, rien à signaler du tout en fait. A cette époque on devait grave crever la dalle pour se précipiter sur ce machin et encenser un jeu de rôle aussi médiocre. Certes les japoniaiseries contemporaines étaient encore pires mais de peu.

    Bref, les balbutiements foutraques d'un Bioware dilettante et mal embouché.    … Expand
  54. UserReviewsLUL
    Feb 15, 2020
    3
    The music is horrible. It sounds like it's from 1990 and there's not much of it.

    It really clashes with the other aspects of the game, too. It's like playing Mario Odyssey while listening to the music from NES Mario Bros.

    The game is very slow and repetitive otherwise. Skip it.
  55. Woolee
    Oct 9, 2021
    8
    'Legendary' is a term much bandied about these days but this game is one than genuinely deserves the adjective. Many people consider this game to have single handily have saved the single-player RPG genre on the PC just when it looked dead. It represents a definite tu
  56. dfal7451
    May 8, 2022
    3
    посл босс.убил весь интерес к игре.к нему добавили 3х сильных нпс.которые рвут жопу всем.разрабам нужно было еще дракона добавить.а то как то не сразу всех моих персонажей убивают за минуту.
  57. VoinGold
    Aug 28, 2023
    0
    terrible graphics even for 1998 it's unplayable now better play the third part
  58. QweSteR
    Nov 13, 2017
    8
    [8.4] Захватывающая история детей кровавого бога Баала полна тайн и могущественных злодеев. Игра основана на 2 редакции культовой ролевой системы AD&D, имеет богатый набор боевых навыков и заклинаний, бои проходят в реальном времени с активной паузой. Игроку предстоит преодолеть массу препятствий на пути к познанию собственного я, обрести верных друзей, распутать заговор и побывать в[8.4] Захватывающая история детей кровавого бога Баала полна тайн и могущественных злодеев. Игра основана на 2 редакции культовой ролевой системы AD&D, имеет богатый набор боевых навыков и заклинаний, бои проходят в реальном времени с активной паузой. Игроку предстоит преодолеть массу препятствий на пути к познанию собственного я, обрести верных друзей, распутать заговор и побывать в множестве мест. И всё это лишь прелюдия к более эпохальному приключению в сиквеле. К недостаткам игры можно отнести незначительную вариативность действий и предрасположенность сюжета к прохождению за доброго персонажа. Baldur's Gate совершил настоящую революцию в жанре компьютерных ролевых игр и утвердил золотой стандарт качества для будущих CRPG.… Expand
  59. Ydun79
    Feb 11, 2019
    9
    Couldnt stop playing this game. Immersive, compelling ... a near perfect RPG. The follow-up being the perfect one.
  60. Kai82
    Dec 20, 2020
    8
    It is „The little Hobbit“ to „The Lord of the Rings“. It is a good game and laying the foundation for the Baldurs Gate franchise (Baldurs Gate 2 and Throne of Bhaal). Before you asked yes that is unfair to compare it to Baldurs Gate 2 but many of us started with Baldurs Gate 2 as even today it is considered as one of the best RPGs of all time and there were countless re-releases (=It wasIt is „The little Hobbit“ to „The Lord of the Rings“. It is a good game and laying the foundation for the Baldurs Gate franchise (Baldurs Gate 2 and Throne of Bhaal). Before you asked yes that is unfair to compare it to Baldurs Gate 2 but many of us started with Baldurs Gate 2 as even today it is considered as one of the best RPGs of all time and there were countless re-releases (=It was much easier to get). For itself it was the first RPG from BioWare and uses the second edition AD&D rules with some adaptations. It is set in the Forgotten Realms in Faerun. Your player character is an orphan who was adopted by Gorion. Gorion is a wizard, scholar and influential figure behind the curtains. The story starts when Gorion asked you to leaf their home of Candlekeep with him during the night. Before you get any answer you were ambushed and the attacker ask specifically for you. A fight started as Gorion wants to save you and while he succeed he dies. Luckily you are not alone as your childhood friend Imoen sneaked out and wanted to help you. So started your quest for answers and revenge. The main story is good with twist and revelations. There are tons of side-quest and a lot of areas to explore. One of the main strengths are the characters. Baldurs Gate crated so much great characters I still remember. Be it Minsc and Bo, Edwin (Edwina;-), Imoen and countless others. Gameplay wise it is solid D&D videogame style. Sadly you are limited in level (depends on character class) and have not as much choices in classes. It is the first part of a greater adventure. This will be my main (unfair) complain that Baldurs Gate 2 improved every aspect (I played it first). The graphics were good at its time but aged a bit badly. I don't remember the soundtrack so I wont judge it here. I think it has overall the same strengths as all Baldurs Gate games. An enjoyable story, immersive characters you are fully invested in and a world you like to explore. The final rating depends on what you expect. Later games improved the formula and I will say this decreased the rating. Hat I played this game before Baldurs Gate 2 I would have definitely given a 10/10. But others games made this unfairly look inferior. However it is the first RPG of BioWare and doing such a good job at the first try is remarkable. It was a long story of success before EA bought them. From there it was a downwards spiral. I give an 8/10 and a recommendation to play the games in order. I have heard there is a mod that lets you play all 3 games as one (Throne of Bhaal is here counted as part 3).… Expand
  61. MarcMrine
    Aug 15, 2016
    10
    Before rate Pillars of Eternity, an obligatory tribute to this masterpiece, first of an entire RPG genre, the real time automatic combat with tactic pause, the golden age of Bioware till Dragon Age Origins. Intuitive combat system that aids to get in the deep plot, driving the party through beautiful handmade environments of forest, dungeons and cities, with the flavor of classic fantasyBefore rate Pillars of Eternity, an obligatory tribute to this masterpiece, first of an entire RPG genre, the real time automatic combat with tactic pause, the golden age of Bioware till Dragon Age Origins. Intuitive combat system that aids to get in the deep plot, driving the party through beautiful handmade environments of forest, dungeons and cities, with the flavor of classic fantasy tales, with sublime music, sounds and dialogues, leaving the sensation of being part of a canvas.… Expand
  62. inkblowout
    Apr 15, 2017
    10
    Easily the best RPG I've played, with over 80 hours of my first ever playthrough and my first DnD RPG. I knew before that this game was amazing, but upon finishing this game I knew that this was my favourite RPG I've played in my entire life.

