10 cool facts from Baldur's Gate 1 and 2

Baldur's Gate 3 encompasses all forms of social media, presenting the most beloved romantic interests of its fanbase, a veritable treasure trove of memes, and the awe-inspiring concepts that delight everyone. Such an impressive sequel inevitably leads one to contemplate what lies ahead.

For those of us who cannot enjoy the Baldur's Gate: Enhanced Edition or find ourselves trapped in the perpetual cycle of starting a new gaming session for Baldur's Gate 3, here are some facts from both predecessor games that can expand your knowledge of this fantasy role-playing series and its characters.

10 Baldur's Gate 1 And 2 Were Developed By BioWare

Released in 1998, the original Baldur's Gate was one of the greatest cRPGs of the early decades of computer video games, shaping future games of its genre. Two years later, its sequel emerged, and one can discern certain distinctive features of this studio in these games. Think of narrative-driven choices and extensive background stories, akin to BioWare's popular RPG series such as Mass Effect and Dragon Age.

Based on the second edition of Dungeons & Dragons, both original games were released closer to the third edition in the D&D timeline. The third installment was developed by Larian Studios, and fans are highly pleased with their work, eagerly anticipating remasters of the first two games.

9 Gameplay Resembles A Tabletop Style

There are various elements in the first two games that evoke nostalgic feelings for the tabletop RPG that inspired them. The narrative between chapters, summarizing past events, acts as a game master setting the scene, and the enchanting artwork enhances this atmosphere.

You can view the area map from anywhere, especially in cities, by exploring with the camera stick. However, you won't see any people or potential enemies until you get closer. This navigation mechanic was developed for gaming on computers at the time, but also emulates a tabletop map for an in-person D&D session.

8 Xzar And The Fourth Wall

One could not label this experienced necromancer as mentally sound, but it turns out he might have a reason for it. If you click on Xzar enough times in the original games (not the Enhanced Edition), he eventually tells you to stop. This implies that he is aware of being a video game character. Some of his quotes also reference works from the real world, reinforcing the impression that you are breaking the fourth wall that separates you and the game.

His grasp on reality seems to be not supported by his practice of necromancy. When his neutral evil traveling companion, Montaron of the Zhentarim mercenary company, falls in battle, Xzar continues to engage in one-sided discussions with him.

7 Khalid Has A Stutter

In contrast to the typical archetypes of characters with a stutter, Khalid is incredibly capable and can be quite formidable when the situation demands it. He is of a timid nature and does not consider himself leadership material, a fact he readily admits. However, his hidden determination (of which he is unaware) is a unique attribute for a character with a disability, which is almost always associated with gentleness.

One must assume that his wife, Jaheira, has recognized this ability in him all along. While his stutter suggests more typical origins rooted in an abusive parent, the revelation of his determination and abilities is a refreshing departure.

6 Jaheira And Minsc Are In Every Game

With Jaheira's convictions as a self-assured woman and Minsc's endless - albeit idiosyncratic - charm, it is to be expected that these two characters are present throughout the series. One must encounter them in the first game before being able to recruit them into their party, but in the second game, they are present right from the start.

It is captivating to witness Jaheira's character evolve from a determined woman who travels as a Harper with her husband to becoming a decisive and steadfast presence along the coast and within your group. Minsc carries his distinctive carefree atmosphere wherever he goes, although his head injuries are likely the cause of his behavior.

5 Why Choose One Class When There Are Combos?

Do you want to strengthen your party as a cleric and dive into battles as a fighter? Do you love casting spells as a mage and picking locks as a thief? The first two games of the Baldur's Gate series don't force you to choose between your major preferences. Sometimes, they even offer a combination of three classes.

Well, that depends on the species you have chosen for your character. For example, a dwarf would be more likely to be an illusionist rather than a mage in any combination, and mixed classes involving mages are not an option for half-orcs at all. Even the restrictions contribute to the detailed immersion of these games.

4 Party Reputation Affects Everything

Instead of character approval ratings in Baldur's Gate 3, both predecessor games have a numerical reputation for the group, based on your actions. This rating determines who will joyfully join your wandering adventurer group, who will turn away, how much merchants charge you, how civilians and law enforcement react to your team, and even your abilities or possibly your class.

The different ranges on this numerical scale are associated with a word that indicates where your group stands on the moral spectrum. Despised applies to values from one to four, while Heroic defines your team's reputation for values from 17 to 20.

3 Reactions To Removing Party Members

With only about a handful of available slots and a gallery of characters to choose from, BioWare gave these games high replay value as it was impossible to get to know every character in a single playthrough. Different characters also react differently to being removed from your party.

Most will stay where you left them, and some will return to where you found them. Certain group members will only leave together, such as couples. But others will permanently leave the group if they are replaced to make room for someone else, if you reject their offers with certain characters in your team, or if you are simply too rude to them.

2 Importing A Character

Since the main character is technically the same person who continues where the first game left off, you can import your character into the sequel to maintain story continuity for yourself. Importing save files was not possible, but selecting the alignment and reforming your favorite group was possible (for the most part).

The return of your unique character for the next phase of the story was exciting enough that some people are hoping this feature will make a comeback. If a Baldur's Gate 4 ever appears on the horizon, the challenging task would be not to continue every single file - a battle many of us would gladly lose.

1 Lawful Good Isn't Allowed

Warning: Spoiler for the plot of Baldur's Gate 1 and 2 Although Lawful Good may not be the most exciting alignment, it seems like a strange omission on the selection screen when you start the Enhanced Edition. However, this could be a subtle foreshadowing. It could very well be that due to the fact that the protagonist is the offspring of Bhaal, the god of murder, who is clearly Lawful Evil, you were metaphysically unable to choose this orderly and benevolent alignment.

There is a certain degree of choice when you are a Bhaalspawn. Good decisions bring pleasant or bittersweet dreams that grant supportive abilities, while malicious decisions bring about nightmares that the protagonist doesn't seem particularly upset about, along with accompanying offensive abilities.