Baldur's Gate 3: Is It Really That Good?
The short answer is yes. Larian Studios' Baldur's Gate 3 is one of those rare games that earns every superlative thrown at it. Built on the Dungeons & Dragons 5th Edition ruleset, it delivers a turn-based roleplaying experience that's as deep as it is accessible — and somehow manages to be a genuine crowd-pleaser despite its enormous complexity.
What Kind of Game Is It?
BG3 is a classic RPG — you build a party of adventurers, explore a rich fantasy world, and make choices that meaningfully alter the story. But where most RPGs offer the illusion of choice, Baldur's Gate 3 goes further. You can talk your way through almost any encounter, or brute-force it, or find an environmental solution nobody told you was there. The game consistently rewards creative thinking.
Storytelling and Writing
The main campaign revolves around a Mind Flayer tadpole implanted in your brain — a ticking clock that drives you toward some of the most memorable characters in recent gaming history. Your companions aren't just mechanics; they're fully realized people with their own goals, traumas, and opinions about every decision you make.
- Astarion — a vampire rogue with sharp wit and a darker backstory than it first appears
- Shadowheart — a cleric hiding secrets even from herself
- Lae'zel — a Githyanki warrior whose arc is one of the best in the game
- Karlach — arguably the most beloved character in the entire player community
Each companion has fully voiced dialogue, relationship progression, and unique questlines. The quality of writing throughout is remarkably consistent for a game this size.
Gameplay and Systems
Combat uses a turn-based system derived from D&D 5e, meaning positioning, spell slots, action economy, and environmental hazards all matter. Early on it can feel overwhelming, but the game does a solid job easing you in. By mid-game, pulling off a clever sequence of actions feels genuinely rewarding.
Outside of combat, exploration is similarly layered. Containers can be looted, NPCs eavesdropped on, and secrets are everywhere. The world doesn't feel like a theme park — it feels like a place.
Performance and Platform Notes
On PC, the game runs well on mid-range hardware at medium settings. The PS5 version is polished and includes full co-op. A word of caution: this is a long game. A thorough first playthrough can run 80–120 hours.
Verdict
| Category | Score |
|---|---|
| Story & Writing | ★★★★★ |
| Gameplay Depth | ★★★★★ |
| World Design | ★★★★½ |
| Performance | ★★★★ |
| Value for Money | ★★★★★ |
Baldur's Gate 3 is a landmark achievement. Whether you're a veteran CRPG player or someone who's never touched the genre, this game has something to offer. It's patient, generous, and endlessly surprising. Essential playing.