Baldur's Gate 3

97%
Game Brain Score Based on 708,190 reviews
  • story
  • gameplay
  • graphics
Baldur's Gate 3 Game Cover
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In Baldur's Gate 3, players embark on a journey through the ruined city of Baldur's Gate and beyond. With a focus on character development and party-based combat, players engage in strategic battles, interact with a rich cast of characters, and navigate a complex narrative filled with moral dilemmas. The game utilizes a real-time with pause combat system and is set in the popular Dungeons & Dragons tabletop role-playing game universe.

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Game Brain Reviews

Baldur's Gate 3 - The Crown Jewel of the RPG Genre

As someone who's never played a Baldur's Gate game before and isn't a fan of turn-based combat, I was reluctant to buy the latest Baldur's Gate game. That could have been one of my biggest mistakes as a gamer. Of course, some familiarity with the previous Baldur's Gate games could have made the experience a little better due to a few recurring characters from the older games and a better understanding of the lore; nevertheless, this is in no way a prerequisite for an enjoyable experience.

As in many RPGs, you get to pick your character in Baldur's Gate 3 before starting the actual gameplay. Here you can either choose an origin character, which has been predefined by the game developers, or you can create your own custom hero. Since you'll get to meet and control all of the origin characters in the game anyway, creating a custom character will be the choice for many players. Here you get to pick one of the 11 races, 12 classes, and 12 backgrounds — plenty of choice for any playstyle you prefer. For indecisive players like me, the diverse party members you meet later in the game provide a perfect opportunity to experience different playstyles.

Once you've created your character, you'll get a first glimpse into the game's story in a short cinematic sequence. Immediately after, you are thrown into the first combat of the game. This serves as a tutorial introducing you to the basic mechanics of the game. The turn-based combat system is one of the highlights of the game; it's challenging just enough to require you to have a balanced party and think about your character's and party members' skills and equipment, but not to be frustrating. Taking advantage of the environment within the combat by destroying barrels with flammable liquid and igniting it, getting to higher areas to get a higher probability of hitting the target, and so on, is a necessity (except if you're playing on the lowest difficulty setting, of course). You'll also get to control all of your party members in the fights against various enemies like goblins, bandits, or demons, so if you couldn't decide whether to play as a barbarian or a mage, you'll get the chance to play as both.

Speaking about the members of your party, they're all memorable characters with an interesting backstory that you'll get to explore through well-written and engaging side quests. Your party can include up to three companions out of the many playable allies you'll get to meet at various points in the game. You can always decide to swap them out in the camp to get a different build for your next exploration or fight. You'll get to meet the most interesting and notable characters, like cleric Shadowheart, the daughter of darkness, or Lae'zel, the githyanki warrior, very early in the game, and they're all a vital part of the story.

With Baldur's Gate 3 being a D&D game at its core, most of your success in combat, dialogs, pickpocketing, and other activities is decided by a roll of a dice for which you gain an advantage or a disadvantage based on your skill modifier. That's again where your companions come into play. Does your hero lack some charisma? Use a companion to talk yourself out of a fight. Is your hero not really agile? Use another companion to pick a lock.

The story of Baldur's Gate 3 is split into three acts, which all build on top of each other and will take you to diverse and colorful environments. The story revolves around curing a parasite that's threatening your very existence — that's all the detail I will go into in this review, not to spoil the fun for you. The story is well-written and never gets boring; your choices will notably impact the game's outcome. And if you're curious, yes, you can run into a game-over screen quite early in the game.

The graphics of the game are maybe not the most impressive from a technical standpoint, but the level of detail in all the different environments is breathtaking and helps paint the picture of a vast fantasy world. And don't get me wrong, Baldur's Gate 3 looks really good. All of the stunning visuals are supported by an amazing soundtrack, which is really the last piece of the puzzle for you to feel drawn into the game.

