Quote from Gerhard on 2026-08-18, 14:39

I used to play a lot of games as a kid, but these days I play very rarely. I bought BG3 because of absolutely over the moon testimonies by my friends. I was skeptical that I would enjoy this dice-style, turn-based game.

As it turned out, I was instantly and hugely impressed by the start of the game. It was by far the most compelling start to a video game I have ever played. The plot is instantly fascinating, and the world is highly polished and very rich in detail. The character building is very immersive, and continues to be engaging throughout the game.

What I love most of all at the start of the game is the beauty of the map. There is a general sense, of course, that a plight is inflicting the land, but the base map is very beautiful. This theme continues into the monastery area, and even the underdark has pretty areas.

These ingredients made me love Act 1. Act 2 is very dark — and there should be emphasis on 'very'. This is purposeful, and fine as a portion of the game. However, into Act 3 — the beauty of the game seems totally lost. Act 1 had a solid setting with druids and goblins. Act 3 feels like a literal circus to me. There are so many themes of different kinds mashed together. In every basement, there seems to be a hidden, dark secret. The Emerald Grove seemed worth saving! But Act 3 seems like a mess, filled with pretty much evil throughout.

The base of BG3 is amazing. I would have loved simply more Act 1 style exploration. This would be excellent even through expansions or mods. I would love to see the world beauty and restored to harmony as one trudges through the evil enemies. For instance, after defeating the goblins, imagine life returning to the local village, or even the occupied temple being restored. Imagine if Act 2 had a post-section with additional missions after the darkness had been expelled — where one could see life regrowing.

There are many mods for BG3, but new map areas and dynamic environments that shift after mission success seems out of reach.

Overall, BG3 is a good game, but its start is so truly outstanding, that the overall experience doesn't quite live up to the game's full potential.