GAF Plays: Baldur's Gate Duology

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SquiddyCracker

Banned
Baldurs_Gate_stacked_logo_circa_Enhanced_Edition.png


In our quest to play all the games remotely related to the upcoming Project Eternity, we have so far finished Planescape: Torment and Arcanum: Of Steamworks and Magick Obscura.

Now it's time for one of the best CRPG games ever made - Baldur's Gate 1 and 2. Just like before, it's up to you whether or not you want to play both games, or just one of them (depending on when the last time you played them was).

The games

Baldur's Gate
Baldur's Gate: Tales of the Sword Coast
Baldur's Gate 2
Baldur's Gate 2: Throne of Bhaal

How to get started

As mentioned, you can either play each one of the games separately (if you for an example have a copy of the recently released BG: Enhanced Edition). If you got OG copies of the game, or the GOG versions then you can mod them as per the instructions below:

Baldur's Gate - Conservative Guide (original engine)

Highlights: FixPack v1.1, Text Update v1.1, Widescreen Mod, Unfinished Business, Mini Quests Mod, TweakPack, Herbs & Potions.
- Slowdown? Use the MS Application Compatibility Toolkit, works fullscreen and windowed. For help creating profiles, see here (1:45-3:00).
Or try: D3DWindower - Removes slowdown, may not be necessary. Setup help.
- Run config.exe (optional), change framerate/AI updates to 45 or 60 (i find 30 too slow, 60 too fast).

Baldur's Gate 2 Guide (also gives order to install)

Highlights: Ascension, Fix Pack, Spell Revisions, Item Revisions, Banter Pack, Unfinished Business, Dungeon-Be-Gone, Stratagems II, Widescreen Mod, TweakPack
- Slowdown? Use the MS Application Compatibility Toolkit, works fullscreen and windowed. For help creating profiles, see here (1:45-3:00).
Or try: D3DWindower - Removes slowdown, may not be necessary. Setup help.

If you're interested in playing all of the games, one after another, then install one of the following comprehensive mods (BGTutu puts BG1 in BG2's engine, and BGTrilogy turns it into one single game):

EasyTuTu (play BG1 in BG2's engine)
Install intructions & mod order (long)

Baldur's Gate Trilogy (BG1 & 2 merged in to single continuous gaming experience)Guide for installing w/ suggested mods

BiG World Project (installer to "automatically" setup BG1 & 2 using BGT as you see fit, many, many mods or very few)BiG World Manual

Tips & Tricks

The following might come in handy if you're unfamiliar with D&D mechanics, what character to create, or ever get stuck in the game:
http://www.pocketplane.net/volothamp/bgguide.htm

May you reach the baldur's gate in one piece.

baldurs-gate-skull.png
 
Sober said:
Holy crap, already? I haven't even gotten around to Arcanum yet!
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No problemos, you can do Arcanum now, and the BG games at some other time, or do Arcanum at the end of it all when we'll have run out of games to play and Project Eternity is still months away :p
 
I've played Baldur's Gate 2 but never the original. The timing isn't the best for me though, with SimCity and HotS coming out in the next couple weeks. I'll keep it in mind.
 
Felix Lighter said:
I've played Baldur's Gate 2 but never the original. The timing isn't the best for me though, with SimCity and HotS coming out in the next couple weeks. I'll keep it in mind.
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We'll keep this thread going for 2, maybe even 3, months as there's a lot to play. You're free to join us any time with BG1!

Remember to use spoiler-text people
something[/'spoiler].
 
I've already been playing these (via the trilogy mod) off and on for the past couple of months and am currently finishing up Throne. I'd already played 2 and Throne, but not 1 and Tales, so this was a semi-new experience for me. Anyway, it's great to see my character go from getting owned by bears and wolves to regularly beating down dragons and demons.
 
Was thinking about what to play even while i havent still finishe the latest Tomb Raider game. This is a great recommendation. I missed Baldur's Gate series as well. Gonna get a GoG copy when i get to home.