Verdict 100%

Baldur's Gate 3 delivers one of the most memorable storylines of the RPG genre — the last fantasy RPG that got me as engaged as this game is The Witcher 3, and that's been a while. Its minor flaws are easily forgiven thanks to the engaging game mechanics, well-written dialogs, and fun, complex combat system. If you're a fan of fantasy RPGs, Baldur's Gate 3 is an absolute must-play, offering an unforgettable adventure that stands out in the genre.

  • Well-written and engaging storyline including side-quests
  • Memorable characters
  • Fun and complex combat system
  • Supports any playstyle you can think of
  • Some quests become inaccessible after completing other quests, which isn't always obvious. Greater clarity in quest dependencies would have helped avoid my only point of frustration with the game.
- Jaro from Game Brain

Reviews

97%
Audience ScoreBased on 708,190 reviews
story54,233 positive mentions
stability11,476 negative mentions
  • story121,019 mentions

    The story of Baldur's Gate 3 is widely praised for its depth, complexity, and the significant impact of player choices on the narrative. Players appreciate the rich character development, engaging side quests, and the intricate intertwining of personal stories with the main plot, making each playthrough feel unique. However, some critiques mention pacing issues, particularly in the third act, and occasional bugs that can disrupt the storytelling experience. Overall, the game is celebrated as a masterclass in RPG storytelling, offering a captivating journey through a richly crafted world.

    • “One of my favorite games of all time, I like how every decision you make has a big impact on the story.”
    • “The attention to detail is out of this world, and you can feel every ounce of love the devs put into the world and story being told.”
    • “The story is rich, branching, and full of complex characters and intriguing plotlines.”
    • “I know there's a lot of content so the devs had to cut where they could, but there are entire quest lines that remain completely unfinishable whereas random NPCs have these crazy big side quests that accomplish absolutely nothing.”
    • “Doesn't matter what you choose, what ability checks you make, what places you go first or last - the game has a linear railroad path and if you don't follow it you get nonsensical dialogue or story choices assuming you took the prelaid path.”
    • “The story is a boring snoozefest.”
  • gameplay43,633 mentions

    The gameplay of Baldur's Gate 3 has received widespread acclaim for its deep and engaging mechanics, which effectively adapt Dungeons & Dragons 5th Edition rules into a video game format. Players appreciate the strategic turn-based combat, the variety of character customization options, and the significant impact of choices on the narrative, although some newcomers may find the learning curve steep and the mechanics initially overwhelming. While the game excels in storytelling and character development, it is not without its flaws, including occasional bugs and a reliance on dice rolls that can frustrate players. Overall, it offers a rich, immersive experience that encourages exploration and replayability.

    • “The gameplay mechanics are both intuitive and deep, offering a perfect blend of strategy and action.”
    • “The gameplay is tons of fun; you can easily get three playthroughs (each ~60-100 hours) in and still discover and try new things in every run.”
    • “The game's integration of Dungeons & Dragons mechanics ensures that each battle is a blend of strategy and excitement, allowing for a variety of playstyles.”
    • “The gameplay is extremely tedious and frustrating.”
    • “The game autosaves very rarely, and if you forget to press F5, you can lose hours of gameplay, which happened to me.”
    • “The gameplay is slow, confusing, unforgiving, bloated, and is so heavily relying on RNG it doesn't feel like I'm in control of anything at all.”
  • graphics26,657 mentions

    The graphics in Baldur's Gate 3 have received widespread acclaim for their stunning visuals and meticulous attention to detail, bringing the game's rich environments and characters to life. Many players highlight the game's ability to maintain high graphical fidelity even on lower-end systems, although some have noted performance issues and graphical glitches, particularly in later acts. Overall, the game's graphics are considered a significant strength, enhancing the immersive storytelling and gameplay experience.

