@Ravix I picked up KCD for around $5 on sale, so it’s in the library. But yeah, I do want to prioritize W3 and ER, but as I’ve mentioned, I really want to do Dark Souls 3 first.
And I agree with you in the sense that masterpiece level games are few in number and important touchstones, but there’s a place for the less-than-perfect good games too. Even if they don’t bowl me over like some of the epic favorites, I do like to have the smaller and less ambitious titles sprinkled throughout.
Speaking of, you should probably give some of the other FromSoft games a try, now that you’ve had your appetite whetted by Elden Ring. I know their other games won’t have the same enormous open world discovery aspect, but despite being more linear, there’s quite a bit of exploration to do and many hidden areas, bosses, and quests. I think the difficulty in general is higher because of lesser freedom to roam around if you hit a enemy or group that you struggle to get past, but there’s actually some options, depending on the game, to come back later when you’re stronger. Since you’ve ‘cut your teeth’ on ER, I think you’d acclimate to From’s other stuff. Demon’s Souls is probably the easiest and has a central Hub with some degree of openness to what order you do the different worlds. Dark Souls 1 has the famous intricate map that rewards exploration due to the weblike interconnectivity of the worlds. Bloodborne has a similar satisfying map structure. So you might scratch the ER itch with their other games.
I need to give you my Witcher books/audiobook update, as reminded by your post of the Peter Kenny sweet portrait over on chit-chat. And yeah, although he looks like a Witcher perhaps, he also looks like a lost member of the Bee-Gee’s. 😅
I’ve gone off topic enough so I’ll get into that over on the book thread…
“We cannot solve our problems with the same thinking we used when we created them.”
@Ravix@Th3solution I must warn you both... in this mythical all-bards playthrough of BG3 of ours that will never happen, I would be an incredibly full-of-themselves bard. You'll have to hear me singing about our tales consistently, and I can't promise that I'll have perfect pitch or even be on key. Remember that story I posted about my previous co-op adventure upon meeting Rashana? I wrote a whole song about that in typical bard-style afterwards, recorded it and sent it to my friend. I can still sing the whole song from memory. When I'm a bard, I'm the all-in type of bard!
@Th3solution I remember using "barrelmancing" to take out that boss. Well nearly anyway
I'm pretty sure I did reload to do the fight normally as well though. But like you say, lots of cool story associated with that quest line. The underwater prison level was a really tough section and I didn't quite manage to save everyone but almost. It did take a bit of savescumming though!
@Ravix Yeah, I know I never really got to grips with magic and it is one of the downsides of the game that mechanics can be so obtuse, especially if you're not familiar with DnD.
I actually thought about going with a bard should I ever replay the game as well! I actually have a whole folder of bookmarks for builds and bits of the game I missed if I do ever go back to the game, even if it is literally a <1% chance I ever do. So maybe I can sign up as the fourth party member
@Thrillho Sweet! I had to use the explosive barrel technique against one of the early mini-bosses at the Goblin Camp. Worked like a charm.
For the underwater prison, I was able to save everyone, including the Duke and Omellum, along with all the Gnomes. I definitely went in fully prepared and used some mobility enhancing items like speed potions and also some misty step spells and a haste spell. Could also have used dimension doors, fly spell, transposition arrows, etc. to get around more quickly within the time constraints. For controlling the enemies I found Hold Person quite helpful. It worked great to negate the enemies in one whole corridor that Shadowheart was taking responsibility for.
Hold Person and Hold Monster are some of the most OP skills and can completely turn the tide of a battle. Freezing a strong enemy for several rounds gives you the option to either ignore them entirely while you pick apart the rest of the enemies, or wail on them without risk of them dodging or countering while they just stand there getting pummeled. 😂 In the case of the Iron Throne I just used it to freeze them in place while we all ran back to the submarine.
Looks like we have our Bard quartet. @Tjuz I’ll start working on my singing voice since apparently this playthrough-which-will-never-happen involves concurrent cosplay and actual live bard performances whilst playing!
“We cannot solve our problems with the same thinking we used when we created them.”
Oh, god. I didn't know a full performance was required. That might take even more imagined planning 😁 Will we need to learn the spells for real, also? I have Tasha's Hideous Laughter perfected, but I might need some time to learn the others.
For our sound i'm thinking something between:
Get the crowd locked in to a tale, inject a little humour but end with a real sad one to really get the best reaction from our audience.
@Ravix I think the second one is going to be more the quality level of my singing. 😅
I wouldn’t have the first clue how to strum a lute, but I’m pretty good with the hand drum. And I can beatbox in the background.
“We cannot solve our problems with the same thinking we used when we created them.”
How about some spoken-word poetry? The bard equivalent of Hip-Hop? Perfect for performances in those smoky taverns.