    Story/Characters- The main story is very well written and it's a mix of mystery, drama and action to keep you interested from start to finish. The    Easily the best RPG I've played, with over 80 hours of my first ever playthrough and my first DnD RPG. I knew before that this game was amazing, but upon finishing this game I knew that this was my favourite RPG I've played in my entire life.

    Story/Characters- The main story is very well written and it's a mix of mystery, drama and action to keep you interested from start to finish. The Characters are well written and even though that their banter is limited in comparison to Baldur's Gate 2, their biography gives you an inside scoop of their opinions and a few of their small quests is honestly enough to let you know what kind of person they are. The side missions usually consists of fetch quests and the usual, kill this and get your reward kinda thing. But some fetch quests usually make it interesting by having some problem and you having to resolve the problem. Even though the side quests were repetitive in terms of its objective, the different plots, outcomes, twists and rewards make it more interesting than less of a chore.

    Gameplay- This is where the game peaks in my humble opinion. I spent about 1 hours just figuring out what to play and reading through all the details of each character. And too this day I haven't seen a more complex character creation than I have in BG1. The different races, alignment, classes and subclasses make it very interesting and adds so much replayability because of this. And throughout the game you meet many NPCs which can also add gameplay features by customizing their classes as well and also leaving/adding new party members which also makes it add more replay value due to the many NPCs you meet and can roll with and you can even solo the game on your own. The combat in the game is also very complex and takes some time getting used to when playing for the first time, the combat is based on Advanced DnD so it is quite challenging when playing with no knowledge of DnD. But with a few guides and reading the manual, I can assure you that you get better in due time and also the combat gets harder throughout the game so that the games does get challenging overtime which is good so that you don't breeze through enemies throughout the endgame, but it doesn't amp up the difficulty too much. So overall the combat is tedious at first but very well done in the end.

