Retro Replay Review

Gameplay

The core of Baldur’s Gate lies in its deep and rewarding gameplay, built on the Advanced Dungeons & Dragons 2nd Edition ruleset. From the moment you step outside the gates of Candlekeep, you are invited to customize your hero by selecting race, class, alignment, and proficiencies. Each decision impacts not only combat abilities but also how NPCs react to you, creating a tailor-made adventure that feels uniquely yours.

Exploration is seamless, with towns, wilderness areas, and treacherous dungeons all accessible through the same isometric view. Combat unfolds in real time, yet the ability to pause at any moment allows for precise tactics—issuing spells, directing melee strikes, and reassigning party members on the fly. Positioning and formation matter greatly; flanking foes, protecting weaker characters, and timing spell casts can turn the tide of battle.

Beyond the main storyline, Baldur’s Gate is renowned for its wealth of side quests and recruitable companions. Each of the up to six party members has a backstory, unique dialogue, and loyalty arc. Balancing your roster—mixing fighters, thieves, mages, priests, rangers, and druids—gives you both mechanical diversity and a richer narrative tapestry. Whether you’re sneaking through shadows or hurling fireballs at an ogre, the gameplay remains consistently engaging.

Graphics

When Baldur’s Gate first launched, its hand-painted 2D backgrounds were a revelation. The detailed art captures everything from the dusty streets of Beregost to the eerie corridors of Candlekeep, evoking a tangible sense of place. Even years later, the richly colored environments and character portraits maintain their charm and readability.

Character sprites are expressive, allowing you to distinguish spellcasters from warriors or rogues at a glance. The animations—sword swings, arrow volleys, and magic effects—are crisp and purposeful, reinforcing the impact of each action. While modern titles may outshine these visuals in technical fidelity, Baldur’s Gate’s aesthetic still stands out for its hand-crafted warmth.

Special effects, such as fireballs, lightning storms, and protective wards, are rendered with a satisfying visual punch. In darker areas, the dynamic lighting casts ominous shadows, heightening tension before a surprise ambush. Although the game does not boast real-time 3D models, its 2D artistry delivers a timeless atmosphere that continues to draw players into the Forgotten Realms.

Story

The tale begins in Candlekeep, an ancient fortress-library on the rural Sword Coast. Raised alongside Imoen by the benevolent mage Gorion, you enjoy a sheltered life until a band of unknown mercenaries mounts a lethal ambush. Gorion’s sacrifice spares only you, an orphan thrust into a hostile world with neither home nor security.

Locked within the fortress gates, Candlekeep’s scholars refuse to risk further wrath from the mysterious assassins. Only Imoen—your sister in all but blood—ventures out with you into the uncharted wilderness. Together, you embark on a perilous journey filled with lurking dangers, political intrigue, and ancient secrets waiting to be unearthed.

As the plot unfolds, you discover that your lineage is entwined with forces beyond mortal comprehension. Alliances with charismatic companions reveal hidden agendas, moral choices test your alignment, and each decision ripples through the campaign. The narrative deftly balances personal loss, epic quests, and the high stakes of power struggles in the Forgotten Realms.

Overall Experience

Baldur’s Gate remains a landmark in role-playing games due to its combination of robust mechanics, evocative world-building, and player-driven storytelling. The sense of progression—from a vulnerable orphan to a seasoned adventurer commanding a diverse party—feels genuinely earned. Side quests are never throwaway distractions but often offer memorable characters and moral quandaries.

The pacing strikes a fine balance between exploration, combat, and narrative beats. Each region brings fresh challenges—bandit raids on country roads, haunted graveyards, magical conspiracies in urban centers—ensuring the journey never grows stale. The game’s length, easily exceeding 50 hours on a first run, provides excellent value and replayability, especially if you experiment with different classes or party compositions.

Even decades after its release, Baldur’s Gate continues to inspire modern RPGs. Its influence is evident in both indie classics and AAA titles that emphasize choice, party dynamics, and a richly detailed world. For newcomers to the genre or veteran players seeking a nostalgic return to the Sword Coast, Baldur’s Gate delivers an unforgettable adventure that stands the test of time.

Retro Replay Score

8.4/10