There are hefty penalties to being in melee combat with a ranged weapon, so it's handy for your archer to have proficiency in swords so you can switch out as necessary.
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Baldur's Gate I & II: Enhanced Editions |OT| You must click this thread to venture forth.
- Thread starter Hostile_18
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There are hefty penalties to being in melee combat with a ranged weapon, so it's handy for your archer to have proficiency in swords so you can switch out as necessary.
anthraticus
Banned
Longswords are reasonably common, so that's never a bad choice.
Nymphae
Banned
EviLore
anthraticus
, please help me spend these skill points so I can start this damn game lol.4 available, I put 2 in Longbow, and have 2 remaining. I will go with Longswords for my alternate weapon.
From here I'm confused about what is optimal, putting the remaining 2 points into Longswords? Or is it better to put points into one of the styles? Like Archer gets an automatic 2 points in Two Weapon Style, which from what I'm reading removes the penalties from using Longswords without having any specialization in them, correct? So I'm thinking if I'm an archer who's more concerned with defense and getting back to archery and only using the sword in emergencies, the points would be better spent on what, the Single Weapon Style which appears to give a boost to my AC?
Hostile_18
Banned
I really wouldn't worry about having the optimum build too much. People do all sorts of characters (I didn't even know about the character rolls changing when I created my character).
I wouldn't try to be proficient in two weapon types though, be a specialist in one. My main is a tank, duel sword wielder.
In my party I like to have a mage, a archer/thief that hang back and three or four tanks.
I wouldn't try to be proficient in two weapon types though, be a specialist in one. My main is a tank, duel sword wielder.
In my party I like to have a mage, a archer/thief that hang back and three or four tanks.
ClanOfNone
Member
Specializing in the longbow will make you a murder machine once you gain a few levels. Only fighters get weapon specialization, but it is so worth it.
anthraticus
Banned
4 available, I put 2 in Longbow, and have 2 remaining. I will go with Longswords for my alternate weapon.
From here I'm confused about what is optimal, putting the remaining 2 points into Longswords? Or is it better to put points into one of the styles? Like Archer gets an automatic 2 points in Two Weapon Style, which from what I'm reading removes the penalties from using Longswords without having any specialization in them, correct? So I'm thinking if I'm an archer who's more concerned with defense and getting back to archery and only using the sword in emergencies, the points would be better spent on what, the Single Weapon Style which appears to give a boost to my AC?
Exactly this. It's not like these are extremely difficult games or anything.... especially if you're not playing with mods like sword coast stratagems, ect..
You'll be fine....just build your character how you envision them/want to enjoy them when it comes to the finer customization options like that. And don't forget to turn that auto pause at the end of each characters round on in the options.
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Nymphae
Banned
Enjoying it a lot so far, it obviously looks a little dated but I find the overall look very appealing regardless. But other than that it doesn't really feel overly dated, the PS4 controls are pretty comfy.
I did all that agonizing over my character for the tutorial, and then when it came time to play the actual game, it makes you restart the character creation process
which was fine because I wanted to rename my character and change the alignment anyway, ended up getting a better roll for my stats.
Looking forward to sinking my teeth in further, I just walked around the map you start in and did the basic sidequests available, saved before heading into the castle in the centre to start the adventure. Digging it. Playing it on Normal because that's what it was defaulted to, and I don't know enough about D&D to move up to core rules, I wouldn't mind just enjoying the game without getting my ass beat just because I'm not hardcore enough about D&D.
I did all that agonizing over my character for the tutorial, and then when it came time to play the actual game, it makes you restart the character creation process
which was fine because I wanted to rename my character and change the alignment anyway, ended up getting a better roll for my stats.Looking forward to sinking my teeth in further, I just walked around the map you start in and did the basic sidequests available, saved before heading into the castle in the centre to start the adventure. Digging it. Playing it on Normal because that's what it was defaulted to, and I don't know enough about D&D to move up to core rules, I wouldn't mind just enjoying the game without getting my ass beat just because I'm not hardcore enough about D&D.
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Hostile_18
Banned
Enjoying it a lot so far, it obviously looks a little dated but I find the overall look very appealing regardless. But other than that it doesn't really feel overly dated, the PS4 controls are pretty comfy.
