Role-playing games are all about choices, relationships, and thinking about the box; so it should not come as a surprise when aBaldur’s Gate 3player queried the developers about a peculiar issue: why can’t the Mind Flayers, not even one of them, be romanced?
Baldur’s Gate 3is the latest creation of acclaimed developer Larian Studios, following the path of its earlier successfulDivinityseries. Similarly to Larian’s last products, the new title joins classic role-playing elements with compelling story, modern graphics, and an open-world environment full of details; this time, however, the game implements the tabletop Dungeon and Dragons ruleset, while its turn-based combat is a first for aBaldur’s Gategame. It can be played solo or cooperatively, with a party of up to four players.
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Romancing possibilities are hardly unusual for the genre, being a central part of gameplay in many of the most famous role-playing titles, like inThe WitcherandMass Effectseries. Likewise, the previousDivinitygames have been known for the sense of freedom instilled in the player, as well as for the presence of oddities like the ability to dialogue with almost every kind of animal encountered. As such, the question posed on Twitter by user @calamarti to theBaldur’s Gate 3developers is not as crazy as it may sound: why can’t the player kiss a Mind Flayer?
Larian Studios' answer is, however, quite on point.The Mind Flayers are the main antagonistsof the game; evil, sadistic aberrations, physically weak but gifted with nightmarish psionic powers. InBaldur’s Gate 3,they no longer hide, like in typicalDungeons and Dragonslore, but are conducting a full-fledged invasion of Faerun. They would probably make for an interesting lover - or a dangerous ex - but it’s not going to happen, and for a reason. “To have a truly romantic moment with the Mind Flayer,” Larian says, “it all needs to be done telepathically. I know that for us mere humans this might look more disappointing, but we have to respect the wishes of the Mind Flayer too.”
Luckily, there is much more toBaldur’s Gate 3than trying to form a couple with some homicidal abomination. For a title in a sea filled withDungeon and Dragons-inspired franchises, it stands up with several original choices, like ditching the unimaginative beggar-with-a-stick early game of many similar RPGs, or featuring dragons. This time, the feeling is not that far from atabletopDungeon and Dragonssession with friends.
Baldur’s Gate 3is already a popular title on Steam, but after two years of Early Access, it might be time to proceed towards the final release and the completion of the story. In that regard, the developers have promised to finish the work during this year, when the game might prove one of the bestcandidates to play on the Steam Deck.
Baldur’s Gate 3is available on Early Access on Steam. It is set to be released in 2022.
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