Retro Replay Review

Gameplay

Baldur’s Gate: The Original Saga delivers a rich, party-based RPG experience that feels both expansive and meticulously crafted. From the moment you step into Candlekeep and venture out into the Sword Coast, the game offers a blend of strategic combat, deep character progression, and meaningful choices. Players can create a party of up to six adventurers, mixing classes, races, and alignments to suit any playstyle—from a nimble thief sneaking through shadows to a stalwart paladin charging into battle.

The real-time with pause combat system shines through dozens of encounters, allowing you to pause the action at any moment, issue commands, and then watch your strategies play out. This creates a satisfying balance between the urgency of real-time action and the deliberation of turn-based tactics. Boss fights and random skirmishes alike demand attention to positioning, spell selection, and party coordination, making every encounter feel significant.

The Tales of the Sword Coast expansion further enriches the gameplay by adding new areas, quests, and level caps. It introduces a variety of side adventures—from ancient ruins haunted by vengeful spirits to mercenary camps embroiled in political intrigue—that extend the narrative depth and provide fresh challenges. Whether you’re tackling the main quest or exploring hidden corners of the map, there’s always something new to discover.

Graphics

While Baldur’s Gate’s graphics have aged since its original 1998 release, the isometric, hand-painted backgrounds remain iconic and evocative. Each forest glade, bustling town, and dimly lit dungeon feels alive with detail, from flickering torchlight to rustling foliage. The character portraits are expressive and distinctive, lending personality to each party member and NPC you encounter.

The expansion pack’s new environments blend seamlessly with the original game’s art style, ensuring no jarring visual shifts as you journey from the base game into Sword Coast locales. Weather effects—such as sudden rain or drifting fog—add atmospheric flourishes, while the day-night cycle subtly influences ambiance without disrupting gameplay. Loading screens feature concept art that further immerses you in the Forgotten Realms setting.

Though modern hardware can render Baldur’s Gate in higher resolutions, the core aesthetic remains true to the game’s late ’90s roots. Fans of pixel-perfect realism may find the character models simplistic, but the timeless charm of the hand-drawn backdrops often outweighs any technical limitations. For many players, these visuals now carry a sense of nostalgia that enhances the overall experience.

Story

Baldur’s Gate weaves a compelling tale of intrigue, destiny, and moral ambiguity. As a young ward of the wise Gorion, you are thrust into a conflict that threatens the Sword Coast after your mentor’s sudden demise. From there, the journey unfolds into a richly layered plot involving iron shortages, shadowy villains, and revelations about your own heritage. The writing strikes a balance between high-stakes drama and moments of levity, driven by memorable NPCs and branching dialogue choices.

The expansion Tales of the Sword Coast adds several subplots that complement the main narrative, ranging from quests to aid a haunted temple to broker peace among warring coastal tribes. These side stories not only expand your party’s backstory but also reinforce the game’s theme of moral complexity—decisions often carry unforeseen consequences, testing your character’s alignment and relationships with companions.

One of the saga’s greatest strengths is its cast. Characters like the cynical ranger Minsc and his miniature giant space hamster, Boo, or the conflicted bard Imoen, bring humor, heart, and occasional conflict to your travels. Companion quests unlock layers of personal drama, forcing you to navigate interpersonal dynamics as carefully as you do dungeon traps. This interplay between party members makes the story feel personal and dynamic.

Overall Experience

Baldur’s Gate: The Original Saga remains a landmark RPG that set the standard for party-based adventures. Its combination of addictive combat, deep narrative, and a sprawling world ensures hours of engaging gameplay. The expansion pack enhances replayability with new levels, additional spells, and unmissable sidequests, extending your investment in the Sword Coast universe.

Newcomers to classic RPGs might face a learning curve, particularly with Dungeons & Dragons–style mechanics and the abundance of on-screen information. However, the intuitive interface, helpful tutorials, and active modding community provide ample support. For seasoned veterans, the game’s difficulty can be tailored through manual difficulty adjustments or optional rule tweaks.

Whether you’re rediscovering Baldur’s Gate for the first time or embarking on the saga via a modern re-release, the enduring appeal of its world and storytelling shines through. The Original Saga offers a comprehensive package that celebrates its heritage while remaining accessible and rewarding for today’s gamers. It’s an essential journey for RPG enthusiasts seeking depth, variety, and unforgettable adventures.

Retro Replay Score

8.1/10