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Baldur's Gate 3

Name: Comprehensive Review and Analysis of Baldur's Gate 3
Item: Baldur's Gate 3
Author: Critik Editorial Team

2023

GenresFantasy, Adventure, Action, Open World, RPG, Top-Down Perspective, Strategy, Military and Warfare, Single Player, Multiplayer

AvailableAug 3, 2023

PlatformPlayStation 5, Xbox Series X, PC

DeveloperLarian Studios Games

Overview

An ancient evil has returned to Baldur's Gate, intent on devouring it from the inside out. The fate of Faerun lies in your hands. Alone, you may resist. But together, you can overcome.

Elsewhere

9.8

Game analysis

Monster Scorecard

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Story and Narrative

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR STORY

Story Score

Positive (80-100)

98%

Mixed (50-79)

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the story and narrative.

The majority of critics unanimously praise the story of Baldur's Gate 3 for its depth, complexity, and engaging narrative. Critics like Gaming Age and PC Games highlight the game's deep storytelling, with companion characters that offer significant depth and side stories, allowing players to immerse themselves in romances, moral choices, and character development. The game is commended for its well-written plot, with PCGamesN noting that decisions carry a weight rarely seen in games of this scope. The narrative is described as intricate and engaging, with no clear distinction between good and evil, driven by the player's choices and actions, as mentioned by Areajugones and PC Games. On the flip side, some critics mention minor drawbacks in the story of Baldur's Gate 3. Digital Spy points out that the third act of the game is underwhelming and less cohesive compared to the first two acts, potentially affecting the overall storytelling experience. Cubed3 notes that NPC party members can become silent after completing main story acts, which may detract from the immersive storytelling experience for some players. These criticisms suggest that while the game excels in many aspects of its narrative, there are areas where it could be further refined to enhance the overall storytelling experience. Overall, the consensus among critics is overwhelmingly positive regarding the story of Baldur's Gate 3. The game is lauded for its captivating and immersive narrative, with choices and consequences that significantly impact the game world, as highlighted by Gamers Heroes and TechRadar Gaming. Critics appreciate the game's ability to offer a living and breathing Dungeons & Dragons experience, with Gfinity praising the branching storyline and rich narrative that allows for diverse approaches to dilemmas. Despite some minor criticisms, the majority of critics agree that Baldur's Gate 3 delivers a compelling and engaging story that successfully captures the essence of a D&D adventure, making it a standout title in the RPG genre.

TL;DR

story and narrative

Critics rave about Baldur's Gate 3's deep, engaging narrative with complex storytelling, immersive character development, and weighty decisions. While some mention minor flaws like a weak third act and silent NPCs, overall, the game is celebrated for its captivating, choice-driven storyline that captures the essence of a D&D adventure, making it a standout RPG title.

Gameplay Mechanics

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR GAMEPLAY

Gameplay Score

Positive (80-100)

85%

Mixed (50-79)

15%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the gameplay mechanics.

The majority of critics praised the gameplay of Baldur's Gate 3 for its depth, complexity, and player freedom. Areajugones highlighted the vast world with multiple ways to approach challenges, rewarding exploration and non-violent solutions. GamingBolt commended the player freedom resonating through every facet of the game, from detailed character customization to reactive choices and dynamic encounters. The game's turn-based combat system was a standout feature, with Digital Chumps mentioning radial wheels for actions and customization, while Push Square and Eurogamer appreciated the faithful adaptation of D&D's 5th Edition ruleset. While the gameplay of Baldur's Gate 3 received high praise overall, some critics pointed out certain drawbacks. Eurogamer noted inconsistencies in combat abilities and issues with quest flags breaking, affecting the player experience. Gfinity mentioned clunky combat flow at times, with attacks missing despite high hit chances and outdated mechanics for looting and inventory management. God is a Geek highlighted the punishing combat feeling at odds with the role-playing aspects, indicating a potential disconnect for some players. Overall, the consensus among critics is overwhelmingly positive regarding the gameplay of Baldur's Gate 3. The game excels in offering players unparalleled freedom, strategic depth, and a wealth of choices that impact the gameplay experience. Critics like Game Informer, RPG Site, and TechRadar Gaming appreciated the intricate combat mechanics, diverse character development options, and the emphasis on player agency and consequences. Despite some minor issues noted by a few reviewers, the majority agreed that Baldur's Gate 3 delivers a rich and engaging gameplay experience that stays true to its D&D roots while offering modern twists and innovations.

