GAMERS DECIDE - baldur's gate 2

[Top 5] Baldur's Gate 2 Best Builds

teobirsa — Thu, 24 Jun 2021 13:49:44 +0000

5. Kensai / Thief

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LxIwKxi5l78

This is a great combination for dealing massive amounts of physical damage, while also benefiting from Stealth and Backstab. Plus, you get access to all of the thieving skills, which means that you don’t need to recruit a Rogue into your party.

What a Kensai / Thief Excels In:

Kai backstabs.
Sustained tanking.
Maximum weapon damage rolls.
Trapper skills.
Can cast spells from scrolls.

Build Details:

Character must be Human.
Character cannot be of Chaotic Good or Lawful Good alignment.
You need a minimum of 15 Strength and 17 Dexterity.
Dual class at Kensai level 13 for maximum benefits.
For weapons, use Katanas or Quarterstaffs.
Cast arcane spells from scrolls.

4. Berserker / Druid

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0Z-8NAIHjFE

Thanks to Armor of Faith, Regeneration and Iron Skins, this is a strong tank who deals considerable physical damage and ultimately gets full access to Druid spells. This build is fun and easy to play.

What a Berserker / Druid Excels In:

Can use the Enrage class ability, which grants a status close to invincibility.
THAC0 +14 by level 13.
Access to high-level Druid spells, including game-changers like Armor of Faith, Iron Skins, Regeneration, Insect Plague, Creeping Doom and Globe of Blades.

Build Details:

Character must be Human.
Character must be of True Neutral alignment.
Must have at least 15 Strength, 17 Wisdom and 17 Charisma.
Dual class at Berserker level 13 for maximum benefits.
For weapons, use Clubs, Scimitars or Spears.

3. Kensai / Mage

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3hrt8Gm4PHs

Although it takes a while for this build to pay off, it is totally worth it. This is a classic power gaming combination, with lots of melee damage, magic protection and Time Stop. The DPS of this build is practically unbeatable.

What a Kensai / Mage Excels In:

Massive damage per second, especially with Improved Haste.
Protective spells like Mirror Image and Stoneskin make the character nearly invincible.
Dual-wielding katanas grants impressive speed. If one of them is Celestial Fury +3, then you have an on-hit stun as well.

Build Details:

Character must be Human.
You need a minimum of 17 Intelligence to dual class to Mage.
Dual class at Kensai level 9 or 13 for maximum benefits.
For weapons, use Katanas or Scimitars.
Aside from your Mage Book, make sure that you use a lot of scrolls. Scroll casting is uninterruptible.

2. Gnome Fighter / Illusionist

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qBt60VK02nc

This is the best dual class build in Baldur’s Gate, period. This build benefits from the martial arts prowess of the Fighter, while at the same time being able to cast spells as a full-fledged Mage.

What a Gnome Fighter / Illusionist Excels In:

Can fight melee AND cast spells at the same time.
Can use some of the best weapons in the game, including the Flail of Ages, Celestial Fury, Belm and the Staff of the Magi.
Bonus to saves vs. Wands and Spells (up to +5, at 18 Constitution).
Awesome abilities, including Greater Whirlwind, Critical Strike, Hardiness and Smite.

Build Details:

Race must be Gnome, for the bonuses in saves and the extra spell slot.
Preferably 19 Intelligence.
Key spells: Web, Mirror Image, Blindness, Melf's Minute Meteors, Stoneskin and Chromatic Orb
For weapons, use Flails, Katanas, Scimitars or Staffs.

1. Sorcerer

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=co8NtJBEgLg&list=PLx6m05sXB1WGEqJoM9koZe...

The Sorcerer is the best single class build and also the best build for a solo walkthrough. The main advantage of this class is that it gets spells automatically, with no need to scribe them, plus a Sorcerer can cast more spells per day than any other Wizard.

What a Sorcerer Excels In:

The Sorcerer is a spell casting machine.
Spell casting does not really depend on stats.
If you pick the right spells at level up, the Sorcerer build makes for some of the easiest playthroughs.

Build Details:

Can be Human or Elf.
Recommended stats: 14 Strength, 18 Dexterity, 16 Constitution, 9 Intelligence, 18 Wisdom, 18 Charisma.
Key spells: Blindness, Mirror Image, Web, Skull Trap, Melf's Minute Meteors, Stoneskin, Minor Sequencer, Animate Dead, Breach, Spell Immunity, Sunfire, True Sight, Protection from Magical Weapons, Project Image, Abi-Dalzim’s Horrid Wilting, Chain Contingency, Time Stop, Wish, Improved Alacrity and Summon Planetar.

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The Best Builds for the Best Main Character

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[Top 15] Baldur's Gate 2 Best Spells

teobirsa — Thu, 24 Jun 2021 13:02:18 +0000

15. Chromatic Orb (Wizard Spell)

This spell creates a magical sphere in the caster’s hand, which can then be thrown at the opponent. It is a great First Circle spell, much better than magic missile. Its damage increases as you level up, plus it gets various effects (Blind / Pain / Stun / Burn / Weakness / Paralysis / Petrification / Instant Kill).

Why Chromatic Orb is Great:

Damage increases as you level up.
Great additional effects.
Level 10 and 12 effects completely ignore the target’s Magic Resistance.

Full Spell Details (link)

14. Entangle (Priest Spell)

Although only a first level spell, Entangle is extremely efficient. It immobilizes all hostile creatures within its Area of Effect.

Why Entangle is Great:

Hostile creatures within AoE cannot move.
Party members are not affected.
Can immobilize creatures immune to Web.

Full Spell Details (link)

13. Melf’s Acid Arrow (Wizard Spell)

As the name suggests, this Second Circle spell creates an arrow made of acid and shoots it at the target. Depending on the level, the acid effect lasts between 2 and 8 rounds.

Why Melf’s Acid Arrow is Great:

Damage over time, unless dispelled.
Can be used efficiently to disrupt enemy spellcasters.
Great for finishing off Trolls.

Full Spell Details (link)

12. Mirror Image (Wizard Spell)

Mirror Image basically creates hologram copies (illusions) of the Wizard, thus protecting the spellcaster from any hit – melee, ranged or magical. This is the best protective spell in the whole game PERIOD.

Why Mirror Image is Great:

Caster cannot be harmed, until all illusions have been hit or dispelled.
Illusions can absorb any amount of damage.
Protects caster against physical damage, as well as elemental Area of Effect damage.
A high-level Wizard can cast the spell as much as four times per battle.

Full Spell Details (link)

11. Melf’s Minor Meteors (Wizard Spell)

Heeey, it’s Melf again, with another awesome spell! When casting this spell, the Wizard creates up to 20 globes of fire and hurls them (quite merrily) at the enemy targets. The globes burst upon impact and engulf the victim in fire.

Why Melf’s Minor Meteors are Great:

The Meteors strike as +6 weapons.
They bypass Magic Resistance.
No save.
Magic damage + Fire damage.

Full Spell Details (link)

10. Protection from Evil / Protection from Evil 10’ Radius (Priest Spells)

Protection from Evil is extremely helpful, in that its bonuses stack on top of all other armour buffs. The fourth level, 10’ Radius version extends to all party members.

Why Protection from Evil is Great:

+2 THAC0 penalty to all evil enemies.
Grants protection from summoned demons.

Full Spell Details (link)

09. Minor Globe of Invulnerability / Globe of Invulnerability (Wizard Spells)

These spells protect the Wizard from magic attacks – the Minor version protects from 1st to 3rd level spells, while the full version includes protection from 4th level spells as well.

Why Globe of Invulnerability is Great:

Immunity to spells!
Still lets the Wizard cast spells normally.

Full Spell Details (link)

08. Animate Dead (Wizard Spell / Priest Spell)

Both Wizards and Priests get this spell, and both should use it! It creates undead monsters who serve the caster. This is by far the best summoning spell in BG2.

Why Animate Dead is Great:

Summoned creatures are immune to most effects.
Summoned creatures have 90% Magic Resistance, 60% Missile Resistance, 50% Piercing Resistance and 40% Slashing Resistance.
There is a 5% chance to summon two undead instead of one.
At caster level 15, this spell summons a powerful Skeleton Warrior.

Full Spell Details (link)

07. Improved Haste (Wizard Spell)

This Sixth Circle spell doubles movement and attack rates for any creature, with no fatigue penalty. Need I say more?

Why Improved Haste is Great:

Doubles attack rates.
Creature with Improved Haste gets a -2 initiative bonus.
Doubles rate of regeneration.
Blocks Offensive Spin.

Full Spell Details (link)

06. Cure Wounds / Heal (Priest Spells)

I cannot overstate the importance of healing spells, especially during the early parts of the game. After all, healing is one of the main purposes of a Priest. On a side note, the Cure Serious Wounds spell can be skipped in favour of a more useful Level 4 spell, as it does not make much of a difference from Cure Medium Wounds (see below).

Why Cure / Heal Spells are Great:

Cure Light Wounds (Level 1): heals 8 hit points and cures intoxication.
Cure Medium Wounds (Level 3): heals 14 hit points and cures intoxication.
Cure Serious Wounds (Level 4): heals 17 hit points and cures intoxication.
Cure Critical Wounds (Level 5): heals 27 hit points and cures intoxication.
Heal (Level 6): completely heals the target creature and cures all disease.

Full Spell Details (link)

05. Abi-Dalzim's Horrid Wilting (Wizard Spell)

This awesome Eighth Circle spell dehydrates all hostile creatures within its Area of Effect. A high-level Wizard can deal absolutely massive damage with Abi-Dalzim's Horrid Wilting.

Why Abi-Dalzim's Horrid Wilting is Great:

Does not affect party members.
1d8 damage per level of the caster (saving throw vs. spell for half).
-2 to saving throws for water elementals and plant creatures.