I did all that agonizing over my character for the tutorial, and then when it came time to play the actual game, it makes you restart the character creation process
Looking forward to sinking my teeth in further, I just walked around the map you start in and did the basic sidequests available, saved before heading into the castle in the centre to start the adventure. Digging it. Playing it on Normal because that's what it was defaulted to, and I don't know enough about D&D to move up to core rules, I wouldn't mind just enjoying the game without getting my ass beat just because I'm not hardcore enough about D&D.
I'm so glad you like it now, because it only gets better and better. Your in for an amazing treat, hundreds of hours of quality content.
Keep us updated! I'm still enjoying my 1st playthrough of the new expansion. Liking it a lot so far. Its nice to just play this more relaxing kind of game.
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Nemesisuuu
Member
Enjoy! Phenomenal games.Enjoying it a lot so far, it obviously looks a little dated but I find the overall look very appealing regardless. But other than that it doesn't really feel overly dated, the PS4 controls are pretty comfy.
I did all that agonizing over my character for the tutorial, and then when it came time to play the actual game, it makes you restart the character creation process
Looking forward to sinking my teeth in further, I just walked around the map you start in and did the basic sidequests available, saved before heading into the castle in the centre to start the adventure. Digging it. Playing it on Normal because that's what it was defaulted to, and I don't know enough about D&D to move up to core rules, I wouldn't mind just enjoying the game without getting my ass beat just because I'm not hardcore enough about D&D.
Still hoping for some kind of remastered Fallout 1&2, but Bethesda, eh.
Nymphae
Banned
Yeah those games with similar controls for consoles would be really appreciated.
What do you guys recommend for further stuff beyond these two games? I wouldn't mind Planescape, might try that. But also been looking at Divinity and Pillars of Eternity 1 & 2 today, didn't even know those existed I thought these types of games stopped being made in the 90's lol.
diffusionx
Gold Member
Icewind Dale, Temple of Elemental Evil, and Arcanum.
Nymphae
Banned
Icewind Dale sounds like I would never get past character creation since you have to create a whole party from scratch right off the bat, and I read it was a little less narrative focused which doesn't appeal to me as much. Will look into those other titles though thank you!
ClanOfNone
Member
The Icewind Dale games are both great, but they are much more dungeon crawly. They are pretty linear experiences, the cool thing is going from level one peons to level 20 gods in one game. No party banter/storylines is really my biggest beef with them.
Hostile_18
Banned
Nymphae
how are you getting on with the game?I'm absolutely loving Siege of Dragonspear. It's so strange having new story content after so long. The new characters were harder to get to grips with but about 10 hours in I now have a party I'm really happy with. Honestly this is some of the most fun I've had game wise all year, the only annoying thing is having to resurrect characters and put back all their inventory individually. I've just learnt the resurrection spell though so that's going to help alot.
I like the characters they added in Baldurs Gate 1 enhanced edition are in the new expansion. Makes it feel alot more consistent. It's a nice touch you say whether you knew them before or not "hey didn't you kill me once"
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Nymphae
Banned
Haven't played a ton really but still enjoying it, got over the initial hump though. I'm currently wandering around Nashkel, still feeling my way around the game. I just completed a quest where I recruited that Minsc fellow and we rescued some chick from a Gnoll stronghold. It still feels like there's a ton of knowledge that I'm lacking but it's been great so far. I ended up buying the Planescape/IWD package for PS4 as well though I suspect it'll be some time before I get around to it.
Evil Calvin
Afraid of Boobs
Divinity Original Sin 2 is a GREAT upated take on those types of games.
Nymphae
Banned
Is the first one not worth checking out? I always see references to #2. And how is the Pillars of Eternity series?
Hostile_18
Banned
It's a bit like Civilisation in terms of depth. It's there if you want it but it's not necessary to enjoy the experience.
Here's a few tips re: the console version.
1: Hold X to scan the area for hidden loot/characters of interest in crowds.
2: Left trigger and Square to turn on/off AI. "Off" to kite enemies away from their group, "On" to get your mages using magic while your in the thick of it.
3: Short cut your most used spells to each mage.
4: Equip the boots of speed on the main character when you get it as with the new control scheme your whole party effectively has them when exploring.
Hostile_18
Banned
I liked Pillars and Divinity but they are no Baldur's Gate IMO. These games are so big I'd play the best first and see if your still hungry for more.
I do want to get round to Pillars 2 and Planescape myself eventually... just don't rush the main course
Evil Calvin
Afraid of Boobs
Divinity:OS2 is much better and bigger than the first one. Much more refined. Pillars of Eternity is good but I think D:OS2 is much better.