    • “The graphics and design are absolutely stunning, the story is really good, every NPC is voiced, the music slaps, and the gameplay allows for diverse and fun builds.”
    • “The game’s high-fidelity graphics and detailed environments bring the Forgotten Realms to life in vivid detail.”
    • “From the very start, Baldur's Gate 3 grabs your attention with its breathtaking visuals and atmospheric design.”
    • “The highest custom graphics preset delivers gummy visuals with no iconic designs; the art style is inconsistent.”
    • “The graphics are so blurry and full of graphical glitches, and it's too hard to see anything on the screen.”
    • “The baseline graphics and models are not anything special compared to Elder Scrolls Online or literally any other modern fantasy MMO/RPG, and the dialogue genuinely feels like it was written by AI sometimes.”
  • stability12,216 mentions

    The stability of Baldur's Gate 3 has been a significant point of contention among players, with many reporting a plethora of bugs and glitches, particularly in the later acts. While the first act is generally praised for its polish, players have noted that acts two and three are riddled with issues that can disrupt gameplay, including quest-breaking bugs, graphical glitches, and performance drops. Despite these challenges, many players express a willingness to overlook the bugs due to the game's engaging story and gameplay, with hopes that ongoing patches will address the stability issues.

    • “It also runs great on a new-ish Mac; forget the PC supremacy bit... Larian clearly wrote the game properly with Metal etc., and you can play this game on ultra settings and it's smooth on a MacBook Pro.”
    • “Massive respect for Larian Studios for making sure they release a finished and virtually bug-free product to their consumers.”
    • “It's a modern AAA game that's fully finished, not buggy at all, doesn't contain microtransactions of any sort, looks amazing and runs smooth as butter.”
    • “The game is a buggy mess.”
    • “Act 3 is a buggy mess and unfinished with some quests breaking and some just ending.”
    • “It's buggy as hell, i've never played a game with so many bugs.”
    • “Act 3 is extremely buggy and clearly unfinished.”
    • “The game is buggy, the very first act was seamless, but in the second i started to had issues with strange mission states, game not registering mission progression or having item, invisible npc that appeared only in cutscenes etc.”
  • music11,376 mentions

    The music in "Baldur's Gate 3" has received widespread acclaim for its captivating and immersive quality, enhancing the overall gaming experience. Composed by Borislav Slavov, the soundtrack features a mix of atmospheric melodies and dynamic battle themes, with standout moments such as the boss fight music where the antagonist sings their own theme, creating memorable and emotional scenes. While some players noted occasional repetitiveness in the tracks, the majority found the music to be a highlight, contributing significantly to the game's rich storytelling and immersive world.

    • “Coupled with an evocative soundtrack and immersive sound effects, the game creates an atmosphere that pulls you in and doesn’t let go.”
    • “The music score hit the nail on the head with this game.”
    • “The soundtrack is a symphony of orchestral scores and ambient sounds that immerse you in the world.”
    • “The music is so bland and generic that I don't even hear it.”
    • “The music in this game has some very catchy and well made music, especially for relaxing moments and important act bosses or story enemies.”
    • “The soundtrack is uneven, ranging from boring generic orchestral soundtrack to slapping the heck out my kobold brain.”
  • replayability10,038 mentions

    Baldur's Gate 3 is widely praised for its exceptional replayability, with players highlighting the significant impact of choices on the narrative and gameplay. The game offers a vast array of character classes, races, and story paths, ensuring that no two playthroughs are alike, which encourages multiple runs to explore different outcomes and experiences. Many reviewers note that the depth of player agency and the intricate storytelling contribute to a nearly infinite replay value, making it a standout title in the RPG genre.

    • “I appreciate that your choices actually do matter and make for great replay value.”
    • “This not only enhances replayability but also makes every choice feel significant, contributing to a deeply personalized experience.”
    • “The sheer amount of strategic decisions and pathways you can take is like no other game I've ever played and adds insane replay value.”
    • “The replayability is nearly infinite.”
    • “The replay value of this game is absolutely gargantuan, because there are different routes, quest outcomes and small details that carry changes through the rest of the game.”
    • “The sheer amount of freedom the game gives you will allow so much replayability that the game earns every cent that you paid for it over and over and over again.”
  • optimization7,099 mentions

    The optimization of Baldur's Gate 3 has received mixed reviews, with many players praising its performance on lower-end systems and the variety of optimization options available. However, significant performance issues, particularly in Act 3, have been widely reported, including stuttering, frame rate drops, and bugs that disrupt gameplay. While the developers have been proactive in releasing patches to address these issues, many players still find the game's performance lacking, especially in densely populated areas.