Full Spell Details (link)

04. Dispel Magic (Priest Spell)

Not only does this spell remove magic buffs and wards from enemies, but it also removes all negative magic effects from party members.

Why Dispel Magic is Great:

If the caster’s level is higher than the levels of enemy casters, it removes all effects, regardless of spell level.
There is only one way to block this spell (by pre-casting Spell Immunity).

Full Spell Details (link)

03. Minor Sequencer / Spell Sequencer (Wizard Spells)

Spell sequencing is truly powerful stuff. It enables the Wizard to store and cast two (Minor version) or three (full version) spells simultaneously, by means of the special ability button. All the spells must be level four or lower.

Why Sequencers are Great:

Create spell combos and unleash them on your enemies.
Zero casting time.
Colourful combos make for spectacular gameplay. Be creative!

Full Spell Details (link)

02. Chain Contingency (Wizard Spell)

Chain contingency works like an algorithm – you pick three spells, which will be cast when a certain condition is met (e.g. the Wizard sees an enemy, the Wizard is hit by an enemy, the Wizard has lost 50/75/90% of hit points, the Wizard has been poisoned).

Why Chain Contingency is Great:

Casts three spells simultaneously.
Can pick spells up to (and including) level 8.

Full Spell Details (link)

01. Summon Planetar (Good / Neutral Wizard Spell) or Summon Dark Planetar (Evil / Neutral Wizard Spell)

This spell (predictably) summons a powerful Planetar. Just cast and enjoy as he tears your enemies to shreds!

Why the Planetar is Great:

Immune to Fire / Cold / Electricity.
75% Magic Resistance, 50% Magic Fire Resistance, 100% Magic Cold Resistance, 10% Resistance to Slashing, Piercing, Crushing and Missile damage.
Has regeneration.
Casts spells.
2d10 + 3 slashing damage.
On-hit 25% vorpal.
On-hit Dispel, level 15.

Full Spell Details (link)

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The best ways to disintegrate your enemies in style

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[Top 10] Baldur's Gate 2 Best Companions And How To Get Them

teobirsa — Thu, 24 Jun 2021 12:19:53 +0000

10. Yoshimo

How to get Yoshimo (YouTube)

Yoshimo is a great Rogue. In fact, he is the only pure class Thief in the original Baldur’s Gate II Shadows of Amn game. Plus, he starts out with a decent exclusive weapon – Yoshimo’s Katana.

Spoilers Follow!

On the downside, halfway through the game Yoshimo will betray you, and you will lose him forever. This is why I put him last on this list. However, this is avoidable (if not necessarily canon), by dismissing him right before the betrayal.

Spoilers End Here.

Why Yoshimo is Great:

Pure class Thief (Bounty Hunter).
Has +15 bonus to Set Traps.
May use Set Special Snare ability once per day.
True Neutral alignment, compatible with any kind of party.

Yoshimo's details (link)

09. Haer’Dalis

How to get Haer’Dalis (YouTube)

Haer’Dalis is quite an interesting companion, if somewhat annoying. His Tiefling race grants him considerable physical and elemental resistance. He is specialized in short swords and two-weapon fighting and has two unique exclusive swords. Also, his Blade class has some great abilities.

Why Haer’Dalis is Great:

15% Physical resistance.
25% Fire and Electricity resistance.
50% Cold resistance.
Has two +2 unique exclusive short swords, Chaos Blade and Entropy.
Blade class special abilities: Pickpocketing, Bard’s Song, Offensive Spin, Defensive Spin.

Haer’Dalis' details (link)

08. Imoen

How to get Imoen (Warning! Major Spoilers!)

Definitely one of the fan favorites, Imoen has been around since BG1. Although some seem to find her a bit weak as a mage, I actually enjoy having her in my party, for her versatility as well as her character.

Spoilers Follow!

The reason Imoen gets one of the last places on this list, is because you get to her pretty late in the game, when you are probably all set with your party configuration already. However, Imoen is a great companion, so it is worth considering kicking someone out for her sake.

Spoilers End Here.

Why Imoen is Great:

Dual Class Thief (Lvl. 7) / Mage (Lvl. 8) – one of the most versatile combinations in the game!
Will stay in your party, regardless of reputation.
Great character and voice acting.
Capable of reaching maximum level in her Mage class.

Imoen's details (link)

07. Jaheira

How to get Jaheira (YouTube)

Jaheira is a great companion overall and a romance option to boot. Her Fighter/Druid build is quite efficient, plus she is a good option if you do not want a single class Cleric in your party. She can become a powerful offensive character, when used properly.

Why Jaheira is Great:

Good stats.
Great offensive spells.
Harper Pin – exclusive amulet that grants immunity to electricity and magic missiles, non-detection and a +5 bonus to saving throws vs. spells.
Harper’s Call – exclusive level 5 Druid spell, similar to Raise Dead.

Jaheira's details (link)

06. Keldorn Firecam

How to get Keldorn (YouTube)

First and foremost, Keldorn is the only Paladin companion in the game, which means that he is the only NPC who can wield Carsomyr, The Holy Avenger. Second, he has some pretty cool equipment. And last, but not least, his Inquisitor class kit grants him some cool special abilities and immunities. Unfortunately, Keldorn’s Lawful Good alignment means that he is not compatible with some of the greatest companions on this list.

Why Keldorn is Great:

Able to wield Carsomyr (this is so important, I had to write it down twice).
Exclusive equipment: Firecam Full Plate Armor, Hallowed Redeemer.
Can cast Dispel Magic and True Sight as innate abilities.
Immune to Charm, Paralyze and Hold.

Keldorn's details (link)

05. Edwin Odesseiron

How to get Edwin (YouTube)

Edwin is arguably the best mage companion in the whole game. He also happens to have one of the best class kits – Conjurer. The only reason Edwin is not number one on this list, is his crappy personality, which makes everyone detest him.

Why Edwin is Great:

Conjurer class kit gives him +1 extra spell per level per day.
Additionally, his exclusive amulet lets him cast +2 extra spells per level per day, to a total bonus of +3 spells per level.
-1 bonus to all saving throws after completing his companion quest.
Can cast Dispel Magic and True Sight as innate abilities.
Immune to Charm, Paralyze and Hold.

Edwin's details (link)

04. Jan Jansen

How to get Jan (YouTube)

Simply put, Jan Jansen is awesome! The Illusionist / Thief combination works really well for any type of gameplay and any kind of party. He has a TON of exclusive equipment, as well as some of the best party banter in the game.

Why Jan is Great:

Aside from Yoshimo, he is the only Thief that can keep improving throughout the game.
Exclusive equipment: Adventure Wear, Spectroscopes, Techno-Gloves, Flasher Launcher, Master Bruiser Mates.
Anecdotes!

Jan's details (link)

03. Korgan Bloodaxe

How to get Korgan (YouTube)

Ladies and gentlemen, I present to you Korgan Bloodaxe, by far the best fighter in BG2! With his crazy weapon proficiency, great stats and abilities, Korgan is a true killing machine on the field of battle. You will absolutely love him.

Why Korgan is Great:

Starts out with 5 proficiency points in Axes.
Has 19 Constitution.
+5 bonus hit points on every level up.
-5 bonus to saving throws vs. Spells, Wands and Death.
Has Enrage (Berserker class kit ability), which increases his damage, AC, HP and protects him from most status effects.
“Me axe be bloody ready!”

Korgan's details (link)

02. Minsc

How to get Minsc (YouTube)

Minsc is probably the most well-liked companion in BG2, and for good reason. He is charming in a naïve and hilarious kind of way. But don't let his good looks fool you - with the right equipment, Minsc can be turned into a mean battle tank.

Why Minsc is Great:

Can cast Druid spells, up to Level 3.
Racial enemy: Vampire.
Can wield Defender of Easthaven +3, while also using Hardiness and casting Armor of Faith.
“Go for the eyes, Boo! Go for the eyes!”

Minsc's details (link)

01. Viconia DeVir

How to get Viconia (YouTube)

Viconia is an absolutely evil (and lovable) drow. With her great scores in Dexterity and Wisdom, she is a single class Cleric with the potential to be a true powerhouse. If you properly manage her low Strength with items like the Ankheg Plate Mail or the Mauler’s Arm +2, you will turn her into an unstoppable tank. Plot-wise, she is also an excellent romance option.

Why Viconia is Great:

19 Dexterity.
18 Wisdom.
65% Magic Resistance.
Exclusive item: Handmaiden’s Mace (with Poison effect), if you romance her and finish her quest.
With Turn Undead, she can control any undead creature in the game.

Viconia's details (link)

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Out of all the available companions, which are the best?

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Baldur's Gate 2 Best Class - What To Pick

teobirsa — Thu, 24 Jun 2021 11:29:31 +0000

1. Warrior - Fighter

“Me axe be bloody ready!” Korgan Bloodaxe

To quote the game itself, the Fighter is a champion who “lives or dies by his knowledge of weapons and tactics.” A Fighter can be an extremely versatile character, easy and fun to play, with some very interesting kits as well.

Why Fighters are Great:

They can use any weapon and wear any armor, except mage robes.
Can spend over two points on weapon proficiencies.
Can achieve Grand Mastery with any weapon, by spending five proficiency points.
Fighters have percentile Strength.
Fighters have some excellent Class Kits, most notably the Berserker and the Kensai.

Pick the Fighter if:

You want a relatively simple playthrough.
You like to be the tank of your party and ram through your enemies
You want to be able to easily dual-class, somewhere down the road.

2. Warrior – Ranger

“Go for the eyes, Boo. GO FOR THE EYES!” Minsc

Rangers are warriors and woodsmen skilled with weapons and knowledgeable in the ways of the forest. While being almost as versatile as Fighters, Rangers come with several cool perks which make for a fun playthrough. Plus, Drizzt do’Urden is a Ranger – need I say more?

