The New Gold Standard: Baldur’s Gate 3 is a Really Good RPG, and the Rumours Are All True

Every so often, a game comes along that isn’t just good—it’s transformative. Baldur’s Gate 3, the sprawling, cinematic, and deeply personal RPG from Larian Studios, is one of those games. Since its full release in August 2023, the game has been a cultural phenomenon, lauded by critics and players alike as a masterpiece of the genre. It’s a game that takes the classic tabletop experience of Dungeons & Dragons and translates it into a digital space with a level of freedom, depth, and reactivity that is nothing short of revolutionary. The rumours are all true: this is a really good RPG, and it has already cemented its legacy as a new gold standard for the genre.

The game’s premise is a masterclass in cosmic dread and personal stakes. You awaken aboard a “Nautiloid,” a living, tentacled spaceship piloted by mind flayers, with a sinister parasite implanted in your brain. Your journey begins with a desperate race to find a cure, but this simple quest quickly unravels into a grand, epic narrative full of ancient conspiracies, powerful gods, and a cast of fascinating and deeply flawed companions. What sets the game apart is its unwavering commitment to player agency. You are not just a passive participant in a linear story; you are an active force that can fundamentally change the world. Every decision, from a simple dialogue choice to a major plot-altering action, has a lasting consequence. The game’s narrative is a complex web of branching paths, and the satisfaction of seeing your choices, no matter how small, ripple out and alter the lives of characters is a core part of the experience.

A World of Unprecedented Freedom and Cinematic Brilliance

While the game’s narrative is a highlight, its gameplay is equally impressive. The turn-based combat system, which is based on the Dungeons & Dragons 5th Edition rule set, is a brilliant blend of strategic depth and creative freedom. The game’s environments are not just backdrops; they are a part of the battlefield. A well-placed spell can turn an enemy’s oil barrel into a fiery trap, and a simple shove can send a powerful foe tumbling to their death. The verticality and interactivity of the maps add a new layer of tactical thinking to every encounter. The game also includes a variety of creative ways to approach a problem, from a diplomatic solution to a clever use of your class-specific abilities. The game’s presentation is on another level, with over 174 hours of cinematic cutscenes and a level of voice acting and performance capture that is on par with the very best. This commitment to cinematic flair ensures that even in the quietest moments, the emotional stakes feel incredibly real.

The game’s character creation is a a standout feature, offering a seemingly endless number of choices from classes, races, and subclasses, each with its own unique dialogue options and abilities. This level of customization ensures that every playthrough feels truly unique and personal. The game also includes a cast of “Origin” characters, pre-made heroes with their own complex backstories that you can either play as or recruit as a companion. The relationships with your companions are a core part of the experience, with a variety of well-written romance options and emotional story arcs that will have you genuinely invested in their lives. The game’s world, the Forgotten Realms, is a character in and of itself. The city of Baldur’s Gate is a bustling, living place with hundreds of unique NPCs and side quests, a testament to the developers’ obsessive attention to detail. This density and reactivity make the world feel alive and reactive to your actions.

A Landmark Achievement and a Call to Greatness

Baldur’s Gate 3 is more than just a video game; it’s a testament to the enduring power of classic RPG design. It’s a game that was made with an incredible amount of love and passion, and that is evident in every detail, from the smallest piece of environmental lore to the most epic cinematic battle. The game has received near-universal acclaim from critics and has been a massive commercial success, selling millions of copies and proving that there is a massive appetite for high-quality, single-player RPGs that are willing to take risks and push the boundaries of what is possible. While the game did have some bugs at launch, Larian’s commitment to post-launch support, with a variety of bug fixes and new content, has been exemplary. For fans of classic RPGs, Dungeons & Dragons, or just anyone who loves a good story, Baldur’s Gate 3 is a game that is an absolute must-play. It is a landmark achievement, and it sets a new bar for every RPG that comes after it. So, gather your party and venture forth; the rumours are true, and this is a really, really good RPG.