Summary
Baldur’s Gate 3is an impressive example of a majorly successful single-player-focused title, and its status as a CRPG makes this all the more uncommon. Typically a niche genre, seeing a representative of the isometric space dominate the Steam charts is an unprecedented situation in the modern era of live service dominance. A continuation of a series that hasn’t been around for decades,Baldur’s Gate 3shows the potential that another similar series could have if given the same treatment.
The third entry in its series,Baldur’s Gate 3has come over 20 years after its predecessors, two titles often considered some of the best ever made by BioWare. A prolific RPG developer of the time, BioWare is now best known for franchises likeMass EffectandDragon Agewhich share many similarities withBaldur’s Gate 3. Released between these games and originalBaldur’s Gatetitles,Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republicis one of the most influential RPGs ever made for many. A dated classic that fans have been requesting a proper remake of for years,KOTORis a relic of the past that some players have been reminded of through Larian Studios’ latest effort.
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The Influence of KOTOR and Its Remake’s Development Hell
A cinematic, choice-based experience all the way back in 2003,KOTORbrought a CRPG flavor to the typicalStar Warsexperience. Allowing for diverging paths and relationships in a world supported by interesting characters and an unfolding narrative, BioWare achieved a standard of quality that RPGs have been compared to ever since. From the way it handled recruiting a party of companions to the different ways the player character can be built, ripples ofKOTORexist in many similar experiences that followed it. Still enjoyable for those who see past its age, it’s only natural that fans have clamored for a remake for years.
Announced to be in full production by developer Aspyr in 2021, theKOTORremake’s future once seemed like a bright prospect. When Saber Interactive joined development to assist Aspyr following the departure of two production heads after a rumored unimpressive internal demo showcase, however, the reality of the project started to become clear. No word has come since, and with the parent companyEmbracer Group CEO’s lack of commenton the matter, many have given up hope on the remake ever coming into existence.
KOTOR Lives On Through Baldur’s Gate 3
With a focus on cinematic dialogue options and relationships, tactical, turn-based combat, and being a lovingly crafted adaptation of a beloved IP,Baldur’s Gate 3ends up evoking much of whatKOTOR’s remake could have provided. A massive experience slowly crafted over the course of six years,Baldur’s Gate 3has become a landmark success that helps to prove the validity of deep single-player titles in the modern industry. Properly executing a remake of everythingKOTORwould be a huge undertaking that could also take just as long, but Larian Studios has shown that this dedication can pay off in the end.
The status of aKOTORremakemay be in an indefinite flux, but the game’s continued influence on the RPGs that follow the original has ensured that BioWare’s classic is far from forgotten among fans. Whether Aspyr and Saber Interactive just weren’t right for the scope of the project or it seemed like an endeavor unworthy of the resources to Embracer Group, the industry’s climate has now shifted quickly. WithBaldur’s Gate 3proving what a great RPG can accomplish in terms of quality and financial success alike, aKOTORremake has the potential to perform better than ever.
Baldur’s Gate 3is out now for PC, with a PS5 version coming September 6 and an Xbox Series X/S port also in development.
