So, you think that because you have played the Mages, Warlocks, Druids, Warriors or even Priests in other video games or MMOs before, that makes ready to roll into Baldur’s Gate 3 and just dominate? Bahahahaaaaa!

I’ll admit it’s been 40 years since I’ve rolled actual game dice. But I’ve played much more than my share of video games that were either D&D themed, fantasy, turn based and just general RPG. Enough to have at least passible knowledge of the “official” Dungeons and Dragons
But Baldur’s Gate 3 is a whole other level of game.

I was unprepared for BG3. I really was. Sure I watched some clips, seen reviews, but for some reason I just wasn’t intrigued.
I am years and years and years into ESO and Warcrafts, so another game with years and years and years of lore just didn’t seem like something I wanted to start.

But I finally broke down to try it out. And I was completely lost. No other way to explain it.
The game just plops you in. Little if any tutorial or premise. Just learn as you go. Like you are supposed to already know why you are here and how things work. I know I’ve played quite a few games that do this, but this one takes it to the next level.

I guess when you specifically put that 3 in the name, you are letting everyone know that yes, this is a continuation or sequel, not a beginning, so that does make sense.

The story.. well the beginning anyway, generally points you in the right direction, at first.. but very quickly backs away. Both in mechanics and story.

On the outside that sounds great. But if you are not up to date with the D&D world, or tabletop gaming, or turned based CRPG you may be in for culture shock.

I don’t know why I was expecting an Elder Scrolls Online type of game, but I was. And Ho Lee Chit was I mistaken. Lost. Frustrated.
I wasn’t used to having to actually plan stuff. To think about stuff.

I just wanted to just run in and light someone up, bash some skulls with a preplanned spell/skill rotation, knowing that everything I am doing is in the script and I can just blunder my way through the story and be just fine. Ah nope. Nope nope nope. I seriously considered just quitting.

Frustrating, but refreshing at the same time. I stuck around. And eventually I started figuring things out. It took weeks. Yes weeks, but I was getting the feel for mechanics now. Using strategy again. Learning enemies, using everything around you.

I think I have evolved a bit, or maybe just got back to reality because of Baldur’s Gate 3, and I’m still in act 1. I am about 100 hours in (a mere drop in the bucket I know) and am considering starting a new game now that I am familiar with the mechanics and interactions of class, skill and stats.

Because this game has went from utter confusion to one of the best gaming experiences ever, I 100% recommend this game to everyone.. whether or not you think it’s not for you. It will suck you in, make you think, even mess with your reasoning.

Do not wait. Go play this now. But strap in, because it’s a ride.