TL;DR

gameplay mechanics

Critics applaud Baldur's Gate 3 for its deep gameplay, player freedom, and faithful D&D adaptation. Praise for vast world exploration, turn-based combat, and detailed character customization. Some critics noted combat inconsistencies and quest bugs but overall consensus is highly positive for its strategic depth and player agency, with minor flaws not overshadowing its engaging experience.

Graphics and Visual Design

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VISUALS

Visual Score

Positive (80-100)

72%

Mixed (50-79)

28%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the graphics and visual design.

The majority of critics praised the Graphics and Visual Design of Baldur's Gate 3, highlighting various positive aspects. Areajugones commended the impressive visuals that work well even on consoles, while Digital Chumps noted the superior visual fidelity on the PlayStation 5 compared to other platforms. Impulsegamer and Push Square both highlighted the stunning visuals, attention to detail, and aesthetically pleasing character models. TheSixthAxis described the game as a generational leap in visuals, with detailed environments that can be zoomed into a third-person perspective, enhancing the believability of the world and characters. However, some critics did point out certain negatives regarding the Graphics and Visual Design of Baldur's Gate 3. Softpedia mentioned that textures take longer to load on the console version compared to PC, with more bugs present. Checkpoint Gaming noted performance issues and low-quality textures on the PC version, while RPG Site mentioned occasional quirks like cutscenes with a drunk camera and technical wrinkles affecting the overall experience. Overall, the consensus among the critics is overwhelmingly positive regarding the Graphics and Visual Design of Baldur's Gate 3. Critics like Gamereactor UK, PlayStation Country, and COGconnected appreciated the game's graphical quality, detailed environments, and immersive visuals. Despite some minor issues mentioned by a few critics, the majority agreed that the game's visuals are stunning, with intricate details, well-crafted character designs, and immersive world-building. The overall sentiment leans heavily towards the game being visually appealing, immersive, and a significant leap forward in terms of graphics, making Baldur's Gate 3 a visually impressive experience for players across different platforms.

TL;DR

graphics and visual design

Critics rave about Baldur's Gate 3's top-notch graphics and visual design, praising its stunning visuals, attention to detail, and immersive world-building. While some mention minor drawbacks like texture loading issues and performance glitches, the consensus is overwhelmingly positive. The game is hailed as a generational leap in visuals, offering players a visually impressive and immersive experience on various platforms.

Music and Sound Design

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR SOUND DESIGN

Sound Score

Positive (80-100)

92%

Mixed (50-79)

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the music and sound design.

The majority of critics praised the sound design and music of Baldur's Gate 3, highlighting various positive aspects. PlayStation Country commended the "fantastic sound design" with an "epic soundtrack," while App Trigger mentioned the "amazing narration" and "superbly animated" characters. CGMagazine went as far as calling the game's music a part of its "overall masterpiece quality," emphasizing the positive impact of the audio elements on the immersive experience. Additionally, Hooked Gamers noted the "hauntingly beautiful music" that enhanced the immersive quality of the game. On the flip side, some critics did point out certain negatives regarding the sound design and music of Baldur's Gate 3. Impulsegamer criticized the voice options for custom characters, and Cubed3 mentioned the lack of voice acting for the player's character during interactions as a missed opportunity. Worth Playing also noted occasional silliness and melodrama in the voice acting, although they acknowledged that these issues could potentially be addressed in future updates. Overall, the consensus among critics is overwhelmingly positive regarding the sound design and music of Baldur's Gate 3. The high-quality voice acting, immersive performances, and memorable soundtrack were frequently highlighted as major strengths of the game. Critics such as Checkpoint Gaming, Gamers Heroes, and TheSixthAxis praised the superb voice acting and immersive storytelling experience. The cohesive blend of atmospheric sounds, epic soundtrack, and well-acted character voices contributed significantly to the overall positive reception of the audio elements in Baldur's Gate 3.

