Now here is a game that you probably weren't expecting, Baldur's Gate & Baldur's Gate 2. It was something I randomly picked off the shelf while browsing a game store, so very long ago. This game single handedly changed the way I would play video games forever. Offering an immense world to explore with an unbelievably deep story and unforgettable characters. It gripped me by the hand and stole away those long months of summer vacation. It became my all time favorite strategy and tactics game.
Baldur's Gate hit a gaming chords that I didn't even know existed. I'll hit on the major points that are now shaping some of the mechanics of Warlord, but know that there are plenty other reasons to play this game.
The ability to customize your character into something to call your own and the ability to add and remove members of your party, creating a unique group everytime you played, was all new to me. I would weigh the pros and cons of each character's class and personality, building out the perfect party to tackle the game. Reading through the dozens of spells, picking the the right party member to fill out the role that I'm missing. The numbers game is something D&D does well, and the game taught me what a min maxing bastard I could become.
The depth of combat was nothing like I've ever seen. The strategies a player used were completely based on how you wanted to form your party and what you enjoyed doing. I could gear up some warriors with a druid, a priest, and mage to boost their offensive and defensive powers then crush every kobold I find. Or I could use the same warriors as a wall to protect my squishy mages and slow down the enemies with web and grease, then blast them into ash with explosive death. I enjoyed a lot of explosive death, and it's something that Warlord will feature plenty of.
A group of characters could be choosen that fit your personality. If you're a nice person and you wanted to do the right thing, there was a group of digital friends you could adventure along with. If you wanted to murder the innocent peasents, there were some crazed bastards that would love you for it. Many actions had consequences, and the encouragement or dissaproval of party members made me think differently than usual.
The last thing I want to cover are the astounding locations. Every single new icon on the games global map was full of amazing and new locations. I want to end this post with some of these locations, and I want everyone to think about what it's going to be like to wage all out war on such a map, because that's our goal.
Gnoll Strong Hold:
Baldur's Gate:
Windspear Hills:
Ust'Natha
Brynnlaw
Umar Hills