Speaking of hand drums... On my regular playthroughs i'd always give Karlach a hand drum, leaving her non-proficient, and she would just hammer it out of time in the background really awkwardly 😁
I need to find my video of Shadowheart being unimpressed by my bard songs too, I think you would appreciate the humour
@Ravix 🤣 That’s the grumpy Shadowheart from early game. Classic.
Karlach is a lover of music for sure, even if she’s not a gifted performer. When she dances to the tune in her head during idle animations it makes me grin every time. I definitely take after her in that regard. I could probably pull off some of the spoken word/poetry style better than singing. 😄
“We cannot solve our problems with the same thinking we used when we created them.”
@RavixThe Wolven Storm is such a great piece of music! I would be lying if I said I didn't randomly burst out into song singing it on regular days sometimes. Any time I'm reminded of it really. You flea my dream come the morning... One of the most memorable moments of the game for me! I love me a musical performance in a game. I will have to hope Baldur's Gate 3 features something similar!
Although it isn't on the same level as The Wolven Storm, which definitely doesn't sometimes make my eyes water. I just tend to listen to it in dusty or windy environments and the state of my eyes is a total coincidence 🥺🥲 on my last playthrough, as I knew it was coming, I had Geralt drink all of his potions before walking in to steel his nerves 😅
The BG3 performance is on par with a decent eurovision entry though 😄 and it may take us a little effort to match, ourselves, if we do want to become the best bards in the land @Th3solution
When it seems you're out of luck.
There's just one man who gives a f*************ck
⚔️🛡🐎
@Ravix I'm glad you specified The Wolven Storm doesn't make you emotional. I was almost going to get the idea that black heart of yours is melting, but you've saved me from that misguided assumption. You having Geralt drink his potions before the performance is some next-level role-playing though! I feel like my level of role-playing amount more to whatever wall Geralt was going to bump into next. The tension! And if we're talking BG3 being more along the lines of Eurovision, are we talking Hold Me Closer or insert whatever generic Eurovision pop song here? I think we need to get started on lifting our egos for this bard journey however. IF we want to become the best bards in the land? If we want to be believable as this group at all, we need to start out already believing that!
You'll know what type of Eurovision style if you don't mind listening before getting to the moment in the game (some people miss it anyway) it has some classic elements like the strings coming in for that orchestral swell. Maybe a hint of a key change, too. They definitely could have doubled down on it and snuck it into the song contest with a few more tweaks.
oh, and don't you worry about that. I am already a living legend, and a self-taught musician with unrivalled natural ability to boot. I also have this unique way with words, even if sometimes my brain (or mouth, or hands) can't keep up with formatting them as such 😛
So, yes... my ego is all well and good. Now let us focus on you guys. @Th3solution and his poetry and storytelling will surely rival the bard Dan Dillion's
And what is it you add again @Tjuz 😛 lead vocals and songwriting, I believe? Like Lady Gaga at her meaty peak, am I right?
We got this. A bardcore ballad and poetry fusion. Or, you know, just click on the action wheel and all select the same song in-game and let them do it 😅
@Ravix Oh man, I love that moment in the game! And it’s quite easily missable and I almost didn’t get to see it but decided to do some exploring after taking care of some of the main threads at the Grove. It’s an awesome follow-up interaction that you get with her at Last Light and then later in Act 3 too, if you save the Tieflings.
But yes, in the spirit of Dan Dillion I will prep my creative prose and [clears throat and bows deeply] deliver a tale to rival all the great bards in the land.
“We cannot solve our problems with the same thinking we used when we created them.”
@Ravix Okay, yes, I totally understand the Eurovision vibes after listening to a bit of it. It's giving... winner but everyone is upset about it afterwards, haha.
What is it... I add... again?! I'm deeply offended at this choice of words, like we don't all know that I am the true start of the quartet. I am the Stevie Nicks is who I am, and who are these other people in the background? No one knows! *cough I mean, I know of course. The fans will love you, I'm sure. Ha. Just stay in my shadow and we'll be all good. And no rogue class funny business while you're out of sight behind me! My ego shall not be silenced!
***
@Th3solution Congratulations! 300 hours is a huge feat. I guess there's nothing left but to... start another playthrough? Jests aside. just take the time to revel in the achievement. I'm sure another game will come calling soon enough. The backlog never ends....
@Tjuz be careful of how you talk to your new Da... ahem hem hem. I will trail off here so as to not get us both banned. And it isn't only the Internet's darkest corners you should fear in this regard, it is actually surprisingly common from all.. angles? Walks of life? Although now i'm thinking you already know this... but I won't judge, so don't worry. If you incorporate some of those thoughts into our hit songs i'm sure we will win the hearts and minds of many a deviant.
"Mummy got herself a new Daddy (and so did I)" has all the trappings of an instant classic on the bard scene, a real multigenerational hit with something for everyone regardless of gender or race.
Did I warn of or encourage that our conversations could definitely get weird if left unchecked? I no longer recall.