Why Rangers are Great:

They can use nearly any weapon and armor.
It is easier to roll ability scores of 90 or more with a Ranger.
Can choose a racial enemy and get a -4 THAC0 bonus to and +4 damage rolls bonus against it.
Have Stealth as a special ability.
Can charm animals/mammals.
Rangers unlock Druid spells at level 8 and can go as high as spell level 3.

Pick the Ranger if:

You enjoy roleplaying as a good, nature-protecting character.
You like Archery (look up the Archer Class Kit).
For some (weird) reason, you do not want Minsc in your party, or want to free up a slot for another companion.

3. Warrior – Paladin

“We shall strike a blow deep into evil's heart! There is no more worthy a cause.” Keldorn Firecam

Paladins are (exclusively) Lawful Good warriors, devoted to their code of chivalry and to the fight against evil. Paladins are essentially warriors buffed against evil, which is obviously helpful for most of the game. On the downside, your character race is limited to Human, and Paladins cannot dual-class.

Why Paladins are Great:

Can Turn Undead once they reach level 3.
They have the Detect Evil and Protection from Evil special abilities.
Can cast Cleric spells upon reaching level 9.
Paladins have a passive -2 bonus to all saving throws.
The Lay on Hands healing ability.

Pick the Paladin if:

You want a great fighter with extremely helpful special abilities.
You like fighting evil, for great justice!
You want to wield the awesome Purifier +4 bastard sword.

4. Priest – Cleric

“Lil alurl! For Shar!” Viconia DeVir

Clerics are the ultimate support class. They are renowned healers, with their own spell book to boot (the Priest Scroll). Unlike Mages, Clerics do not need to learn new spells from scrolls. Instead, they learn them as they level up. Furthermore, Clerics can wear any armor and use a variety of weapons. The Cleric class is also extremely popular for dual-classing or multi-classing (as the second class).

Why Clerics are Great:

They are the best healers out there.
They have their own set of spells that they learn automatically.
Clerics can wear any armor and use practically any blunt weapon.
Have the ability to Turn Undead.

Pick the Cleric if:

You enjoy playing a supporting role in your party.
You like a character who is essentially a battlemage – a decent fighter that casts powerful spells as well.
You want to use it as a great dual-class or multi-class option.

5. Priest – Druid

“Yes, oh omnipresent authority figure?” Jaheira (technically a Fighter/Druid, I know, but I just had to have her on this list)

Basically, Druids are to the Priest class what Rangers are to the Warrior class. They are very much in tune with nature, sworn to protect its perfect balance. This is why Druids have a True Neutral alignment. Only humans and half-elves can become Druids. Like Clerics, Druids can use priest spells, albeit their set of spells is quite different (all nature-related) and somewhat limited.

Why Druids are Great:

Cool spells (Earthquake! Firestorm!)
Shapeshifting! A Druid can shapeshift into a wolf or bear, once per day.
Immunity to poison, starting at level 15.
Elemental resistance, starting at level 18.

Pick the Druid if:

You enjoy playing as a fighter, but with some very cool spells under your belt.
You like to switch between attack and support roles all the time.

6. Priest – Monk

“Selûne guides my hand.” Rasaad yn Bashir

Monks are priests who fight with their bare hands. Yup, you read that right. This is probably the most limiting class in the game: can only be human, cannot dual-class, cannot wear armor or use shields, can use only a few single-handed weapons. So why bother picking the Monk? Well, all those limitations come with an awesome set of perks!

Why Monks are Great:

Bonuses to saving throws vs. spells.
Unarmed attacks have the range of two-handed weapons and get THAC0 and damage rolls bonuses.
Extra unarmed attacks per round (as you level up).
Bonuses to AC vs. missile attacks (as you level up).
Immunity to Disease, Slow, Haste, Poison, Charm and to non-magical weapons (as you level up).
Monks get the Lay on Hands healing ability.

Pick the Monk if:

You want to become a true Lawful killing machine, without worrying too much about equipment.

7. Rogue – Thief

“Very well. Hai-ya.” Yoshimo

The Thief is your basic cloak-and-dagger class. They can open locks, find and disarm traps, detect illusions, hide in shadows, move silently and steal items from NPC’s. But with access to some awesome weapons like Katanas, Wakizashis and Scimitars and the ability to backstab, Thieves can be extremely dangerous on the battlefield as well. Any Race can choose the Thief class.

Why Thieves are Great:

Can set and disarm traps.
Can hide in shadows and move silently, essentially becoming invisible.
Can unlock doors and chests, can steal from NPC’s
Thieves are great for dual classing.
Thieves have some awesome Class Kits, like the Assassin and the Swashbuckler.
Backstabs!

Pick the Thief if:

You enjoy a more covert playthrough.
Any party needs a Thief – by taking on that role yourself, you free space for other companions.
You want to join the Thieves Guild (obviously).

8. Rogue – Bard

“May our deeds be sung through the ages!” Haer’Dalis

Bards are the Joker cards in the Rogue deck, being able to do a little bit of everything. They have a high Lore rating, can pick pockets as well as cast spells, and enjoy a wider choice of weapons and armor than Thieves.

Why Bards are Great:

Bards have the highest Lore rating of any Class.
They have the Bard Song special ability, which protects the party against fear.
Bards level up faster than other Classes.
The Blade is one of the most interesting Class Kits out there.

Pick the Bard if:

You are looking for a non-standard, improvise-as-you-go playthrough.
You enjoy experimenting all the time.
You do not like to take things too seriously.

9. Wizard – Mage

“Your worthless lives end here!” Edwin Odesseiron

The Mage is a classic class (sic!) that needs no introduction. Obviously, mages cannot wear armor (only robes) and are limited to only a few weapons (staffs, daggers, slings and darts). Only humans, elves and half-elves can become Mages. They can learn almost any spell, with the notable exception of healing spells, which are reserved for Priests. However, you should consider specializing your Mage in one of the eight schools of magic, turning him/her into a true powerhouse!

Why Mages are Great:

Specialist Mages are a force to be reckoned with on the field of battle.
Casting powerful spells is one of the best parts of gameplay!

Pick the Mage if:

You like to strategize a lot.
You enjoy turning the battlefield into an apocalyptic scene.
You are good at making quick decisions and playing chess with your opponents.

10. Wizard – Wild Mage

“I am really, really, really, really, really sorry about what just happened.” Neera (of course!)

Wild Mages are a (relatively) new class in the BG world, first introduced with the Enhanced Editions. They mostly resemble Mages, with one very important difference – Wild Mages are unpredictable AF!

Whenever a Wild Mage casts a spell, there is a 5% chance of a Wild Surge, which can have a positive or negative outcome. Furthermore, they always have -5 to +5 adjusted range to their levels, every time they cast a spell.

Why Wild Mages are Great:

You can turn their unpredictability into an advantage, becoming more powerful than any other mage out there.
They have several very cool class-exclusive spells – Nahal’s Reckless Dweomer, Chaos Shield and Improved Chaos Shield.

Pick the Mage if:

You want to bring total mayhem with you, wherever you go.
You enjoy gameplay that is unpredictable and fun.

11. Wizard – Sorcerer

“Oohoohoohoo, I'm gonna work out some anger on you...” Baeloth Barrityl

Sorcerers are probably the most powerful Wizard class. They sure don’t look the part at first: they cannot even scribe spells into their spellbooks as other Wizards do. While seemingly weak on lower levels, the Sorcerer class starts to truly shine as the game progresses, with devastating effects for your enemies.

Why Sorcerers are Great:

Instead of scribing spells, they learn them as they level up
A level 10 Sorcerer can cast a total of 26 spells, with no need to select and prepare them ahead of time. This number goes as high as 40 spells, by level 15.
As Arcane Spellcasters, Sorcerers have access to a load of class-exclusive items.
Arguably, the most powerful Class in the game.

Pick the Sorcerer if:

You have the patience to wait until higher levels to become powerful.
You want to truly obliterate your enemies.
You are ready to give up playing any other Class, once you try the Sorcerer.

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All the classes in the game and what to choose

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[Top 10] Baldur's Gate 2 Best Weapons And How To Get Them

teobirsa — Mon, 21 Jun 2021 20:08:14 +0000

10. Taralash

“Taralash was a hunter renowned for his ability to track down even the fleetest of quarries by foot. Few animals ever escaped once he had them in the sights of his mighty longbow.”

Taralash is one of the best bows in the game. Besides having great stats, it increases the wielder’s movement rate, and can be upgraded from a +4 to a +5 weapon in Throne of Bhaal.

Where to get Taralash:

Looted from the Huntress in the Watcher’s Keep Final Seal, after using the Heart Key.

Why Taralash is Great:

Increases movement rate by 2 points.
Cespenar in Throne of Bhaal can upgrade it to +5. You will need the Bowstring of Gond to upgrade.

9. Mace of Disruption

“This heavy mace was created for a very specific purpose: to slay undead. Any such creature hit by it not only feels the sting of the weapon, but also has a chance of being simply blasted from existence. There are legends that speak of a priest so holy a single glancing touch could send a vampire to oblivion, but whether the weapon empowered her, or she empowered it is a topic for theologians.”

The Mace of Disruption is THE ultimate weapon against undead enemies, since each hit has a chance of obliterating them. While it is described as a +1 weapon, it actually strikes as a +3 weapon regarding damage immunity. Furthermore, it can be upgraded to a +5 weapon.

Where to get the Mace of Disruption:

It can be found in a blood pool in Bodhi’s Hideout during Chapter 3.

Why the Mace of Disruption is Great:

Strikes as a +3 weapon.
2d6+4 damage vs. undead.
Undead must save vs. death, at a penalty -4, or be destroyed.
Each successful hit casts Larloch’s Minor Drain on the target (no save).
The smith Cromwell in Athkatla can upgrade the weapon to +2, which will actually strike as a +5 weapon and give the wielder immunity against Level drain. You will need illithium ore to upgrade.