    Graphics & Music- Graphics are great at it's time, and the soundtrack is well composed and even in 2017 it still doesn't feel too dated. Sure for some it's off putting and quite static to look at, but with it's 2D graphics, it still shows a surprising amount of detail when compared to earlier 2D RPGs. So at it's time it was well done, but nowadays the graphics are quite decent but some may seem it is too dated. Soundtrack is well done and really makes atmosphere more interesting when walking in a dungeon or through the forests of cloakwood.
    Overall- 10/10 with no doubt, even with a few bugs here and there it really didn't seem to annoy me because how well crafted this game is. I never had so much fun and emotion in a game since I played Deus Ex 1. The gameplay and story quality was really well done and too this day it was the longest game I've played through and never in my playthrough I felt the need that the story was waning or the gameplay was repetitive, I had the same exciting from when I started the game all the way to the end. This game is good, despite the graphics feeling a tad dated... the gameplay makes up for it for sure.

    I have really high hopes for Baldur's Gate 2, and I've heard it's even better than Baldur's Gate 1 so I'm very excited to play through it.    … Expand
  63. bskierys
    Jun 1, 2019
    9
    Definitely one of the best RPG's of all time.
    What makes it so special is the atmosphere of dusty dice-and-paper RPG with dungeons. The story is just another hero story but it works well as usual. It feels great to look back at the enemies you used to fight with at the beginning of the game and see how much powerful you became. Especially that the game story is aligned with this.
    The    Definitely one of the best RPG's of all time.
    What makes it so special is the atmosphere of dusty dice-and-paper RPG with dungeons. The story is just another hero story but it works well as usual. It feels great to look back at the enemies you used to fight with at the beginning of the game and see how much powerful you became. Especially that the game story is aligned with this.
    The combat mechanics feels dated today with a lot of computation and dice rolls behind your back, but it still engaging enough.    … Expand
  64. zimmer600
    Aug 18, 2017
    8
    One of the best games of the genre RPG (and perhaps even the best), and every self-respecting player is obliged to meet her.
    Evil is here around every corner. Look under your feet, do not get into it!
  65. Amsheagar
    Nov 16, 2021
    8
    Baldur's Gate is the best old RPG. The story is very good and you can control many unique character. The intercourse between them is funny and interesting. I enjoyed every minute spending on this game.
  66. zampaconi
    Jul 10, 2016
    10
    Giocato: 2000 (circa)
    Finito 2 volte
    Gameplay: Ottimo, permettendo di sviluppare strategia dettagliata e micromanagement per gli scontri più difficili, e rapidità per quelli più semplici. Migliero uso del sistema RTwP, superato solo da BG2. Fantastico il sistema di creazione e costruzione di CHARNAME. Storia: Ottima, per certi versi anche superiore a quella di BG2, grazie a    Giocato: 2000 (circa)
    Finito 2 volte

    Gameplay: Ottimo, permettendo di sviluppare strategia dettagliata e micromanagement per gli scontri più difficili, e rapidità per quelli più semplici. Migliero uso del sistema RTwP, superato solo da BG2. Fantastico il sistema di creazione e costruzione di CHARNAME.