Also thanks for modding links, great.
 
I just started playing last weekend after I bought them from gog! Modded so I have 1 and 2 in one gigantic package! This is going to take me a while.
Just finished the mine.
 
Just bought Baldur's Gate: Enhanced Edition on Steam. I only played BG2 back in the day, so this is a first. I hope it hasn't aged too badly...
 
Might go back and finish that last run of BG1. I had an SCS + Insane game going a number of months back. Last thing I remember playing was the werewolf island where I finally had to drop the difficulty. I could take 2 or 3 of those werewolves, but I couldn't take a full 6 from each spawn point. That was just way too much damage for my level 5-6 party. Not enough HP to tank those bastards.
 
Been forever since I've attempted to play Baldur's Gate 1...game was very buggy so I hope they fixed that in the newer version.

I jumped to Icewind Dale instead and man these games are awesome T_T
 
Well, I found the time to start BG2 at least; not sure if people are still taking part in the let's play, though!

I haven't played it too far but it's a huge step above BG1 so far- the opening dungeon was great, reminding a bit of the first game's expansion content. And no wolves or Xvarts or identically-tiled-and-sized wilderness to be seen! Or dire wolves. Or vampire wolves. Or vampire wolves. Or werewolves. Or worgs or... god, did the original game have a hard on for wolves.

Probably the biggest improvement is the story- party members say stuff! Not far at all but the opening plot developments were a lot more intriguing than the entire doppelganger (or changelings, can't keep dnd shapechangers straight in my head) bollocks of 1.
 
Yeah, the difference in quality between the two games is staggering, and they weren't even released that far apart. <3 Chapter 2 <3
 
You know what sucks? The widescreen mod does NOT work on the original release of Baldur's Gate without the TOtSC expansion. That sucks. Unfortunately I didn't have it on GOG and recently managed to find an original '98 era copy lying around.

This is about the only game in Infinity Engine classics which doesn't work with it, however. And no, turning up the pathfinding to max barely helps the AI find its way around without constant miscalculations.

The original incarnation of this game is good, but fuck me it's tedious - and I had the patience to play Fallout recently too! The sequel and mods fixed so fucking much.

EDIT: Here's an example of pure hell: none of the districts are marked on your map of Baldur's Gate, you have no map notes which to add comments, and some of your quests are extremely vague on where to meet - they'll mention a certain specific person's house and you have to find that on your map, on your own, by hovering your cursor over every random door.

Old skewl to the max.
 
SquiddyBiscuit said:
I'm still playing, but still not far into game.
Trying to savour it as much as possible, but it is a tiny bit boring in the beginning :p
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I'm in Baldur's Gate and I can tell you that the story is still very dry.

The second game might've been a little more linear and theatrical, but it kept the player's interest much better and had far more interesting dungeons and quests. I'd give up forest-trawling in a heartbeat for the quality of sidequests BG2 bestows.

EDIT: I still subscribed, SB
 
Having never played any of the Baldurs Gate games what is the best approach? Enhanced edition of 1, or modding vanilla copies? Thanks
 
These keep calling me on gog, but which are better:
Baldurs Gate 1&2, or ice wind Dale 1&2?
Why?

Looking forward to maybe finally jumping in
 
vagabondarts said:
These keep calling me on gog, but which are better:
Baldurs Gate 1&2, or ice wind Dale 1&2?
Why?

Looking forward to maybe finally jumping in
Click to expand...

If you value story telling and that kind of stuff then Baldurs Gate by a huge margin. I am not nearly as well versed with IWD than Baldur's Gate but it is more about dungeon crawling and combat and BG is more about the whole role playing game experience.

If you are the type that skips cutscenes/dialogue then maybe IWD is more for you.

Having never played any of the Baldurs Gate games what is the best approach? Enhanced edition of 1, or modding vanilla copies? Thanks
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Depending how much you want to bother with modding. If it's a non issue for you then vanilla BG, if you just want to jump in then EE.
 
