Help with Baulder's Gate 2..

[DarkishFriend]

I've always wanted to play through Baulder's Gate two completely that or Planetscape. The only experience I've had with BG was when I was 7-8 and trying to play the game. It confused the hell out of me and I couldn't make it out of the first dungeon without dying because I couldn't figure out how to heal my party members.

So fellow Escapists, is there any information about DnD style RPG rules that I should be aware of before I want to attempt this game, I bet I'll have a greater understanding now that I'm an adult.

And also, which of the two is a better experience? Planetscape, or BG2?

 

[teh_gunslinger]

First bit of help: it's spelled Baldur's Gate, not Baulder's Gate. It's also Planescape, not Planetscape.

And yes, there are a few things: read up on THAC0. Armor level is reversed. The lower the better. Don't be afraid to die. Just be liberal with quicksave and save. Spells only work once, then you have to rest to recharge them.

I'd also advise you to read the manual as that will give you not only some background fluff which is nice, but a better handle of their implementation of AD&D 2nd Ed. rules.

 

[Verzin]

Everything teh_gunslinger said.

Also, just don't be afraid to PLAY the game. It's not too hard. TRUST ME: BG1 was SOOOO much harder because just about EVERYTHING in the game could one or two shot you.

There is a bit of a learning curve, but, really, it's not too bad. Just read the spell text/dialogue and quicksave liberally for best experience.

 

[teh_gunslinger]

Aye. The first game can be balls hard at first. My last playthrough I ran a mage for the first time. (Not really sure why it took me 14 years to run a mage) 4 HP to start with. And with Imoen, Xan and wassisface, it was generally a party of squishy people until we got to Friendly Arms Inn. 2 thiefs and 2 mages. Hooray!

Every time we met a gibberling it was an epic test of skill.

Later on, as a mage though, you start feeling like a god. So it's all good.

Play the game mate. Experiment! Die! Live! Scrape by! Dominate! Baldur's Gate lets you do all that.

Edit: also, remember you can pause the game. You never have to be pressed for time unless you want to. Pause and take all the time in the world to look over your options, read spell descriptions, puzzle at potions, figure tactics. No rush!

 

[DarkishFriend]

Alright thanks, with the deals GoG gives I guess it couldn't be too bad to simply buy it and try it out.

 

[Verzin]

Alright thanks, with the deals GoG gives I guess it couldn't be too bad to simply buy it and try it out.

I don't think you'll be disappointed. As RPGs go, Baldur's Gate(II was my personal favorite) is something special. some of my favorite quotes and dialogue of all time is in that game.

 

[ratzofftoya]

I remember taking advantage of a LOT of exploits. I'd definitely say steal everything, though!

 

[teh_gunslinger]

Alright thanks, with the deals GoG gives I guess it couldn't be too bad to simply buy it and try it out.

For game specific questions I can recommend going to places like GameBanshee or the BG subreddit on Reddit. The people there really know the game and will generally help out new players or at least point to previous identical posts if they're feeling passive aggressive.

 

[DarkishFriend]

The only game I can think of that had a similar play style to BG2, that I've played, was Dragon Age, which I found pretty easy, even on the hardest difficulties once I realized what tactics were.

 

[4RM3D]

Baldur's Gate got a new (Hi-Def) re-release which you can check out here:
http://baldursgate.com/

You can read this:
http://forum.baldursgate.com/discussion/1992/basic-game-tips-for-new-players

And this:
http://forum.baldursgate.com/discussion/5006/baldurs-gate-stats-and-you

For more info about the game.

PS. Planescape: Torment is easier in terms of gameplay.

 

[PedroSteckecilo]

If you're more interested in story/dialog/characters, get Planescape.
BG is better in terms of gameplay/combat.

Read the manual before playing/use it as a refrence while playing and you can check out this thread for hints & links I was just giving this guy/gal.


http://www.escapistmagazine.com/forums/read/9.395977-CRPGs-how-do-i-get-into-them

Sorcerers place is a good spot for info on these games. http://www.sorcerers.net/Games/BG2/

I would avoid the walkthroughs though cause you'll end up spoiling the game for yourself. (obviously)

Being a little unfair to Baldurs Gate 2 there...

I would say that overall BG2 is the better game. Sure Planescape definitely has the better story of the two but BG2 has a very good story, phenomenal characters AND fairly good gameplay despite the horridness that is 2nd Ed DnD. Though Planescape is still awesome, I would (and have) acquired both.

In terms of recommendations for playing the game...

I cheat a bit due to my unwillingness to deal with 2nd Ed's crap... also Save Often and Sleep Often, you need those spells and that healing. Similarly Status Spells work REALLY WELL and unlike most Area Attack Spells the status causing spells like Fear and Chaos will only target your enemies instead of just laying down a radius of destruction that can kill your Melee fighters.

Also play an elf or half-elf and Multiclass, you need those boons to stay alive.