Title: Baldur’s Gate 3
Platform: Windows, PlayStation 5, macOS, Xbox Series X/S
Developer: Larian Studios
Publisher: Larian Studios
Rating: M for Mature (17+)
Year of Release: 2023
Number of Players: Single-player, multiplayer
Genre: Role-playing
Plot Summary: Baldur’s Gate 3 is a role-playing game (RPG) based on the Dungeons & Dragons gameplay mechanics. The game is set in the universe of the Forgotten Realms, and your character awakens with a parasitic tadpole in their head (along with several other companions) who set off on a quest to prevent their transformations into “mind flayers” (and the end of the world). You can choose from twelve distinctive character classes (barbarian, wizard, thief, bard, etc.) and customize your character’s looks at the beginning of the game. The game plays as an open-world game allowing the player to interact and explore at will, and when they engage an enemy for combat the game goes into round-based combat that is based on Dungeons & Dragons rules (and the electronic rolling of dice just as in Dungeons & Dragons). Your character, as well as your companions, level up after earning enough experience points. Leveling up grants the player more health, abilities, spells, carrying abilities, etc.
Quality of the Media: Baldur’s Gate 3 received critical acclaim when it was first released in 2023, and it won many “Game of the Year” awards. The graphics and visuals in this game are simply outstanding, and the storyline is second to none. This game sucks you in and does not let you go.
Opinion: I can already hear parents telling me that I cannot recommend this game to their children as it is rated “M for Mature.” Never fear parents! The nudity and gore (that are the reasons this game was rated M) can be turned off! You can limit your children’s exposure to the blood and gore! But, between you and me, kids are playing much worse games than this one, with more nudity and gore. If your children are interested in role-playing games like Dungeons & Dragons, or if you would like to see if your kids would like role-playing games like Dungeons & Dragons, this is the game you (and they) should check out.
Library Program: This game is the perfect introduction to any kids who are interested in role playing games. With the (somewhat) recent success of shows like Game of Thrones, this sort of fantasy scenario (dragons, and monsters, and sword fighting) has gained in popularity. So having a game night where some teens could play Baldur’s Gate 3 together (as it is available to play online multiplayer) could open the doors to the library starting a role-playing/Dungeons & Dragons club.
Comments