I used a mega mod tool that automatically downloads and install mods that fixes BG1/2, adds cut content, add new player-created content, and merge it together into one game experience.

http://www.shsforums.net/topic/53679-big-world-installbat-now-fully-compatible-with-the-gog-version/

Downside is that it's 20GB, and takes forever to download and install (and you might still encounter bugs). With the new enhanced edition, you're already set and with a pretty decent added functionality to the OG game in the form of enhanced UI, zoomability, and new classes/areas (albeit minor).

I'd say go with enhanced, and if you like it, buy OG BG2 from GOG and mod it up.
 
I just followed the install guide on GOG. Not sure what, if anything, is different between that and the big world install.

I think I am about half way through the main story in BG1.
I finished up the Nashkel Mines and just got back to Nashkel. I have been avoiding side quests for the most part because I keep dying. Maybe now I can go back and handle some of them.
 
SquiddyBiscuit said:
I used a mega mod tool that automatically downloads and install mods that fixes BG1/2, adds cut content, add new player-created content, and merge it together into one game experience.

http://www.shsforums.net/topic/53679-big-world-installbat-now-fully-compatible-with-the-gog-version/

Downside is that it's 20GB, and takes forever to download and install (and you might still encounter bugs). With the new enhanced edition, you're already set and with a pretty decent added functionality to the OG game in the form of enhanced UI, zoomability, and new classes/areas (albeit minor).

I'd say go with enhanced, and if you like it, buy OG BG2 from GOG and mod it up.
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Awesome thanks, I think this is the up to date versions of Big World - http://kerzenburg.baldurs-gate.eu/downloads.php?id=2
 
I'm basically just using the fix packs, Unfinished business, widescreen mod and the BGT merge mod for both the games. Just started at BG 1 the other day.
 
Starting a new game using BG1 with BGT. Gonna roll a Human Kensai/Mage. It'll be tough but it'll make BG2 even better.

I hear you can solo in this game. Is it true? Or at least finish the game without a full party. Does the game increase/decrease monsters/difficulty depending on how big your party is?
 
Going with BGT mod, first time playing any of the Baldur's gate games, though not entirely unfamiliar with the infinity engine as I've beaten Planescape: Torment back in 2010, and it became one of my favorite games of all time, as well as playing fallout 2 some years ago. However, while I am going to be starting at the same time as you guys, if I get sucked in to this game, I will be sucked the fuck in, and will most likely do nothing but play this game until it's beaten :P A good example would be when I played planescape over my winter break, I was glued to my computer the whole time until the credits rolled, so I'll probably go on far ahead of the rest of you.

Still, any common knowledge beginners tips I should know heading in? I have only barely just started the game, made a jester because bards are cool.
 
Already liking my new game much better than my old one. Much less frustrating than before. Here are my base stats:

Kensai
Str: 18
Dex: 18
Constitution: 8
Intelligence: 18
Wisdon: 18
Charisma: 3

Proficiencies:

Scimitars**
Two weapon style**

I ultimately want to dual class to a mage and have my main specialization be in Katana's, which is what I'll spend my last 3 proficiency points on by the time I get to lvl 9(or 2 in Katana's and 1 in blunt) Since there are no Katana's in the BG1 part of BGT there's no point in specializing in them at the start.

Before I couldn't do that much dmg as I placed my skill points in Katana's, while using a two handed sword. Of course I ended up not doing a lot of damage and just being a liability. Now I'm one shotting knolls and hob goblins. Of course it's just the beginning of the game, but I already like where this is going.
 
I never go into the first, but BG2 & TOB are one of my favorite games.

I'll never get around to replaying them unfortunately.
 
ced said:
I never go into the first, but BG2 & TOB are one of my favorite games.

I'll never get around to replaying them unfortunately.
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I was actually going to ask this. I tried Baldur's Gate 1 near the end of last year and didn't care for its interface or cast. Is it still worth checking out the sequel down the line or should I not bother in the case that these elements didn't change much?
 