TL;DR

music and sound design

Critics rave about Baldur's Gate 3's top-notch sound design and music, praising its immersive experience, fantastic sound effects, and epic soundtrack. While some critics noted minor flaws like voice options and lack of voice acting for player characters, the overall consensus is overwhelmingly positive. The game's high-quality voice acting, immersive performances, and memorable music set a new standard for audio in gaming.

Voice Acting

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VOICE ACTING

Acting Score

Positive (80-100)

96%

Mixed (50-79)

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the voice acting.

The voice acting in Baldur's Gate 3 has received overwhelmingly positive feedback from the majority of critics. Critics such as Gamereactor UK, Push Square, and RPG Fan have praised the voice work, highlighting the characters' realistic behaviors, changing personalities, and emotional depth. The effort put into minor characters and animals, as noted by Push Square, showcases the dedication to creating a fully immersive experience. The inclusion of renowned actors like J.K. Simmons and Jason Isaacs, as mentioned by TheSixthAxis, further elevates the quality of the voice performances, enhancing the overall storytelling. While the general sentiment towards the voice acting in Baldur's Gate 3 is highly positive, there are some minor criticisms raised by a few critics. Impulsegamer points out that the voice options for custom characters were not as well-received compared to the premade and supporting characters. Worth Playing mentions occasional silliness and melodrama in the voice acting, which could potentially detract from the immersive experience. These criticisms, however, seem to be overshadowed by the overwhelmingly positive feedback from the majority of critics who found the voice acting to be top-notch and compelling. Overall, the consensus among critics is that the voice acting in Baldur's Gate 3 is exceptional and plays a significant role in immersing players in the high-fantasy world of the game. The expertly written and voice-acted companions, as highlighted by Gfinity, add depth and believability to the narrative, while the memorable characters with lifelike personalities, as noted by NME, enhance the overall experience. The unanimous praise for the voice acting, as seen in the reviews from various critics, indicates that it is a standout feature of the game that greatly contributes to its success and appeal to players.

TL;DR

voice acting

Critics rave about Baldur's Gate 3 voice acting, praising realistic characters and emotional depth. Renowned actors like J.K. Simmons elevate performances. Minor criticisms include custom character voices and occasional silliness, but overall, voice acting is exceptional and immersive. Critics agree it's a standout feature that enhances the game's success and player appeal.

Technical Performance

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR TECHNICAL PERFORMANCE

Tech Score

Positive (80-100)

14%

Mixed (50-79)

86%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the technical performance.

In terms of the technical performance on the PS5, several critics noted positive aspects. Areajugones and GamingTrend both highlighted that Baldur's Gate 3 runs smoothly on the PS5, with Areajugones specifically mentioning minor technical issues like slow loading times and occasional rendering problems. Digital Chumps praised the ability to seamlessly continue the adventure after rest mode and the integration of cross-saves, indicating a level of optimization for console play. Despite some minor bugs mentioned by GamingBolt and Push Square, the overall consensus leans towards a well-optimized experience on the PS5, with minor technical issues that do not significantly impact gameplay. On the flip side, some critics pointed out negatives regarding the technical performance on the PS5. Push Square mentioned technical hiccups such as character animations snapping into place and terrain collision issues, which may require reloading of saves. TheSixthAxis highlighted control issues related to aiming and targeting, as well as performance hiccups in built-up areas and unstable frame rates in performance mode. Softpedia noted that console controls are clumsy, with more bugs and longer loading times compared to the PC version. Despite these drawbacks, the general sentiment is that the technical issues on the PS5 are manageable and do not ruin the overall experience. Across all gaming platforms, the critics' consensus on Baldur's Gate 3's technical performance is mixed. While some reviewers on PC, such as CGMagazine and Hey Poor Player, reported smooth gameplay experiences with no major technical issues, others like Checkpoint Gaming and Eurogamer highlighted consistent poor performance, lag, crashes, and bugs that hindered immersion. The ongoing improvements in stability mentioned by RPGamer and Worth Playing indicate that the developers are actively addressing technical issues post-launch. Overall, while there are varying degrees of technical issues reported across different platforms, the general sentiment is that Baldur's Gate 3 offers an engaging gameplay experience despite some technical hiccups that may need to be ironed out through future updates.