    • “Tons of optimization options to help the game run better on weaker systems and computers.”
    • “Even on a slightly lower graphic setting the game looks amazing and runs smoothly.”
    • “But overall this game is very well optimized.”
    • “I cannot recommend this game due to the serious performance issues and bugs I have experienced.”
    • “In act 3 the stuttering and freezes returned, now even worse, and I have yet to find a solution to this.”
    • “The optimization issues persist throughout, and act 3 feels rushed and underdeveloped compared to the earlier acts.”
  • humor5,868 mentions

    The humor in Baldur's Gate 3 is a standout feature, with players frequently praising its witty dialogue, unexpected comedic moments, and the ability to create hilarious scenarios through gameplay mechanics. Many reviews highlight the game's blend of dark humor and lightheartedness, often resulting in laugh-out-loud situations, especially during multiplayer sessions with friends. While some players find certain jokes and scenarios to be juvenile or forced, the overall consensus is that the humor enhances the immersive experience, making it feel like a true Dungeons & Dragons adventure.

    • “The relentless amorous assault of all the male characters on my dwarf character was not desired but hilarious and thoroughly entertaining.”
    • “What I was not expecting, however, was to spend the first 30 minutes of my gameplay in the character creation menu laughing at how my half-orc's big meaty dick flopped around when I rotated the character.”
    • “The amount of funny experiences you have through your playthrough are endless especially with friends.”
    • “Your ability to actually role-play is as limited as it was in older computer RPGs except that now your companions are mostly just unfunny, obnoxious, and/or pricks.”
    • “I find Larian's sense of humor unfunny, their side characters irritating, and their approach to environments and environmental damage to be immersion breaking.”
    • “The story is not immersive, the NPCs are basic, boring attempts to emulate other better games (and failing), with unfunny humor and mostly unrealistic behavior.”
  • monetization4,828 mentions

    Baldur's Gate 3 has been widely praised for its monetization model, which is characterized by the complete absence of microtransactions, in-game purchases, and additional paid content. Reviewers appreciate that the game offers a full experience upon purchase, without the typical pitfalls of modern gaming such as paywalls, battle passes, or DLCs, making it a refreshing change in an industry often criticized for exploitative practices. This commitment to delivering a complete and polished product has resonated with players, reinforcing the notion that quality gaming experiences can be achieved without resorting to aggressive monetization strategies.

    • “The game was released basically finished, no DLC, no extra monetization, and they appear to deeply care about the content.”
    • “If Larian could pull off such a masterpiece and still turn millions of profit without microtransactions and DLCs, other studios can do the same.”
    • “Baldur's Gate III winning Game of the Year in 2023 is a testament that gamers just want fun, complete experiences that respect their time and don't try to exploit their wallets with loot boxes, season passes, and cash grab microtransactions.”
    • “In a world where the video game industry has become hyper-focused on pushing out half-finished games & monetization, BG3 is a breath of fresh air.”
    • “This game is a shining beacon of hope in a dystopian world mired by microtransactions, greed, DRM, and anti-consumer practices.”
  • emotional3,854 mentions

    The emotional aspect of "Baldur's Gate 3" has been overwhelmingly praised by players, who describe it as a profound and immersive experience that evokes a wide range of feelings, from joy to heartbreak. Many players report forming deep emotional attachments to the characters and their stories, often shedding tears during pivotal moments and endings. The game's well-crafted narrative, exceptional voice acting, and the ability to make meaningful choices contribute to a rich emotional landscape that resonates with both long-time fans of the series and newcomers alike.