Nemesisuuu
Member
Agreed. I played first POE and it was awesome to have a game like that after that long, but it certainly isn't BG. I enjoyed it, but some things annoyed me. Still, I'd rate it fairly high, 8.5, maybe even 9. That huge dungeon is quite memorable.I liked Pillars and Divinity but they are no Baldur's Gate IMO. These games are so big I'd play the best first and see if your still hungry for more.
I do want to get round to Pillars 2 and Planescape myself eventually... just don't rush the main course
Hostile_18
Banned
Jahira has been Feebleminded. I can't get her to move at all 
What do I do? Lol.
What do I do? Lol.
Nymphae
Banned
Hostile_18
So I'm further along now and really enjoying this a lot, my only issue is feeling uncertain of exactly how to level my characters and not knowing where to place proficiency points and such.Like I just reached level 4 with Imoen and I don't know where I should be giving her this proficiency point. My main character is an Archer and I have him using long bows, Imoen is currently using short bows, but I can't level that up any further for her? She only gets one point in that? I don't use melee weapons with her really (see below, not sure if this is a mistake or not), so I was thinking of giving her Crossbow points, but I skimmed some stuff online and most people agree crossbows are not the greatest in this game? Need some help with how I should direct her points.
Also, is there some trick to having characters switch weapons as needed or do I need to do this all manually? Like if some enemies roll up on me and my archers are in the thick of it instead of far away, do I have to manually go into the inventory and select melee weapons for the duration of the fight, and switch back afterwards? I'm really confused about how the party AI works and what sorts of things are done automatically.
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Hostile_18
Banned
Like I just reached level 4 with Imoen and I don't know where I should be giving her this proficiency point. My main character is an Archer and I have him using long bows, Imoen is currently using short bows, but I can't level that up any further for her? She only gets one point in that? I don't use melee weapons with her really (see below, not sure if this is a mistake or not), so I was thinking of giving her Crossbow points, but I skimmed some stuff online and most people agree crossbows are not the greatest in this game? Need some help with how I should direct her points.
Also, is there some trick to having characters switch weapons as needed or do I need to do this all manually? Like if some enemies roll up on me and my archers are in the thick of it instead of far away, do I have to manually go into the inventory and select melee weapons for the duration of the fight, and switch back afterwards? I'm really confused about how the party AI works and what sorts of things are done automatically.
Imoen wise I'm not really sure with your main character been an archer as well. If she only has one point though on her current skill it shouldn't be hard to change it up to whatever you want her to use. Skill wise I personally always focus on one element. So say one character for detecting traps, another for lock picking etc.
Party AI can be turned on and off. Left trigger then square I believe. With on they switch weapons when needed and cast magic etc where it makes sense to, auto heal etc. Sometimes you need it off though. Say when your mages are casting large area of effect fire balls and you don't want your other characters running right into the killzone. Also it's better off when your trying to lure enemies away from the pack.
Just finished Siege of Dragon Spear last night. Loved it, but hard to lower the difficulty from Core rules to Normal as it had an arbitrary rule where only +3 weapons would hurt the final boss, so that sucked a little. But that been said started number 2 now and decided to stick with Normal. Just a little more easier going.
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Nymphae
Banned
Thank you! I will experiment a bit more.
Nymphae
Banned
Absolutely loving this so far and I'm only on Chapter 4. Not sure how long it goes on for but it seems like I've barely started the journey yet I've sunk a ton of hours into it already. Still have the expansion and the sequel and it's expansions to go, this package is a crazy good deal.
Once you get the hang of the controls, it's snappy as fuck and feels fantastic. It's a shame this style of game fell out of fashion somewhat.
Once you get the hang of the controls, it's snappy as fuck and feels fantastic. It's a shame this style of game fell out of fashion somewhat.
Belmonte
Member
Yes, to me the first D:OS is the best one. Loved the game. It doesn't have the armor mechanic (which makes you deplete a bar first to be able to deplete health and get status effects) and the elemental effects are not so overblown as DOS2.
Nymphae
Banned
I may look into getting that as well then!
As for this Baldur's Gate collection, the only real complaint I have is that you need to hit the pause button a lot, and after all these years I've never become accustomed to hitting the Options button on a DS4, it's horrible. They really should have swapped the functions of the Save game screen and the Pause/Unpause buttons, I'd so much rather hit the touchpad to unpause combat, but it's a relatively minor complaint.