I'll get back to you in the Star Wars thread another time, but rest assured that it may only require a handshake agreement between all concerned parties to make this a reality for you, so you are already one step closer to this new family dynamic 😅 and what you daydream of in your free time will totally be up to you, son. 😭😂
Of course, I am totally talking about our party composition in a bard run on BG3. Adding this dynamic to our backstories will certainly help add drama, excitement and tension to a playthrough.
When it seems you're out of luck.
There's just one man who gives a f*************ck
⚔️🛡🐎
@Th3solution Congrats on completing this epic game. I imagine you need a break for a while but I do recommend a Dark Urge playthrough if you can ever find the time in the future. It really has some meaningful changes to the main story.
@Bundersvessel Honestly, I don’t think I’ve ever spent 300 hours on a single game, and BG3 stays surprisingly fresh the whole time. A combination of constant evolving side narrative, new character development and interactions, true cause-and-effect from your decisions, and a very deep combat system with so many options and approaches — it all leads to a really fun and enjoyable time, whether you be at hour #10 or hour #250.
I had some brief and mild struggling around the 200 hour mark because of the sheer volume of the quest log which felt to be never-endingly growing with each play session rather than shrinking. Part of the genius of the game is in its interconnected narrative thread and how simple small NPC interactions carry over for the full game. You choose to save seemingly minor characters in Act 1 and they show up as a major players in Act 3 with entire multi-hour quests related to their story. I played the game so obsessively regarding exploration and trying to save everyone in a heroic “good guy” run, that I think the sheer volume of content in Act 3 was much larger than most people have in a single run. I could be wrong though. But hearing people talk about their playthroughs and how they may choose to kill a major camp member in the opening hours and then they have a enormous whole thread that is just not there for the rest of the game. It boggles the mind how distinctive each person’s playthrough will be.
But even though my resolve wavered ever so slightly midway through Act 3, once I got over a certain hump, I started to notice quests being checked off without new ones popping up and I knew it was all downhill from there. Sure, a 70-80 hour downhill run, but there was at least a light at the end of the tunnel. 😅
And this is why I know I’ll never get into games-as-a-service. Constant drip feed of content is great, only when you know it will eventually end in a satisfying resolution. With BG3 I knew that eventually there would be an end to the quests and major plot pieces so I never truly gave any thought into abandoning the game.
Which brings me to our discussion, @MaulTsir — I can relate to how you felt when you drifted away from the game in Act 2. The FOMO of missing something or making a poor decision which locks you out of something is real. I’ll admit that I did resort to save-scumming from time to time, with an occasional Google search when I was torn on what to decide. It didn’t ruin the experience for me but for most people I think they would rather not have potential spoilers or ruin the integrity of the game. Really it can be played both ways though. The game allows you to make a save in the middle of a conversation before you choose a dialogue option, and also in the middle of combat, so clearly the developers were okay with players reloading and trying a different approach. If you take the mindset of living with your decisions and with the roll of the dice, there’s still plenty to do and see and much satisfaction to be had. Perhaps even more satisfaction in knowing you were true to your decisions and live with the consequences, and the story goes on regardless. Short of dying yourself, nothing you do will ruin the game and you’ll still proceed to a finale and an outcome.
And like I mentioned above, having a few NPCs die, or a few narrative threads end prematurely may actually make Act 3 more digestible and less overwhelming, to be honest.
At the end game, I had access to such a huge party and so many pieces of equipment, so many potions and scrolls, so much gold… I could never use it all. I hit the level cap early in Act 3. Some of the late game encounters were easier than they were probably intended because I was a bit OP.
As far as story, yes — that’s where you might miss some elements if you don’t have good luck with an NPC conversation early on, or unknowingly let someone die who is actually a key player later. It’s the double-edged sword of having a game that actually respects your choices and holds the player accountable. But like I say, with playing it as thoroughly as I did, it really felt like 3 separate games in one. So having some of the content trimmed off will not affect the overall enjoyment you’d have.
And even with my 300 hours, I know I still have only seen a fraction of the game. Taking an evil route undoubtedly has tons of unique content, and I probably will try another playthrough one day.
“We cannot solve our problems with the same thinking we used when we created them.”
@BearsEatBeets Thanks, mate. I had simul-posted with you and was mentioning that I think I do want to do that. Another playthrough where I do the Dark Urge and experiment with roles and character classes that I didn’t use the first time. I feel like a Dark Urge run will be shorter also.
“We cannot solve our problems with the same thinking we used when we created them.”
@Th3solution Just read it and my first playthrough was very similar to yours, very thorough wanting to do absolutely everything. I also wasn't averse to the occasional google of repercussions to choices or a sneaky reload if something went vastly against how I wanted it to play out.
Suffice to say my third 'evil' run did result in a much quicker run time due to having a much smaller party of companions (no worries about who take along though) so whole questlines disappear. I haven't quite finished that run as I put it on the back burner to play something else but will get back to it at some point.
I've got 800 hours in the game now 😬
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