    • “This game has enlightened my life and also made me cry more than I can say with pride.”
    • “The well-written characters and their personal stories add emotional depth, making each interaction and decision feel consequential.”
    • “This is not just a game, it is an adventure, it is an emotional rollercoaster.”
    • “Boring story premise in a world of boring, unlikable characters.”
    • “No reward for your actions, very little character progression, boring story.”
    • “Dull characters, boring storyline, shitty and punitive game mechanics.”
  • character development3,216 mentions

    Character development in Baldur's Gate 3 is widely praised for its depth and nuance, with players noting that choices significantly impact the narrative and relationships with companions. The game features a diverse cast, each with unique backstories and character arcs that evolve based on player interactions, enhancing emotional engagement. While some critiques mention inconsistencies and a lack of depth in certain characters, the overall consensus highlights the game's exceptional storytelling and character development as standout features, making it a compelling experience for RPG enthusiasts.

    • “The character development is rich and nuanced, with each choice you make having a meaningful impact on the narrative and world around you.”
    • “The rich storytelling, perfect character development, and the unforgettable companions who fought alongside me in the story, as well as the diverse people living in Faerûn, will always stay with me.”
    • “The game excels in character development, offering richly written arcs that evolve throughout the journey.”
    • “However does not detract from the overall character development itself, it just felt rushed and I was like 'ok... that was weird'.”
    • “The character development is as good or as bad as you choose to make it; if you ignore companions, they will make decisions you will usually hate; if you invest time into them, the game will reward you with amazing narratives and choices to make.”
    • “The character development felt almost nonexistent for your companions, when it had been so rich earlier in the game.”
  • grinding2,812 mentions

    The aspect of "grinding" in Baldur's Gate 3 has received overwhelmingly negative feedback, with many players describing the gameplay as tedious and slow. While some appreciate the lack of traditional grinding mechanics, they still find the turn-based combat and inventory management to be cumbersome and time-consuming, leading to a frustrating experience. Overall, players express a desire for more streamlined systems to reduce the tediousness of combat and inventory management, which detracts from the enjoyment of the game's story and exploration.

    • “No grinding involved, so all the playtime is actually playing.”
    • “What I love the most is that this game is pretty chill and there's no grinding.”
    • “The quests are not grinding in nature; each quest (and side quest) has a meaningful story, and you can see the contribution you make to advancing the story by completing them.”
    • “Slow and boring gameplay, tedious puzzles overshadow an interesting world and story.”
    • “From every perspective of the game, it is mechanically buggy, with boring and inconsequential storylines - and very, very tedious.”
    • “The combat system is sluggish and unbalanced, making each encounter a tedious chore rather than an exciting challenge.”
  • atmosphere1,618 mentions

    The atmosphere in "Baldur's Gate 3" is widely praised for its immersive quality, enhanced by stunning visuals, dynamic lighting, and a hauntingly beautiful soundtrack that captures the essence of the Dungeons & Dragons universe. Players appreciate the meticulous attention to detail in character design and environmental storytelling, which collectively create a rich, engaging world that invites exploration and emotional investment. However, some critiques mention that certain gameplay elements can disrupt immersion, and there are mixed feelings about the atmosphere's consistency across different acts.

    • “Coupled with an evocative soundtrack and immersive sound effects, the game creates an atmosphere that pulls you in and doesn’t let go.”
    • “From the meticulously crafted character models to the breathtaking landscapes and spell effects, every visual element contributes to the game's immersive atmosphere.”
    • “The lush environments, meticulously crafted character models, and atmospheric soundtrack work in harmony to create an immersive fantasy experience that is as visually stunning as it is engrossing.”
    • “As much as I want to give this game a thumbs up, I cannot bring myself to do so because of the constant game flow interrupting dice throws that are breaking any tension, immersion, or atmosphere that the devs so desperately tried to create.”
    • “Just kills the atmosphere; this isn't D&D to me.”
    • “The atmosphere and music are really average.”
Positive mentions (%)Positive
Neutral mentions (%)Neutral
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Critic Reviews

97% average critic score

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Play time

73hMedian play time
118hAverage play time
20-175hSpent by most gamers
*Based on 5,318 analyzed playthroughs

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