[pritchke]

Originally posted by NobleNick: Hello, all! [img]graemlins/happywave.gif[/img] Hello!! NobleNick, How are you? Forgive me if I don't welcome you to the forums . But I welcome you to this forum [img]smile.gif[/img] . Ispent virtually my entire Ironworks existence in the Icewind Dale forum. Indeed, that is how I found Ironworks; and I have been quite content in the IWD world for the last 3 years. I acquired Baldur's Gate, last summer, in a package of 10 games or so that I got off of eBay for $10. I have been meaning to start; and thought I might give it a go over Christmas vacation. a few questions, though. 1.) Is BG run on D&D2 rules? Exact Same Rules as IWD, Character creation is pretty much the same. Just not so many spells or SONGS, and no instruments that summon powerful berserker warriors to your side . 2.) How long is the game, compared to IWD?It will probaly vary from player to player, But this game is much more open ended than IWD, so you can complete it alot sooner if you only stick to the main plot quests, however if you take the time to explore every nook and cranny the game time is about the same. 3.) How much experience can you expect to acquire by the end of the game? What was previously said. Leveling is much slower in BG than IWD. You are probaly looking at somewere between level 7 to 10. 4.) The party is made of one rolled character (starts at CLVL 1?) and other pre-made NPCs join? That is correct but if you desire you can create your entire party by creating a multiplayer game. However part of the fun in this game is using the pre-made NPC's, as they even interact with each other, some more than others. 5.) What are some of the favored character/party strategies (or, if you prefer, what are some of the common mistakes)? For you a warning!!!! Bards are not really good in this game, nothing compared to IWD, creating a bard could be a mistake. For beginners I would recommend starting with one of the fighter classes (Ranger, Paladin, Fighter) makes the start a little easier. Than if you love the game and want to play it again than by all means, even try a bard. As for party classes you pick characters up along the way so who you decide to keep is entirely up to you. Basically like in IWD a balanced party is nice with a Couple Fighter types, Mage, Cleric, Theif, and another of whatever you like. 6.) Are there any patches needed, or does BG play glitch-free right out of the box? If you have The saga (3 disc with TotSC included) no patch is required, if you have just BG, or BG and TotSC separate than you will most likely require a patch. 7.) Is ToSC as important to BG as HoW is to IWD? Yes, it adds quit a bit to the game, but like HoW you don't have to do anything from the new areas added to the game. 8.) Small spoilers are O.K. Thanks! --------------------

I think you are really going to enjoy this game.

[ 12-10-2004, 03:24 PM: Message edited by: pritchke ]