I never played the first game. But I loved BG3 so much (having never played BG1 or BG2) and it was suggested I’d probably like this game too. I worry because I keep seeing it compared to Dark Souls, which isn’t a game I liked.
I liked some of the ideas of the game. But found the story and gameplay loop uninspiring and dull. And the sound design, awful. Before you get to the first hub I’d already turned off the music.
Got some great designs and some great sets. Certain ideas somewhat reminds me of chrono trigger.
Except you definitely make up for it and probably pay more (depending on what hardware cost your comparing to of course) on the consoles. All three consoles have subscription-based services that are more or less required. Some of the controllers for the consoles are as much or more than a keyboard or mouse. You rarely see a price decline of any of the games (especially Nintendo), and certainly nothing as near as what you’ll find on PC.
So consoles are a cheap upfront cost that’s recouped overtime. I’m not saying that consoles are definitely more expensive, but the true cost of ownership is somewhat muddled.
The IP was my only interest. Games like this I get bored with so I generally avoid. But the views of the school looked great and I’ve always wanted to walk around it, like the fantasy version of it. I’ve been to the real set and walked around that which is cool. My only complaint is I bought it on PC so I didn’t get to see Azkaban.
I’m actively trying not to start up my 4th run. I beat it three times back to back. And I have a multiplayer game going. I also have a slew of partially started games. But I have to give it a break because there’s a point where it’s a hobby and there’s a point where it’s an addiction for me
I’d say if you’ve ever wondered what it be like to just wander about the castle, it’s well worth it. It’s cheaper than going to say universal studios or the Warner Brothers lot in London…
But there’s actually very little gameplay in the castle around areas you recognize from the books or movies. It doesn’t take long until you’re throwing into a very generic game with a thin coat of Harry Potter paint applied. There’s a lot of samey quests and combat doesn’t really evolve ever.
BG3 was for me (in 2023). I did 3 full runs. There’s never been a game where I completed it and immediately started another campaign. There’s been games I’ve considered it and pondered it but never did it.
I’ve done 2 full playthroughs. Have a 3rd solo started, and I have a multiplayer campaign going too.
It has truly been a long time since I’ve enjoyed a game like this. My two completed games, while similar (I was a ‘good guy’) the overall story and experience was different. Conversations that didn’t happen the first time, entire locations I missed. Since EA this game has been a 10/10.