    Storia: Ottima, per certi versi anche superiore a quella di BG2, grazie a

    Grafica: Buona per l'epoca, con alcuni dettagli ottimi - i fondali disegnati, alcuni effetti degli incantesimi

    Sonoro: Fantastica colonna sonora, buoni gli effetti audio    … Expand
  67. Glimik
    Dec 31, 2021
    10
    Most games nowadays tries to impress you and you end up forgetting what you are fighting for, this isn't the case. The combat system is well build and so the plot of the story, the developers did an amazing use of every element in the world. Loved it!
  68. graablikk
    Nov 23, 2016
    9
    I introduced my little 12yo sister to this game. Once I went into her room to see her play, asked "whatcha doin'?" - "plundering houses" she replied with clear satissfaction :D
  69. GurmpyCoolCat
    Sep 15, 2019
    10
    This game is one of the greatest RPGs ever made. It has stood the test of time. The level of gameplay on this game is what has made so many great games. I believe that games like Fable were inspired by this.
  70. coquedepor
    Mar 19, 2020
    6
    Positives
    +Combat
    + Characters
    + Plot
    - Complexity

    Negatives
    - Long
    - Repetitive
  71. Amorph0us
    Jan 11, 2022
    8
    Being a huge fan of the 2nd installment of the series I cannot say I enjoyed as much the first one. However we cannot neglect that this is the game from which begun everything and so we owe so much to it...
  72. shkipermann
    Feb 25, 2023
    8
    {__/}
    ( • - •)
    /つ☕______________________________________________________________________
  73. Babutto
    Jan 30, 2022
    9
    Pros.:
    - Bioware.
    - The main quest and side quests are interesting. - A lot from D&D. - A lot of fun, humor, versatility of choices. - Music, sounds - all good for the game from the '90s. - Very close mechanics to Fallout 1 and 2. - An opportunity to enjoy the story without too much grinding. Cons.: - The characters are too slow. - It is absolutely stupid to force the player to    Pros.:
    - Bioware.
    - The main quest and side quests are interesting.
    - A lot from D&D.
    - A lot of fun, humor, versatility of choices.
    - Music, sounds - all good for the game from the '90s.
    - Very close mechanics to Fallout 1 and 2.
    - An opportunity to enjoy the story without too much grinding.

    Cons.:
    - The characters are too slow.
    - It is absolutely stupid to force the player to wait for the whole company to move between the locations.
    - It is also absolutely stupid to force player to go towards exact side of the map to reveal a new location.
    - Higher res, faster hero movement WITH the team would have made it perfect.

    So, the game is awesome. But it is outdated. Also, if you don't like company-based games, you will find it boring. The game requires a lot of reading.    … Expand
  74. AnnLee94
    Aug 12, 2019
    10
    Have to give this epic classic game the highest love. I remember when I was a little kid curiously exploring a thing called “game”. Kudos to this project and all the hard work of the developers. It was a masterpiece.
  75. yasinahmetakson
    Jan 10, 2020
    10
    Best game in this world. this game is have verry realistic dialogs, creator team of this game must be think for every dialog.
  76. Sourvinakos
    Jun 20, 2020
    9
    One of the best 2D Dungeons and Dragons RPGs ever made.

    If you like the genre and you think you can overlook the slightly outdated 2D graphics (Just look at some screenshots or videos) than you should really give it a try. Its simply brilliant.
  77. bucefalo33
    Jun 28, 2020
    10
    My rating:
    Sound 9/10
    Graphic* 9/10
    Gameplay 10/10
    Replay value 10/10
    Story 10/10

    Total 8/10**

    * Graphic rating has to be contextualized for the year of the release.
    ** Total is a weighted average rounded up where the weight for every element is:
    Sound 1
    Graphic 2
    Gameplay 3
    Replay Value 1
    Story 3
  78. zexxx
    Aug 18, 2023
    9
    I have played this game numerous times during my life. I first played it as a young teen and this game left a very strong impression me. for me this is one of the fundamental games in the RPG genre.

    Personally, I don't mind the graphics as to me it still looks great. the visual style and how they chose to present the world is still great in modern times even if the game is not fully 3D.    I have played this game numerous times during my life. I first played it as a young teen and this game left a very strong impression me. for me this is one of the fundamental games in the RPG genre.