Earthpainting said:
I was actually going to ask this. I tried Baldur's Gate 1 near the end of last year and didn't care for its interface or cast. Is it still worth checking out the sequel down the line or should I not bother in the case that these elements didn't change much?
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BG2 is a much better game.

If you download BGT you get BG1 in the BG2 engine, so you get the interface improvements that come with it. Plus it treats the BG saga as one entire game.
 
I've been playing Baldur's Gate Trilogy for a while now, currently 64 hours in (according to raptr) and in the second chapter of BG2. I miss the exploration from BG1, and it's kinda annoying that whenever I enter a new are, 20 people approach me to give me sidequests, I pick one of those and when doing any given sidequest, I'm constantly nabbed by my party members to do their quest instead.
Sidequests for the most part are quite interesting though.
 
Back to where I left off - Nashkel Mines. This time I'm ready for these fuckers though. My party is either lvl 3 or lvl 2(except Minsc who's about 50xp from lvl 2) plus I got some magical items in my party and no longer have useless mages who can't cast squat.

I will say, my experience with BG1 has been far more positive since I've started a new game. Loving it so far. It also helped that I finally read the manual for the game, heh.

I also had all my mages that I could recruit, killed or turned down(Edwin). Is that bad?
 
I'm finally moving on to Baldur's Gate(no tutu) today after finishing Arcanum. I've played BG1 before but never got that far from the Friendly Arm Inn because I had no idea what I was doing. I still don't know what I'm doing or understand the D&D rules but I hope this playthrough will fare better.
 
I finished the mine and then started exploring all the areas (at least those I can get to). Kinda getting bored with that, so I'll just get back to the main story. Minsc's comments are awesome though. Anyone know of a compiled list of them?
 
Coincidentally I'm just starting this up as well. Got the itch. Rolled a gnome fighter/illusionist, been having a blast so far. The game does have a lot of 'old school' sensibilities, especially since I don't have a cleric yet, but I'm loving it.

BG Tutu does help you early on though, especially since you can find find familiar and get gobs of hp (for a level 1 character). Makes up for the lack of armor.
 
Can I skip Baldurs Gate 1 and start with BG2 instead? That's the only BG game I have right now :P

Big thanks to Narag here on GAF for gifting me Baldurs Gate 2 in the first place!
 
Tomat said:
Can I skip Baldurs Gate 1 and start with BG2 instead? That's the only BG game I have right now :P
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Yes, you can but I recommend spending ten bucks on BG1 and play the series as one epic adventure.

I have a question with regards to something in chapter 2 in BG2
I found Valygar and he told me the story about his ancestor in the Planar Sphere. Do I need him to get to other planes, and is he worth replacing someone from my current crew, if only to get more interesting story in the Planar Sphere, then get back to my old crew? Or should I not bother with him at all?
 
szaromir said:
Yes, you can but I recommend spending ten bucks on BG1 and play the series as one epic adventure.

I have a question with regards to something in chapter 2 in BG2
I found Valygar and he told me the story about his ancestor in the Planar Sphere. Do I need him to get to other planes, and is he worth replacing someone from my current crew, if only to get more interesting story in the Planar Sphere, then get back to my old crew? Or should I not bother with him at all?
Click to expand...



The planar sphere is a pretty self-contained quest/adventure, so it doesn't have over-arching implications on what planes you can travel to later. That being said, I would recommend getting him in your party for at least the sphere and then swapping him back out later if you want. He's a pretty cool guy, but if I remember correctly in my last playthrough I ended up not using him because eventually him and Viconia come to blows and she was my main healer
 
Kimaka said:
I'm finally moving on to Baldur's Gate(no tutu) today after finishing Arcanum. I've played BG1 before but never got that far from the Friendly Arm Inn because I had no idea what I was doing. I still don't know what I'm doing or understand the D&D rules but I hope this playthrough will fare better.
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Learn from my mistakes and read the manual first above all else. You'll be glad you did. For me it made the game go from boring and frustrating, to fucking amazing. Dat autopause. Not to mention it makes you more hype to play the game once you finish it as it's a pretty extensive manual.

