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

Review this game

  1. Your Score
    0 out of 10
    Rate this:
    • 10
    • 9
    • 8
    • 7
    • 6
    • 5
    • 4
    • 3
    • 2
    • 1
    • 0
    • 0
  1. Submit
  2. Check Spelling
view
per page
  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
prev
Page:

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.
    Read full review
  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.
    Read full review
  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.
    Read full review
See all critic reviews »