TL;DR

technical performance

Baldur's Gate 3 on PS5 has mostly smooth performance with minor glitches like slow loading times, while some critics pointed out issues like animation glitches and control problems. Overall, technical hiccups are manageable and don't ruin the gameplay experience. On other platforms, opinions vary from smooth gameplay to consistent performance problems, but ongoing updates show developers are working to improve stability.

Replay Value

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR REPLAY VALUE

Replay Score

Positive (80-100)

91%

Mixed (50-79)

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the replay value.

The majority of critics unanimously agree that Baldur's Gate 3 offers exceptional replay value, with various aspects contributing to this sentiment. Areajugones highlights the vast narrative branches, NPC interactions, and diverse gameplay options that make each playthrough unique and engaging. Gaming Age appreciates the multiple campaigns, classes, races, and decisions available, along with the depth of companion characters and side stories, adding to the game's replayability. Additionally, GamesHub notes that the game's high replay value stems from the endless possibilities and narrative threads, encouraging experimentation and multiple playthroughs to explore different paths and outcomes. On the flip side, some critics raise concerns about Baldur's Gate 3 that could potentially impact the overall replay value. Hooked Gamers mentions that the vast scope and length of the game may be overwhelming for players with limited time, potentially hindering their ability to fully explore all the content and replay the game multiple times. Cubed3 points out issues with the online co-op experience, where some conversations and cutscenes do not prompt automatically for all players, affecting the overall co-op gameplay. However, these criticisms seem to be minor in comparison to the overwhelmingly positive feedback on the replay value of the game. Overall, the consensus among critics is overwhelmingly positive regarding the replay value of Baldur's Gate 3. Critics like PCGamesN praise the freedom of choice and the desire to explore what was missed, making the game highly replayable. TheGamer highlights the endless replayability offered by different builds, items, and goals, ensuring each playthrough feels fresh and engaging. With a plethora of choices, consequences, character customization options, and branching storylines, the game caters to various gameplay styles and encourages players to immerse themselves in multiple playthroughs. In conclusion, the majority of critics view Baldur's Gate 3 as a highly replayable RPG experience that offers a wealth of content and possibilities, making it a standout title in terms of replay value.

TL;DR

replay value

Critics rave about Baldur's Gate 3's exceptional replay value, praising its diverse narrative branches, gameplay options, and character interactions. While some point out potential issues with game length and online co-op, the overwhelming consensus is positive. With its freedom of choice, character customization, and branching storylines, Baldur's Gate 3 stands out as a highly replayable RPG experience that caters to different play styles.

Overall Verdict

MONSTER

OVERALL SCORE DISTRIBUTION

Monster Score

Positive (80-100)

98%

Mixed (50-79)

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing all available reviews that scored and critiqued the game.