8. Axe of the Unyielding

“This axe was last seen in the gnarled fists of Glimred Heavyhand, an aging dwarven hero who disappeared in the deepest caverns beneath the Marching Mountains.”

The Axe of the Unyielding is a +3 weapon which gives you a bonus to AC, as well as HP regeneration. When upgraded to a +5 weapon, it has a powerful vorpal on-hit effect.

Where to get the Axe of the Unyielding:

Looted from Rock, one of the minotaurs on the fourth floor of Watcher’s Keep.

Why the Axe of the Unyielding is Great:

-1 bonus to AC.
Wielder regenerates 1 HP per round.
Cespenar in Throne of Bhaal can upgrade it to +5. Once upgraded, it gets a +1 bonus to Constitution and a 10% chance of decapitating opponents with each successful hit. You will need Baalor’s Claw to upgrade.

7. Crom Faeyr

“This is the true name that the dwarven weaponsmith, Silverblade, gave to the weapon he intended to create for his son. Alas, his son died before the weapon was ever completed, but here it stands complete... forged from the combined magic of the original hammer with the gauntlets of ogre power and a girdle of frost giant strength. Crom Faeyr gifts its users with all the powers of the original Hammer of Thunderbolts, in addition to enormous strength and the ability to kill golems, ettins, and trolls in one blow.

Crom Faeyr is an awesome +5 warhammer that maximizes the wielder’s strength. It instantly kills Trolls, Ettins, Stone and Clay Golems on hit. On the downside, you will need to sacrifice three powerful items in order to create it.

Where to get Crom Faeyr:

Obtained by combining the Crom Faeyr Scroll, Hammer of Thunderbolts, Gauntlets of Ogre Power and the Girdle of Frost Giant Strength. The smith Cromwell in Athkatla can forge it, for 10,000 gp.

Why Crom Faeyr is Great:

Wielder strength is set to 25.
The strength bonus stacks with the +5 in THAC0.
+5 non-magical electricity damage (no save).
Slays Stone Golems, Clay Golems, Ettins and Trolls on hit.

6. Celestial Fury

“When Chin Yi's beloved was cut down by a yuan-ti warlord, her grief was terrible and her wrath immediate: Ignoring Kwan Ying's warnings, she flew onto the battlefield and took up her beloved's katana, using the blade to cut down the warlord and all those who served him.”

A +3 Katana, Celestial Fury is probably the best weapon for the Rogue class in Baldur’s Gate II. Aside from inflicting serious damage, it also has two active abilities, plus it stuns opponents who fail to make a save vs. spells and has a chance of inflicting electrical damage.

Where to get Celestial Fury:

Looted from Koshi the Guarded Compound in the Temple District of Athkatla.

Why Celestial Fury is Great:

Stuns targets on hit, if they fail to save vs. spells.
5% chance to inflict 20 points of electrical damage.
Wielder can cast Blindness (once per day).
Wielder can cast Lightning Strike (once per day).

5. Foebane

“The archmage Demron created this powerful blade for Captain Fflar of Myth Drannor. When the elven city fell, the sword was lost beneath the rubble of the once-great metropolis.”

Foebane is a +3 Bastard Sword, which can be upgraded to +5 in Throne of Bhaal. It deals bonus damage against demons and devils. It also has a drain HP on-hit ability that proves very useful.

Where to get Foebane:

Foebane can be found on the first floor of Watcher’s Keep.

Why Foebane is Great:

+6 slashing damage vs. undead, shapeshifters, demons and devils.
-1 bonus to all saving throws.
Each successful hit casts Larloch’s Minor Drain on the target (no save).
Cespenar in Throne of Bhaal can upgrade it to +5. You will need Fflar’s Scabbard to upgrade.

4. Shortbow of Gesen

“The finest bow crafted by Gesen Khan, this weapon draws energy from another plane, firing spears of lightning instead of arrows... and therefore never requiring ammunition of any kind. A side effect of the bow bestows protection from electricity upon the user.”

Arguably the best bow in the game, the Gesen Bow is a +4 shortbow that requires no ammunition. It also deals electrical damage.

Where to get the Shortbow of Gesen:

Crafted by the smith Cromwell from the Gesen Bow Shaft and the Gesen Bow String.

Why the Shortbow of Gesen is Great:

When no ammunition is equipped, it will fire an infinite supply of +4 arrows.
Deals +1d8 Electricity damage.
Wielder gets +20% Electrical Resistance.

3. Flail of Ages

“This flail has been in the care of Lord de'Arnise for some time, a relic of his adventuring youth. The flail was the creation of the warlike rakshasa, a race of vengeful spirits that crave human meat, and used as an adaptable weapon that could suit any battle.”

The Flail of Ages is a +3 flail that deals elemental damage – Acid, Cold and Fire. It is an excellent weapon for killing trolls and also for interrupting enemy spellcasters. It is by far the most powerful flail in the game. Like Foebane, it can be upgraded to a +5 weapon in Throne of Bhaal.

Where to get the Flail of Ages:

It is obtained by forging the three different flail heads found on the first floor of the de’Arnise Keep.

Why the Flail of Ages is Great:

Elemental damage: +1 Acid, +1 Cold, +1 Fire.
The elemental damage bypasses melee resistance, saves do not apply.
It is great for testing out the various immunities of opponents.
Cespenar in Throne of Bhaal can upgrade it to +5. You will need the Flail Head (Poison) and Flail Head (Electric) to upgrade.

2. Carsomyr

“Carsomyr is a weapon of legend, perhaps one of the most powerful blades ever forged on Faerûn, though its origin and history is thought purposefully forgotten so that the sword itself shall never overshadow the importance of the struggles that must be fought today. The evils of the realms must truly stand aside when this weapon is brought to bear, their magic dispelled with a word, steadfastly resisted with ease.”

Also known as the Holy Avenger, Carsomyr is one of the most legendary weapons in Baldur’s Gate II. It is a +5 Two-handed sword with bonus damage against evil opponents and the ability to dispel magic. It can be further upgraded to +6 in Throne of Bhaal. On the downside, it can only be wielded by non-evil aligned Paladins.

Where to get Carsomyr:

You can loot it after slaying the red dragon Firkraag in Firkraag’s Maze.

Why Carsomyr is Great:

+5 extra damage vs. chaotic evil.
Dispel Magic three times per day (at level 15).
Dispel Magic on each hit (at level 30).
Cespenar in Throne of Bhaal can upgrade it to +6. You will need the Eye of Tyr to upgrade.

1. Staff of the Magi

“This type of staff is thoroughly linked to the image of the spellcasting profession, rare though it is. It is among the most powerful tools that a wizard can possess, the culmination of complex enchantments and endless study. The quintessential Mage item.”

The awesome Staff of the Magi is by far the best weapon for a Wizard class character in Baldur’s Gate II, period! It is a +5 quarterstaff with amazing special abilities (equipped and combat) and some serious melee damage as well. This weapon is a true powerhouse.

Where to get the Staff of the Magi:

The staff is dropped by Layene in the Twisted Rune Hideout. But take heed – it is only available during Chapters 2, 3 and 6!

Why the Staff of the Magi is Great:

Armor Class +2.
Saving Throws +2.
Invisibility.
Immunity to Charm.
Protection from Evil.
Fireball (three times per day).
Lightning Bolt (three times per day).
Spell Trap (once per day).
Dispel Magic on each hit (at level 30).

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The 13 Best Dungeons & Dragons Games (PC)

DIYman6387 — Wed, 15 Mar 2017 23:56:39 +0000

Looking for the best dungeon and dragons RPGs?

Ah, Dungeons and Dragons, sure as hell does bring back memories. Hopefully not cringeworthy ones, as the movies sucked, but the games, and I am referring to the PC games, kicked monstrous ass. No pun intended. You know, when a person acquires a new piece of experience, one of the first urges one tends to develop is the desire to share that piece of knowledge, that adventure, that story...

It's like how the expression goes, "a joy shared is twice the joy, a sorrow shared is half the sorrow." It is not unlike that for people who have played through what the Dungeons and Dragons universe, and more specifically, the Forgotten Realms campaign setting have to offer. And in order to do that, one needs to introduce to the newcomers the defining works that have shaped this intellectual landscape for the past few decades.

1. Baldur's Gate 2 Shadows of Amn + Throne of Bhaal

Baldur's Gate II: Enhanced Edition gameplay

For me, the most exemplary member of this distinguished class of landmark Forgotten Realms games is rightly BG 2. It is simply, to put it in plain words, the story of the hero's journey. The protagonist, a seasoned adventurer by the start of this game, is captured by an evil villain and seeks to escape his dungeon, and after a sequence of events, gets pulled into a whirlpool of conspiracies, intrigue, and events that ultimately brings him / her face to face with his frightening heritage.

The main plot quests are more or less seamlessly intertwined with the side quests, leading to a game that is open, yet not pointless, like some sandbox games, Sins of a Solar empire, anyone? There are also some very memorable party members and NPCs in this game, some of their actions and words have since gone on to become memes and tropes in their own right. Camaraderie, adventure, and steel on steel, the stuff of legends, right Boo?

Nothing quite like the smell of fresh fireballs in the morning... Take that, you son of Abazigal!

Pass beyond the heavy doors of Spellhold, if you dare...

2. Planescape: Torment

Planescape Torment gameplay

It's very nearly a tie, but Planescape Torment cannot help but enter the conversation whenever one brings up the topic of top Forgotten Realms games. In this game, the perennial story of the amnesiac in search of his past is given a new twist.