    Personally, I don't mind the graphics as to me it still looks great. the visual style and how they chose to present the world is still great in modern times even if the game is not fully 3D.
    If you appreciate art and design there's a lot to like about the visuals of this game and it mostly holds up.

    overall sound design in this game was amazing for it's time and as with the graphics I think it holds up very well.

    I love the apparent freedom you have here, they did an excellent job in allowing you to explore and play how you want while creating a rather believable world and location which are entirely fantasy based and are mired by modern day speech and behavior like other titles that came after it.

    gameplay-wise they were very clever in how they implemented combat and other uses of your abilities, especially for the time this game came out. this game established the very handy feature of pause while allowing you to play in realtime. it also has auto-pause (amazing) for many situations, for example to prevent you from unintentionally stepping on a trap.

    it's a well thought out game with a surprising number of things to discover considering when it came out. truly one of the legendary games of the genre.

    this is a game I feel like any RP fan should play.    … Expand
  79. DaVisionary
    Jan 26, 2021
    10
    The character customization on the this game is unmatched, still almost 25 years late you can make an unique character to play with as far as fighting style is concerned.
  80. AltumSilentium
    Apr 20, 2021
    8
    Игре более 20 лет. Да, она потеряла очень много, но в неё до сих пор играют. И сложно придумать более важный показатель качества.
  81. chosen0ne
    Oct 7, 2021
    10
    This is a MUST-PLAY for any real RPG fan. This game series is LEGENDARY in every epic sense of the word!!!!

    This is a classic, one of the greatest games (though the sequel is admittedly even better!). I grew up with this game and have sunk hundreds of hours into replaying it and its enhanced edition over the years. There's just so much earnest love that was put into this game. The    This is a MUST-PLAY for any real RPG fan. This game series is LEGENDARY in every epic sense of the word!!!!

    This is a classic, one of the greatest games (though the sequel is admittedly even better!). I grew up with this game and have sunk hundreds of hours into replaying it and its enhanced edition over the years. There's just so much earnest love that was put into this game. The story is great, the characters are enjoyable (though they both improve drastically in the second game). Play this and PLAY THE SEQUEL.    … Expand
  82. hyrts
    Jun 4, 2022
    10
    One of the best and most immersive role playing games I've ever played. This got me to DnD.
  83. Barrage
    Apr 24, 2023
    9
    While I like almost all of Bioware's games, BG I & II are basically the standard by which all other RPGs are measured. They have a good balance of combat and dialogue, as well as a compelling story and characters.
  84. Liquid_Cold
    Aug 1, 2023
    10
    Игра-легенда, основатель культовой ниши партийных РПГ, отлично играется!
  85. Keron_Heruman
    Aug 23, 2023
    9
    Incredible story, the best of all cRPGs. The start for a mythic saga, only the comparative with the spectacular BG II impede the 10/10.
  86. UrchinChieftain
    Aug 29, 2023
    9
    The first RPG game I have ever played, it provides a great gaming experience, an interesting story, and it important cornerstone for RGP Genre.

Awards & Rankings

4
#4 Best PC Game of 1998
5
#5 Most Discussed PC Game of 1998
4
#4 Most Shared PC Game of 1998

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
91

Universal acclaim - based on 16 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 16 out of 16
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 16
  3. Negative: 0 out of 16
  1. Adrenaline Vault
    100
    Baldur's Gate is not a computer role-playing game...it is THE computer role-playing game.
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  2. Quandary
    100
    It's been a long haul, more than two months of solid game-play, but I have been absolutely engrossed by every minute! Very few games earn such an accolade from this reviewer.
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  3. Game Revolution
    100
    This is, without a doubt, the closest thing out there to actually getting together with a bunch of your friends on a Sunday afternoon, taking your characters into a dungeon, and using you own BOO to find out if that bottomless pit was actually bottomless.
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