The critics unanimously praise Baldur's Gate 3 for its exceptional storytelling, immersive world-building, and captivating gameplay. God is a Geek commends the game for its "best writing and voice acting," while RPGamer highlights the "compelling story" and "strong performances." The vast world, appealing cast, and strong voice acting, as noted by Cubed3, contribute to making Baldur's Gate 3 a standout RPG experience. The game's depth, freedom, and strategic gameplay mechanics, as mentioned by PlayStation Country and RPG Site, further add to its appeal. The stunning visuals, exceptional voice acting, and high replayability, as emphasized by TheSixthAxis and Gfinity, showcase the game's overall excellence in creating a rich and engaging fantasy world. Despite the overwhelmingly positive reception, some critics point out certain drawbacks in Baldur's Gate 3. Issues such as technical problems, performance issues, and occasional bugs are noted by multiple reviewers. Metro GameCentral mentions more bugs on the PS5 version, while Digital Spy highlights flaws in the third act. Some critics, like Game Informer and PC Games, acknowledge technical issues but still consider the game exceptional. The slow leveling up, as mentioned by Metro GameCentral, and some concerns with combat and clarity of interactions, as noted by Gfinity, are areas that could potentially hinder the overall experience for some players. Overall, the consensus among the critics is overwhelmingly positive, with the majority considering Baldur's Gate 3 as a remarkable achievement in the RPG genre. Critics like Guardian praise the game as a "towering landmark of an RPG," while TheGamer hails it as a "masterpiece." The game's ability to immerse players in a rich and detailed fantasy world, coupled with its engaging storytelling and strategic gameplay, has solidified its position as one of the best RPGs ever made. Despite some technical issues, the depth, reactivity, and sheer scale of Baldur's Gate 3 have left a lasting impression on the critics, making it a must-play for fans of the genre. The game's exceptional world-building, character development, and immersive experience have resonated with the critics, establishing it as a standout title that sets a new standard for RPGs.

TL;DR

Critics rave about Baldur's Gate 3 for its exceptional storytelling, world-building, and gameplay, with praise for writing, voice acting, and replayability. Some note technical issues and bugs, but the majority hail it as a remarkable RPG masterpiece that sets a new standard in the genre. Despite minor drawbacks, the game's immersive world, character development, and strategic gameplay make it a must-play for RPG fans.

MONSTER

Reviews

222 reviews found

100

Gamers Heroes

Aug 6, 2023

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Baldur's Gate 3 is described as a masterpiece, with near perfect harmony in its storytelling, world design, voice acting, and soundtrack. It is hailed as the best RPG of the year and a standout title for the genre.

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100

TheGamer

Aug 25, 2023

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Baldur's Gate 3 is a masterpiece that captures the zeitgeist and provides a gripping and joyous experience.

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100

GameCrate

Oct 2, 2023

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

BG3 is a highwater mark for choice-driven RPGs and sets a new standard for major RPGs.

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100

Gaming Age

PlayStation 5

Sep 13, 2023

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Baldur’s Gate 3 is highly praised as a near-perfect adaptation of D&D into a video game, offering a polished and complete experience. It is considered a strong contender for Game of the Year, capturing the cultural zeitgeist and providing a top-tier gaming experience.

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100

DualShockers

Aug 28, 2023

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

A clear passion project that is as good as a game gets.

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100

Inverse

Aug 18, 2023

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Baldur's Gate 3 is a staggering success, offering a once-in-a-decade RPG experience with exceptional freedom, reactivity, and quality.

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100

GamingBolt

PlayStation 5

Sep 7, 2023

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Baldur’s Gate 3 sets new standards for the RPG genre and is considered one of the best games to play on the PS5. It offers player freedom, reactive storytelling, and a complex combat system. The production values are impressive, though there are some minor technical issues. Overall, it is highly praised for its achievements.

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100

Gfinity

Aug 9, 2023

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Baldur's Gate 3 is praised as one of the best RPGs in recent memory, with a memorable cast of characters, compelling story arcs, immersive reactivity, and high replayability. Despite some minor concerns with combat and clarity of interactions, the game offers an epic and massive RPG experience.

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100

Movies Games and Tech

Sep 11, 2023

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Baldur's Gate 3 is a virtually perfect fantasy RPG that will be remembered fondly.

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100

Push Square

PlayStation 5

Sep 5, 2023

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Baldur's Gate 3 is praised as the new RPG monarch, offering an insane level of depth and detail. Despite potential pacing issues, the game's scope and brilliance are commended, with the potential to consume players' lives for an extended period.

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