The city of Sigil is a rarely explored setting in the Forgotten Realms, and it is a welcome addition at that. Demons and Angels getting drinks in bars before heading off to do cosmic battle? Funny. The immortal protagonist the Nameless One, out on a quest to regain his mortality, because apparently, immortality blows, encounters Sigil's many strange and off beat characters and in the process achieves a form of enlightenment and realizations as concerns the question: "What can change the nature of a man?"

I am on a highway to Hell!

Sympathy for the Fallen Deva Trias...

3. Neverwinter Nights

Neverwinter Nights gameplay

Neverwinter Nights is next up on the list. The hero of the game, who starts out as a raw recruit in the Neverwinter academy, rises to the occasion, while his mentor, Aribeth, takes a slide off the slippery slope and falls from grace. The game is an excellent rendition of the 3rd edition Advanced Dungeons and Dragons ruleset, all in 3 dimensional graphics, no less.

The combat system is a little Baldur's Gate like, one can even pause the game to queue up some commands, but I find that it is quite visceral and satisfying, it is like they say, no guts no glory. Either way, it's quite the adventure.

The custom modules and the ability to build them using the aurora toolset is awesome too. There were still new modules coming out years after the game was released, notable among these, Kingmaker, Witch's Wake, and Wyvern crown of Cormyr.

It's time for the final showdown with the Archvillainess of the game!

The good old days at the Neverwinter Academy.

4. Icewind Dale

Icewind Dale: Enhanced Edition gameplay

Apparently, Black Isle decided that releasing just the Baldur's Gate series wasn't enough, they had to round out the package by giving us a parallel adventure, Icewind Dale, set in the Ten towns of R.A. Salvatores novels. Oh well, always did want to see the snow capped hills of the Vale of Shadows, the frozen icicles and menacing ice caves in the Wyrm's tooth glacier, and above all, the lakes of Easthaven! Which kind of reminds me of that time Regis went fishing for Knucklehead.

The game is rather intriguing story - wise, Crenshinibon makes an appearance, and it is very combat oriented, there are lots of spells though that are not found in the BG series, and a great variety of feats to choose from when one levels up, adding complexity to the combat system, which is all very fine and dandy.

That is one massive dead dragon in its final resting place, makes the elephant graveyards look so modest in comparison.

The Severed Hand is fallen into such disrepair.

5. Neverwinter Nights 2

Neverwinter Nights 2 Gameplay HD 2

The sequel to Neverwinter Nights, Neverwinter Nights 2 was released in October 2006 (North America) and did not fail to impress. Using an overhauled Aurora engine, named the Electron engine, the game features graphics that look pretty good even today. Of course, it's not quite Elder Scrolls: Online level, nor would I want it to be, because I find the graphics charming the way they are, kind of reminds me of King's Bounty: Warriors of the North, actually.

Be that as it may, this time around the Player Character can actually recruit party members as opposed to the sinister sounding "Henchmen" in the first game. Also, the AI is done well, your party members can take care of themselves in a fight, they also bicker like crazy, making side quests more fun than usual. There is some Forgotten Realms back story in this game, namely, the main antagonist, the King of Shadows, is actually the Guardian from the Fallen Elven Kingdom of Illefarn.

Oh, and one also gets to have their own stronghold to manipulate and shape as they see fit. It's like a forerunner to the Dragon Age 3 Skyhold.

Wyverns on the approach, 12 O'Clock!

Badass sword wielded by a badass adventurer. This custom made character is based on Kana in the Neverwinter Nights 2 campaign. Kana is your second in command at Crossroad Keep.

6. The original Baldur's Gate

Baldur's Gate Enhanced Edition gameplay

Now we arrive at the first Baldur's Gate, the one that kicked off the Bhaalspawn saga. In the first Baldur's Gate, the PC starts out at Candlekeep, a naive young soul, whose first night outside of the walls of his childhood home ends in bloodshed. I personally think the main villain in this game, Sarevok, is very well conceived, the man is positively bloodthirsty and maniacal and also shadowy, as befits a heir of the legacy of Bhaal.

There are other interesting tidbits from the game that add to its allure and legend. "Stand and deliver, that my hamster might have a better look at you." and other similarly light hearted banter readily come to mind. I also find it odd that only in the first game can you actually visit the titular city of Baldur's Gate.

Also, the iron shortage and Sarevok's power plays and political manipulations were all very well thought out and elaborate. Fresh ideas like that are hard to come by these days. Which by the way, reinforces a long standing TV trope, they don't make them like they used to.

Sword in hand, dead wolf at my feet. Such is life in Cloakwood Forest.

Cutting one's teeth in the Nashkel mines.

7. Icewind Dale 2

Icewind Dale 2 gameplay

The second Icewind Dale, like its predecessor, was quite good. The story continues smoothly from the first game, i.e. twin children begotten by Belhifet stir up trouble in the ten towns, by apparently creating a militant alliance of monsters they dub, wait for it, "The Legion of the Chimera". Cool name, huh? Tieflings and their creativity.

Either way, a daring party of adventurers take on the daunting task of taking them down. And after a trek through the frigid North, the intrepid adventurers finally track down Isair and Madae, and deals with them accordingly.

The game is great in that there are several novel areas to explore, the Jungles of Chult, the Yuan - Ti temple, and the Dragon Eye time loop were all well crafted ideas, and quite frankly, a little unpredictable. That being said, being released in 2002 does have its disadvantages, and the modern day gamer might find the game buggy (there are fixes available) and a bit on the aged side, As alas, old games are not like fine wine, being dated does them no favors, just look at Duke Nukem Forever.

Rally, o brave defenders of Targos!

The temple made of ice, built by Nickademus within a day, for the High priestess of Auril Oria. The crazy things we do for love!

8. Dungeons & Dragons: Chronicles of Mystara

Dungeons & Dragons: Chronicles of Mystara launch trailer

Next up, Dungeons and Dragons: Chronicles of Mystara. For those who didn't already know, this is a compilation of arcade games that has been ported to other, more modern systems, such as Windows, Playstation 3, Xbox 360 , and Wii.

Tower of Doom kind of reminds me of the other Capcom games like Final Fight, or more recently, one of those Chinese Journey to the West Arcade RPGS or one of those Water Margin games, not that lots of people in the West would know what I am talking about. But either way, it's High Fantasy at its most basic level, heart racing adrenalin pumping combat, all in 2D side scrolling motion, with some serious referencing of the Dungeons and Dragons source material. Of course, it's always a plus when you can see the artist's take on what dragon's breath or Cloudkill looks like.

Shadows of Mystara takes place in the same setting of Mystara and focuses on the power behind the Archlich Deimos, the main villain of Tower of Doom, and it is just as entertaining, if not more so. The graphics have been given a makeover, I actually thought in Tower of Doom everything looked too muddy. But in the sequel everything is noticeably improved and everything looks spritely and energetic, no pun intended.

Shadows of Mystara also adds two new characters, and all of the characters each have a playable double, making this game more flexible than its predecessor. The Thief and the Magic User are cool additions. It's very enjoyable to watch flasks of burning oil incinerate your enemies or the apocalyptic Meteor swarm, I guess this game satisfies the inner pyromaniac in all of us, among other things. It's like I am the Firestarter.

It is much easier to fight enemies in Shadows of Mystara in rooms full of treasure with the addition of the Sliding maneuver. This maneuver allows you to pick up items across a fair distance, also allows you to dodge certain attacks. That means these goblins are going to Hell in a handcart.

A typical boss confrontation in Tower of Doom.

9. Sword Coast Legends

Sword Coast Legends gameplay

The newest game in the Forgotten Realms setting to come out, the cRPG Sword Coast Legends is a game with some big shoes to fill. Whether or not it is successful in this task depends on the player. The dungeon crawling is fun, the story thick, but not all may like the fact that this game feels a tad bit recycled, i.e. the lack of innovations combat - wise may disappoint some veterans of the genre. The abilities, skills, spells all go on the all important skill tree, and there are quick slots on the bottom of the screen for when you want to use the said things.

I thought it played a bit like Diablo 3, actually. Of course in this case, you have a party, and lots of dialogue, so that your hero won't get lonely on a dungeon crawl.

There is also a Dungeon Master mode, where up to five player can join, and one is assigned the task of being Dungeon master. In this mode, the Dungeon Master chooses from a number of randomized tilesets, builds and maintains his dungeon, he also has the option of taking control of NPCs directly, taking the fight to the players up close and personal. There is a balance at work here, however, a currency, by the name of DM threat, is spent laying traps and obstacles and spawning enemies and earned by the player party overcoming challenges and enemies.

The mystery of the bloody room in Luskan. Den of Thieves and Pirates. What could possibly go wrong?

A mage powers up a spell... Mordenkainen's Sword II, excellent choice!

10. The Temple of Elemental Evil

Temple of Elemental Evil gameplay

The Temple of Elemental Evil is one of those games faithful to the Dungeons & Dragons ruleset, some would say to a somewhat excessive degree. Released right on the heels of the Baldur's Gate series and Pool of Radiance: Ruins of Myth Drannor, this game features a true turn based combat system instead of the real time with pause combat mechanics of the Baldur's Gate and Neverwinter Nights games. In other words, whenever one is in combat, there is a radial dial menu where you can choose your actions, and you and the enemy take turns based on your initiative rolls.

The story takes place in the Greyhawk campaign setting, centering around the town of Hommlet. The actual Temple of Elemental Evil itself, or perhaps I should say its center, is the player's ultimate destination. Suffice to say, the Temple is a perilous place, fraught with danger and excitement, and Zuggtmoy, the Demoness lady of fungus is your optional superboss.

Even though the game is rather light on plot, it stands on its other virtues, and it is still a fun filled dungeon crawl, and one of the classics of the genre. Oddly enough, though, the developer of this game, Troika, which is Russian for three of something, only made three games, irony abounds!

Turn - based combat at its best.