But to echoe my question from earlier, are there only 3 mages that you can acquire in the game and if so, are mages necessary to complete the game? I know they suck at low levels, but I'm can only guess they show their usefulness near the end of BG1 or during the Sword XP.
 
onemic said:
Learn from my mistakes and read the manual first above all else. You'll be glad you did. For me it made the game go from boring and frustrating, to fucking amazing. Dat autopause. Not to mention it makes you more hype to play the game once you finish it as it's a pretty extensive manual.

But to echoe my question from earlier, are there only 3 mages that you can acquire in the game and if so, are mages necessary to complete the game? I know they suck at low levels, but I'm can only guess they show their usefulness near the end of BG1 or during the Sword XP.
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BG is kinda broken in that it's next to impossible to beat the last few areas in each game without at least 1 fully decked out spellcaster, preferably including a priest/paladin as well for healing.

And yeah, people really need to utilize the autopause in this game, at least for when enemies are sighted, ammo runs out, or traps are detected/tripped. Don't be afraid of the pause button, treat this game almost as turn based if you need to. AND QUICK SAVE QUICK SAVE QUICK SAVE QUICK SAVE. One other valuable bit of info, spells cast from scrolls are cast as if the caster is level 10 in that school. While this is especially useful in BG1 (and borderline game breaking in some instances), this also becomes fairly detrimental in BG2 and ToB. Lastly, make sure everyone is proficient with at least one ranged weapon. As odd as it sounds missile weapons are generally more accurate than melee ones, ad this is especially useful for casters when you don't wanna be wasting precious memorized spells on trash mobs.
 
CrunchyFrog said:
BG is kinda broken in that it's next to impossible to beat the last few areas in each game without at least 1 fully decked out spellcaster, preferably including a priest/paladin as well for healing.

And yeah, people really need to utilize the autopause in this game, at least for when enemies are sighted, ammo runs out, or traps are detected/tripped. Don't be afraid of the pause button, treat this game almost as turn based if you need to. AND QUICK SAVE QUICK SAVE QUICK SAVE QUICK SAVE. One other valuable bit of info, spells cast from scrolls are cast as if the caster is level 10 in that school. While this is especially useful in BG1 (and borderline game breaking in some instances), this also becomes fairly detrimental in BG2 and ToB. Lastly, make sure everyone is proficient with at least one ranged weapon. As odd as it sounds missile weapons are generally more accurate than melee ones, ad this is especially useful for casters when you don't wanna be wasting precious memorized spells on trash mobs.
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So Im screwed then? That dude that's buddies with the fighter/thief died, Xan didnt give me an opportunity to let me ask him to join our party, Dynahier died, and I said no to that mage that wants to kill Dynaheir.
 
ricochetguro said:
Jeez, the Big World mod installation process is complicated. Might put this aside for a bit :D
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I recently tried a few days ago, but, *several* mods weren't available at the links the autoinstaller provided. I had to manually download + redirect the autoinstaller to them.
But then I got some sort of error before the final install, or the program asked me some questions, which I answered, but nothing happened -- can't remember exactly what it was, but I think it happened when I had to input a bunch of y's or n's into the autoinstaller console.

I searched for some help, and some people had said, in response to a similar or same issue, that you had to run the installer from the command line, but it's an xscript or something, and I wasn't sure how to run a script from a seperate program (Load program, load script? Won't it just boot up the program at that point?), or how the interface for the autoinstaller program would even work at that point, so I just didn't bother.
 
onemic said:
So Im screwed then? Edwin died, Xan didnt give me an opportunity to let me ask him to join our party, Dynahier died, and I said no to that mage that wants to kill Dynaheir.
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? Edwin is the one that wants Dynaheir dead or did i forget something? hmmm ....
 
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