Deep inside the Earth faction territory you will find the Earth temple altar... Looks kind of like a Mesoamerican Pyramid if you ask me. What god(s) do they worship I wonder?

11. Neverwinter

Neverwinter: The Cloaked Ascendancy

You know that saying: "There is no such thing as a free lunch?" Well guess what, that's not true in the world of online gaming, in which plenty of free - to - play games exist. Games like Mechwarrior: Online, Planetside 2, and the game next up on this list, Neverwinter are some examples.

A relatively new game, Neverwinter (2013) has an active modding community and a rather detailed story, amounting to 47 hours of play for the main campaign. Of course, as with all free lunches in real life, there are always hidden costs and externalities. In this case it's the items and certain options, crafting, convenience and otherwise, that can cost Zen, which is exchanged for using real money.

The in - game market place is quite robust, featuring an Exchange, a Market, an Auction house, a Bazaar, etc, etc. The game itself is story - driven, looks like a more cartoonish version of World of Warcraft, and the hero wins, a lot... Regardless, it's a worthwhile addition to the Forgotten Realms universe, particularly one that is set after the Spell Plague.

Protector's Enclave in Neverwinter is its seat of governance and the heart of that city's economy. See how busy the streets are...

Members of the Gray wolf tribe have the dubious distinction among the Uthgardt Barbarians of being Werewolves. The above is a transformed Werewolf Barbarian warrior.

12. Dungeons & Dragons Online

Dungeons & Dragons Online gameplay

One of the first MMO Dungeons and Dragons games that really caught on, DDO, or, Dungeons and Dragons Online is a game where you have associate with your fellow human beings and form well - rounded parties if you hope to have any degree of success navigating the twin worlds of the continent Xen'Drik of Eberron and the Kingdom of Cormyr of the Forgotten Realms. After receiving one's quests from NPCs, one can either solo the quest (those opportunities are rare) or embark on the quest with a party of your own choice, the "Social Panel", as it's called, help facilitate this, and you can either read other people's Looking for Members listings, and join accordingly, or start your own.

This is a fun game, you always feel like you are exploring something new, like you are in an undiscovered country, which is due to the fact that the dungeons and outside areas, aside from Towns, are instanced, meaning that your party will have that area to yourselves. It's like the Holodeck in Star Trek. People can occupy the same space without seeing each other.

The puzzles are progressively more challenging, and create a welcome diversion from the hack and slash, sword and sorcery etc. It's like riddle me this, Batman!

I am shipwrecked on a mysterious island, whatever will I do?

This is a scene from one of the quest given in the Shadow under Thunderholme Adventure pack. The player character must foil the Cult of the Dragon's evil plans and in this case, kill two red dragons.

13. Dungeons & Dragons: Siege of Dragonspear

Baldur's Gate: Siege of Dragonspear - Launch Trailer

Beamdog, the company with the bold vision to remake the Baldur's Gate series, hit another milestone back in March 2016, they made an entirely original expansion for the first Baldur's Gate, named Baldur's Gate: Siege of Dragonspear. This game is quite controversial, what with the transgender character, the somewhat brazen admission to being transgender by the said character, the Gamersgate crack by Minsc, and some personal quests which some people find distasteful.

The critics apparently think this is bad writing that is forced on people. I personally don't see what the big problems is, having to approach an issue too subtly already implies that there is a problem with the said issue in the world at large.

Either way, the game transplants some of the story from Icewind Dale, and generally fills in the blanks of the lost years of the Player Character in the Baldur's Gate series. It's an enjoyable game, combat encounters are noticeably larger, enemies are beefed up, new monsters, novel maps, and most of the things you do affects the ending you get. But in the end, all roads lead to Rome, or in this case, Irenicus' Dungeon beneath Waukeen's Promenade in Athkatla, but then again, that already happened. So, it's like, welcome back to the future, every time one finishes this game.

Yes, I am a Crusader and an Orog.

Are you afraid of the Underdark?

And there you have it, the classics and up - and - comers of the genre according to this author! This is by no means an exhaustive list, but there are quite a few PC titles for Forgotten Realms out there that have aged beyond recognition, think the very first King's Bounty game released in the early 90's, that's what they resemble and that's why I chose not to include them on this list. But be that as it may, many of the games on this list are the bedrock on which the Dungeons & Dragons franchise rests, they can literally and unabashedly call themselves the cornerstones of the Industry without fear of ridicule. Which consequently makes me ponder the truthfulness of the following statement: "Heroes come and go, but genius is forever..."

If you enjoyed this article, you may also be interested in the following:

1) 11 Most Popular MMORPGs in 2016

2) 10 Games Like Baldur’s Gate

3) Neverwinter Nights 2 (2006)

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Was Dragon Age Origins better than Baldur’s Gate 2?

Only2morrow — Fri, 10 Feb 2017 03:06:23 +0000

Let’s Break It Down

Debuting eight years apart, Dragon Age: Origins and Baldur’s Gate 2 have quite a few things in common. Both are set in high fantasy worlds, complete with elves, dwarves, and magic. And both were created by Bioware, who wrote each with fantastic stories, characters, and interactions.

But which was better? And which is more likely to withstand the test of time?

Baldur’s Gate does have age on Dragon Age: Origins. But does older really mean better?

Dungeons, Dragons and Children of Gods

So what sets Baldur’s gate apart from Dragon Age? Beyond simply being the mold on which Dragon Age was created from, Baldur’s Gate does have a few other advantages as well.

Baldur's Gate 2, where Dungeons and Dragons come to life.

Baldur’s Gate 2 is simply a more massive game. At the time Baldur’s Gate 2 premiered, it was standard practice for games to release expansions to build upon their base game. Though simply adding in an expansion was standard, Bioware went above and beyond on Throne of Bhaal adding in a solid thirty more hours of game time to an already long game.

Another place Baldur’s Gate excelled? Characters. Though Origins did have fantastic companions, since the game was fully voiced, there was simply not enough resources to put as much into companions as there was in Baldur’s Gate 2. The companions were deeper, better written, and most of all there was Minsc and Boo.

Baldur's Gate 2 Enhanced Edition Gameplay Trailer

And what of the challenger? What does Dragon Age: Origins bring to the table?

The Roar of the Dragon

After Bioware choose to create its own fantasy IP, they moved on from the Baldur’s Gate series, and thus Dragon Age was born. Since debut in 2009, the Dragon Age series has been wildly successful with the third installation of Inquisition giving Bioware it’s largest launch in history. But are the numbers of today are not enough to simply state that Origins was a better game than Baldur’s Gate 2?

Beyond numbers, Origins does have a more realistic world. Even though they are both steeped in fantasy, Origins pulled from both Lord of the Rings and A Song of Ice and Fire. Creating a much darker world within Thedas than the Forgotten Realms can be. Thedas is harsh, it’s unforgiving and that alone makes it easier to connect with.

But where else does Origins inch out over Baldur’s Gate? Graphics. Though Origins is nowhere near the graphically stunning games of today, the game is at least in 3D, and it has aged well. Unlike Baldur’s Gate 2, which is isometric, Origins can be easier to get into for new players simply because it is a three-dimensional game.

Dragon Age Origins Gameplay

Dragon Age Origins Official Video Playlist

Verdict?

Playtime and Writing, or Darker Fantasy and Graphics? It’s a hard choice, but in the end, it’s about what you like to play. For some, Baldur’s Gate 2 will always be an RPG that stands the test of time. For others, Dragon Age: Origins was a vast improvement upon the game it was molded from.

So what’s your opinion? Which did you rather? Tell us your thoughts!

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Why Isn’t Anyone Making a Baldur’s Gate Sequel?

Only2morrow — Fri, 10 Feb 2017 00:59:22 +0000

More than a Decade and Counting

Since the fantastic and wildly successful final expansion for Baldur’s gate II, Throne of Bhaal, fans of the series wondered if there would be more to the tale. Though there was once an announced Baldur’s Gate III after it’s apparent cancellation in 2003, all rumors of extending the beloved series seemed to be a dead end.

So what’s the deal? Where is our champion to pick up the Baldur’s Gate franchise and bring it to the modern day? Let’s take a look at our options.

Baldur’s Gate is still highly regarded as one of the best RPG’s of all time.

Where Did Bioware Go After?

The first logical studio to look to for a sequel would be the makers of the original. So why did Bioware abandon the series? And did they have any interest in making a Baldur’s Gate III?

According to sources, Bioware did want to revisit the series but they were not in a position to do so. Instead, the studio moved on to Neverwinter Nights, another game set in the Dungeons and Dragons universe. After, when they were in a better position to move back to the series, Bioware opted to instead create their own fantasy based series with the smash hit, Dragon Age.

Rising from the ashes of a forgotten series, Beamdog released the Siege of Dragonspear expansion.

If not Bioware, then who?

With the release of the Baldur’s Gate Enhanced Edition in 2012 and the subsequent enhanced Baldur’s Gate II after, many wondered if Beamdog might pick up the mantle. Though there is no official word of a Baldur’s Gate III yet, there is hope! Just last year Beamdog released a brand new expansion that takes place in between Baldur’s Gate 1 and 2 named Siege of Dragonspear.

The most encouraging sign? Last year one of Bioware’s lead writers, the legendary David Gaider, one of the original writers for the Baldur’s Gate series was hired on at Beamdog. And soon after it was announced that he would be at the head of a new Baldur’s Gate series.

What does that mean? That means the possibility of Beamdog having a Baldur’s Gate III in the works is pretty high! And not only that, with David Gaider as the Creative Director, we’ll be getting a game that feels authentically Baldur’s Gate.

And that’s all we can ask for.

Seige of Dragonspear Launch Trailer

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10 Things That Made the Baldur's Gate Series So Amazing

distantshores — Thu, 19 May 2016 15:42:20 +0000

A Passion Project

Released by BioWare in 1998, the original Baldur's Gate revitalized computer role-playing games, selling over 2 million copies when it came out, and established the now well-known RPG conventions of shaping your character through stat-building, player choice, branching dialogue, and companion influence. After their first game, Shattered Steel, the developers at BioWare set out to bring their hobby of pen-and-paper tabletop roleplaying onto computers. Baldur's Gate is the result of that passion, and the game is undeniably one of the most influential PC games of all time.

It's also still incredibly fun and playable. With the new Enhanced Editions released on Steam, GoG, and many other digital platforms, if you've never experienced the series, now's the perfect time. If you played Mass Effect or Dragon Age and loved them, you owe it to yourself to see where Bioware got its RPG storytelling start. Here's 10 things that made the game the engrossing roleplaying experience it was.

10. Tactical, Important Combat

Combat involves a lot of moving parts, requiring planning and positioning

When creating the game, BioWare set out to recreate the experience of combat in Dungeons & Dragons. Looking from a top-down perspective, fights are carried out in a challenging and tactical pause-and-play style. You have to think through encounters, and prepare for big ones before hand. The game also allows you to pre-program some behavior for the characters in combat, such as healing themselves when their health gets too low, so that you have to do less pausing and managing.

The combat is all about progressing, not only as a character, but as a player. As your characters stats get better, you also learn the game better, eventually becoming able to size up a fight right at the start and know what everyone needs to do and where they need to go. You're not supernatural and overpowered, and every combat could be deadly, so it's really satisfying just to make it out of a dangerous situation.

9. Stats and the D&D Experience at Home

Baldur's Gate used a D&D style character sheet, teaching gamers about armor class, THAC0, and more

Along with Diablo (1996) and Fallout (1997), the original Baldur's Gate was one of the first games to introduce players to building a D&D-style stat sheet for their character and improving it incrementally through leveling up. Players had to crunch numbers and decide on what sort of “build” they wanted to pursue. All of these numbers played out in the background, determining success in failure of everything from a swing of the sword to attempts at bartering, all through behind-the-scenes dice rolls. Curious players could even see the dice rolls playing out in the text box along with tons of other information.

Away from the more static and text-focused interfaces of '80s RPGs like Bard's Tale and Dungeon Master, players could see all their items and armor in real time on their character, as well as watch new spells and abilities hit their enemies.

Before the 1990s, gamers who wanted to experience the epic roleplaying adventures of Dungeons & Dragons had to do so with a Dungeon Master, 3 other friends, and an available living room. Baldur's Gate is arguably the truest representation of the D&D experience you can play by yourself on your own computer. With rules, settings, races, and monsters all taken from The Forgotten Realms and the Advanced Dungeons & Dragons gameplay system, Baldur's Gate was a singular experience for fans of the then-niche tabletop, and its incredible sales boosted the popularity of D&D to a wider audience than ever before.

The character creation screen is the first place you encounter the game's many dice rolls

The game was many players' first experience with the D&D staples of filling out a character sheet and learning what STR, DEX, and INT meant. It was their first experience of a morality system in a game, which could influence those around you and create real disagreements based on ethics and beliefs. Many gamers first learned the difference between Chaotic Good and Neutral Evil thanks to Baldur's Gate. So many of the RPG classes, races, and overall tropes we consider as standard for modern video games were created in Dungeons & Dragons, and brought to the realm of games by Baldur's Gate.

8. Mighty Impressive Magic

Spells are taken from the D&D rulebooks, and have a variety of effects

Baldur's Gate contained nearly 100 spells, ranging from Agannazar’s Scorcher to Vampiric Touch, each with 5 different levels of power. This made Wizards and Priests a powerful force in combat when used well. Balancing useful support spells like the movement-slowing Web with devastating destructive spells like Fireball, all while keeping your magic-users out of the way, is still as tense and fun as it was 20 years ago. All the effects play out in real time, and have unique appearances. Even better, all the graphics for the spells have been upgraded with the Enhanced Editions.

The spells fall into eight different schools of magic, all of which have different benefits, requirements, and progressions: alteration, which changes reality; abjuration, which protects or resists; conjuration, which summons armor and living creatures; divination, which identifies magical items and spots traps; enchantment, which manipulates minds; evocation, which brings damage and destruction; illusion, which alters appearances and grants invisiblity; and necromancy, which heals the living, or raises the dead.

7. Chatty, Creative Companions

A few of the colorful companions you meet between the two games

BioWare is well-known for its engaging companion characters, and one of the joys of any BioWare RPG is talking to and getting to know the people in your party. By the end of your story, they often feel like family, and the deeply three-dimensional writing leaves fans thinking about characters like Mass Effect's Garrus Vakarian, Dragon Age's Leliana, and Knights of the Old Republic's HK-47.

In Baldur's Gate, you have characters like Minsc, an overenthusiastic two-handed berserker with a miniature space hamster named Boo; a chaotic evil gnome thief who believes he's the Chosen One; and a half-orc constantly tempted by a lust for power. If you thought games like Mass Effect needed more party members, the 25 (29 for Enhanced Edition) offered in Baldur's Gate should satisfy. Their banter is entertaining, and fleshes out everyone's personality throughout your time playing. Have a listen for yourself.

These characters provide tons of comedy and drama, not only in conversations, but in how they react to your decisions and the things they say during combat, like Minsc's “Go for the eyes, Boo!” All have their own goals and reasons for joining your party, and will leave if they feel they have to. Because of this, it feels like the other characters aside from you are also making choices and living for themselves.

What's more, is you always have to consider which characters to take with you into combat, and how best to balance everyone's strengths and weaknesses, adding an additional layer to the already complex combat.

6. Complex, Memorable Villains and NPCs

Don't let his demonic appearance fool you, there is a man under that armor

The depth and desires of the characters don't end with the companions in your party. The antagonists in Baldur's Gate are every bit as multifaceted and interesting as those fighting on your side. While there are a few “purely evil” villains who have little reason beyond causing destruction, the majority of them come from tragic backgrounds, or grasp for power out of fear of being powerless, some are even driven by love and loyalty. One of the main five villains is actually hoping to destroy the rest of them before killing himself, in order to create a better world. Even the primary Big Bad of the game, Sarevok, has a clear and understandable goal, as well as moments of weakness and doubt. One of the major antagonists, a seemingly evil mage who tortures the main character, has a history and backstory that make you almost pity them.

This makes the fights more than just a challenge to be overcome. You consider your goals and motivations, as well as those of your companions and the person you're fighting. When you combine that with the cerebral, deliberate nature of the combat, it all feels very close and personal. It has weight.

In a similar way, most NPCs in the game have thought put into their personalities and reason for being where they are, and they serve as more than just points on a map or a pickup and dropoff point for items. Everyone from the town's inn keeper to the city watch has a little bit of personality, and sometimes they have problems they need help with. No two people feel the same. Every person you encounter has a reason for being there beyond standing there waiting for you to bring them 10 phoenix feathers.

5. Writing Better Than Most Novels

A few of your many, many dialogue choices throughout the game
An example of the great, detailed dialogue choices you get while playing

They say that good writing is good forever, and that's certainly true of Baldur's Gate. While some of the graphic and presentation could feel dated to some, the writing is every bit as good as it was in 1998. Every city, every area is packed with details and small conversations. Every item has history, every character a biography. The world feels alive, and you're just a part of it.

This block of text is just for a simple sword--some items have history and stories around them

The main story of Baldur's Gate starts small, with your character merely hoping to survive in a rough world facing a severe iron shortage, and gets larger and larger as you uncover the wheels turning and plots unfolding along the Sword Coast. The story sees you sabotaging mercenary installations, uncovering assassination conspiracies, and exploring your character's true mysterious origins. Along the way, there's plenty of romance and engaging side quests, of course!

It's hard to talk about the writing of the game without spoiling too much, but if you're a fan of fantasy novels or the engrossing worlds of The Witcher or Lord of the Rings, you will undoubtedly be fascinated by the world created here, and the dialogue of all the characters.

4. Story and Adventure

The stakes feel high, and there's a sense of wonder as you travel The Forgotten Realms

All of this, the companions, the writing, the details in the world, comes together to draw you into an epic adventure, just as the protagonist is drawn in. You start out fighting for your life with your master trying to protect you, and once you venture out into the larger world, you fight to find your place in it and make a difference.

Like many games that would come after it, Baldur's Gate gives players a chance to make choices that matter and change things. It gives you control over the fates of people, cities, and history. While you're playing, you feel kind of responsible. This sounds familiar, with tons of RPGs nowadays offering similarly weighty world-changing choices, but Baldur's Gate was one of the first to do it in a really believable and impactful way, where even when you booted down the game for the night, or watched the credits roll at the end, you found yourself thinking about what you had said and done, and the effects it had.

It's really an incredible adventure.

3. It Gave Us Some of the Best Co-Op RPGs Ever

Dark Alliance focused more on action-oriented hack-and-slash gameplay, but kept the setting and spells

The Baldur's Gate: Dark Alliance series was a console spin-off set in the same world, released in the early 2000s for the PS2, Xbox, and Gamecube. Dark Alliance took the incredible setting and RPG elements of its PC predecessors and brought in two-player co-op action similar to Diablo and Gauntlet. For RPG fans on consoles who wanted to share the experience with friends, the Dark Alliance series was incredible, offering three distinct classes, gorgeous graphics, and addictively fun hack-and-slash gameplay. Its follow-up Dark Alliance 2, as well as the Everquest-based Champions of Norrath games, brought that D&D-style RPG experience even closer to the real deal, as you could now play alongside your friends.

2. Mountains of Mods

Some mods, like this Mad-Men-inspired graphics set, are purely visual, while others balance gameplay or add new content

Baldur's Gate inspired a massive community of modders, who brought in everything from small gameplay improvements to all-new dialogue. In the early days of the internet, these kinds of communities were just taking off and sharing with each other. Baldur's Gate, with it's massive world and solid rules, provided the perfect opportunity for this scene to flourish, and today, you can find a huge amount of great mods for both the original releases and the Enhanced Editions.

BioWare was so inspired by the passion of their fans for modding, that they included a toolset for making custom modules and adventures with their game Neverwinter Nights, their second D&D-based RPG series. In fact, aspiring writers looking to work with BioWare are still required to submit a scenario made using the toolset with their application.

1. Influence and Sequels

Pillars of Eternity, a Kickstarted spiritual successor to Baldur's Gate made in the same style with modern graphics and mechanics

It's a small thing, but if you're the sort of gamer that likes to see where your favorite games came from, Baldur's Gate is required playing. Without it, we wouldn't have Mass Effect, Dragon Age, Pillars of Eternity, or Fable. It raised the bar for interaction and storytelling, and directed the entire landscape of Western RPGs for years to come, combining Western fantasy with Japanese character interaction.

In addition to the remakes and all the many games its influenced, the world of Baldur's Gate is still going strong! The newest expansion, made for the Enhanced Edition of the original game, was released in March of 2016. Titled Siege of Dragonspear, the expansion brings all-new settings and stories to this beloved title. If you do get hooked on Baldur's Gate, you can be guaranteed hundreds of hours of wonderful entertainment. A full sequel is in talks, possibly to be funded by Kickstarter, and offering an entirely new saga for the series.

Want to play it?

You can find and play the enhanced edition of Baldur's Gate on your PC on many popular digital storefronts, including Steam, Good Old Games, and the developer's website.

Baldur's Gate can also be played on tablets and phones, available on iTunes and the Google Play Store.

Take a look at the gameplay trailer for the first game here, or at the Let's Play below, and let us know what you think in the comments!

Video of wGTn3FlF23M

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This 1998 RPG recently got a fresh update, and is as fun to play as ever

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10 Classic PC Games That Are Still Worth Playing Right Now

sarinananana — Sat, 05 Sep 2015 04:41:18 +0000

Good games like these never get old!

With exciting new games coming out all the time, sometimes being a gamer can be overwhelming. You never know if that new release you just dished out sixty bucks for will be worth it or if it will be bland, not daring to innovate or gratify you.

But then there’s the oldies – the classic games you know are incredible, those that have stood the test of time. Their mechanics have held up, the storylines are still enriching, and their art styles are impressive even today.

While it is rare that something leaves such a lasting impression in a field that is being revolutionized all the time, these ten games have done exactly that. They were great when they came out, they continue to be great like a fine wine, and yes, you should definitely play them right now.

These classics are more than worth checking out for the first time –and are due for another look if you have played them already!

1. XCOM: Enemy Unknown

An XCOM E3 trailer!

Released in 2012, XCOM: Enemy Unknown is not the oldest game on the list, but its difficult and tactical gameplay makes it a true classic!

To put it simply, Enemy Unknown is a turn-based tactical game that also relies on roleplaying elements to reach full impact. There are options for both single-player and multiplayer experiences, which is but one of many testaments to the game’s versatility.

At release, it received immediate praise from critics and was the recipient of many Game of the Year awards in 2012. The reasons for Enemy Unknown’s acclaim include radical replayability and how easy it is to become absorbed in the game. And of course we all love the difficulty setting that features permadeath and only allows players a single save game – no reloading!

XCOM: Enemy Unknown’s sequel, XCOM 2, is set to be released just a couple months from now in November 2015! There is no better time than now to play the original classic.

2. Age of Empires II: The Age of Kings

An epic beginning

Age of Empires II is an irregularity in gaming! It was first released for PC in 1999, nearly sixteen years ago, but, thanks to Steam, has been revived with new expansions and a HD Edition over the past couple of years.

That revival makes perfect sense; The Age of Kings is a real-time strategy game that transformed its genre and, as a result, will never get old. Love for this classic game has stayed very strong over the last decade.

Taking place in the Middle Ages, each specialized story in Age of Empires II is centered on history. Players control one of thirteen civilizations and, using resources acquired through gameplay, defeat the empire’s enemies with their armies. It is riveting and relies on careful choices to find success!

If you decide to play this game, you won’t regret it!

3. Transport Tycoon

Now for mobile phones!

Transport Tycoon is a very early business simulation game. And when I say early, I mean early. It’s older than I am!

The goal of the game is simple: control a transportation company and get as much profit as possible doing it. You acquire that oh-so-coveted money by picking up people or goods to move along from one station to the next.

What makes Transport Tycoon so special is that there are few games that rival what it is doing. It is rewarding, educational, and fun. Definitely give this classic game a try!

4. Baldur’s Gate II: Shadows of Amn

Trailer for the enhanced version

If you are a fan of roleplaying games, you know that Baldur’s Gate II is among the best of the best. For originally being released in 2000, its approximately 300 hours of gameplay is beyond remarkable. Modern BioWare fans may also find it interesting that Shadows of Amn is one of the developer’s earliest games.

Baulder’s Gate II offers everything a roleplaying game should have and does it very well: extensive character creation, conversations among your NPC group members, a leveling system, a large environment, and more. Its scale and scope is epic. In fact, everything about it is epic.

There is nothing quite like Baulder’s Gate II: Shadows of Amn. It is a must-play for every gamer out there, particularly RPG fans!

5. Deus Ex

Truly a classic.

Deus Ex is often regarded as one of the best PC games of all time – if not the ultimate best. It incorporates elements of our favorite genres, like RPGs, action games, and first person shooters.

But Deus Ex is much more than that; it has a larger-than-life plot with epic action that the first person perspective entrenches you in. Players take on the role of an “augmented” agent, who, using his nanotech-powered skills, seeks to defeat terrorism and a multitude of other enemies throughout the game. Ultimately, the player’s decisions are what determines the ending of their play-through and overall destiny.

This is one game you cannot miss out on! Despite being released in 2000, Deus Ex is more than worth playing in 2015.

6. Day of the Tentacle

Not like most games!

n the realm of point-and-click adventure games, Day of the Tentacle is a number one classic!

Players work to prevent a giant Purple Tentacle from overwhelming and conquering the entire world. That is exactly the sort of quirky humor to expect from Day of the Tentacle, and it is hilarious. The fun puzzles and comedy are what make the game so great, especially with the inclusion of time travel as a main feature.

Twenty-two years after release, and Day of the Tentacle is still worth playing! Definitely check it out if you’re a fan of games like the Sam & Max series, Grim Fandango, and Broken Age.

7. Syndicate

An example of Syndicate gameplay

Also released in 1993, Syndicate is an exciting real-time tactical game developed by Bullfrog Productions. Don’t think that just because it is a tactical game that it isn’t fun! Perhaps the best part of Syndicate is how the gameplay resembles a shoot-em-up with its fast and furious pace.

It gives off an interesting cyberpunk vibe. Players go through dangerous missions to eventually conquer the entire world through stealthy, violent, and coercive means.

Syndicate will make you feel powerful – large and in charge! There’s no reason not to play this amazing classic right now; it is free for PC on EA Origin!

8. Half-Life

Half-Life has had some outstanding trailers throughout the years.

Half-Life, released in 1998, accomplished an incredible feat. By revolutionizing the entire first person shooter genre, it has achieved its brilliant legacy as an instant classic. It is clearly one of the best PC games of all time, and there is no reason not to have played it or to not replay it right now!

The game takes place in the Black Mesa Research Facility, home to the creepy science-fiction goodness that we all know and love about Half-Life. Its shooting is exceptional, the enemies are unique, and players cannot help but be lured into its immersive environment. Furthermore, Half-Life is more than just a shooter; puzzles and lack of organized ‘levels’ tie in elements of other beloved game genres.

The most famous weapon from Half-Life is the crowbar, which has become an icon in the gaming community. Gordon Freeman, the game’s main character, is also a significant gaming figure.

Seriously – if you haven’t played Half-Life, just go do it. Right now. Half-Life is more than just a classic, it is a life-changing and literal game-changing experience.

9. Warcraft III: Reign of Chaos

An amazing opening to an amazing game

Ever wondered about installments in the Warcraft universe other than World of Warcraft? If so, Warcraft III: Reign of Chaos is probably where you should begin your search.

Put out by Blizzard Entertainment in July 2002, Warcraft III features many of the easily recognizable Warcraft elements, like certain races (Humans, Orcs, Undead, and Night Elves) and some cool places in the world of Azeroth. Experiencing Reign of Chaos will actually give interesting hide sight information to those who have previously only played WoW. That background story, by the way, is told through movie-like cut scenes that were breath-taking in its day.

Reign of Chaos is not a roleplaying game or an MMO, though. It is a real-time strategy game, where players control various units and buildings to manage resources on the map. While that is relatively simple, it is done well, making Warcraft III one of the most solid strategy games of all time.

Warcraft III: Reign of Chaos introduces a story still relevant to gamers and boasts gameplay mechanics that hold up for modern players today. Moreover, it is the first true hit, the first best seller, in the Warcraft universe, and there is a natural progression into World of Warcraft. Definitely check it out right now!

10. Command & Conquer: Red Alert 2

C&C: Red Alert 2 also has multiplayer!

EA Games was also interested in real-time strategy games at the turn of the century. Command & Conquer: Red Alert 2 is a product of that, and it has even received comparisons to Blizzard’s game StarCraft.

Command & Conquer: Red Alert 2 offers two factions that players can play as. Their choice determines the destiny of their game, because each has its own distinctive plot and campaign, and is designed in an alternate-ending mode.

This level of choice is unusual, but impressive, for a real-time strategy game! Clearly, Red Alert 2 was made for replayability, so pick it up and give it a play now too!

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The classic Day of the Tentacle enemy!

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