Key Takeaways
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- The classic RPGs Baldurs Gate and Baldurs Gate II are rumored to be in development as remakes, with potential simultaneous release.
- Kevin Martens, a key designer of the original games, is reportedly involved in the project at Wizards of the Coast.
- The remakes could feature modern technology and a more comprehensive overhaul compared to previous enhanced editions.
- The rumored remakes may be due to renewed interest in the series following the success of Baldurs Gate 3, potentially indicating a focus on revisiting the franchises origins before moving forward with Baldurs Gate 4.
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Reports suggest that Wizards of the Coast is developing remakes of the classic RPGs Baldur’s Gate and Baldur’s Gate II: Shadows of Amn. BioWare originally released Baldur’s Gate in 1998 and Baldur’s Gate II: Shadows of Amn in 2000. This information was published by PC Gamer but remains officially unconfirmed and should be treated as a rumor. According to sources familiar with the project, a remake of Baldur’s Gate II is reportedly already in development. Strong indications also point to the first Baldur’s Gate game receiving similar treatment, as both titles form a cohesive set from the same era. Kevin Martens, who served as a co-director of design for Baldur’s Gate II at BioWare, is said to be involved in the remake project at Wizards of the Coast. Martens previously worked on Baldur’s Gate 3 before joining Blizzard, where he was a principal content designer on Diablo III. His earlier work at BioWare also includes contributions to Neverwinter Nights, Jade Empire, and Mass Effect. The rumor suggests that both remakes might be developed concurrently and potentially released as a bundle.
Alleged Concurrent Remakes of Baldur’s Gate and Baldur’s Gate II with Original Designer Kevin Martens – A Possible Reboot Amidst Renewed Interest in the Series
The narrative of Baldur’s Gate II directly continues the story initiated in the first title. Both games are considered highly influential RPGs that helped establish the genre’s foundation on PC. While the franchise has seen modernized versions through the Enhanced Editions developed by Beamdog, these rumors point to complete remakes, potentially rebuilt with modern technology, rather than simple remasters. The immense success of Baldur’s Gate 3, released in 2023, has significantly boosted interest in the series. This renewed commercial interest, following the critical acclaim and numerous awards received by Baldur’s Gate 3, may be prompting Wizards of the Coast to revisit the franchise’s origins, rather than immediately developing a potential Baldur’s Gate 4. As of now, Wizards of the Coast has not officially commented on these rumors.
| Specification | |
|---|---|
| Official Name | Baldur's Gate II: Shadows of Amn |
| Brief Summary | Some time after the events described in Baldur's Gate, the protagonist and his friends Imoen, Minsc and Jaheira have been captured by an elven mage called Jon Irenicus. His intentions and connection to the heroes unknown, Irenicus conducts experiments on them, holding them in cages somewhere in his vast underground complex. During his absence, the heroes manage to escape, and soon find themselves in the city of Athkatla in the country of Amn, where they confront Irenicus. However, at that moment several wizards arrive and arrest both Irenicus and Imoen for unlicensed use of magic. The first task at hand is to raise the money needed to rescue Imoen, before facing Irenicus again and unraveling his true goals.
Baldur's Gate II: Shadows of Amn is a party-based role-playing game using the AD&D rules. The basic gameplay is similar to that of its predecessor: the player navigates a party of up to six active combatants over isometric environments, conversing with non-playable characters using branching dialogue, and fighting enemies in real-time, free-movement combat that can be paused to issue specific orders to the characters. World traveling now occurs by selecting locations on a map rather than exploring wilderness areas to reach the destination. However, the game world is larger than in the previous game, with more individual locations to visit and side quests to perform. Being a direct sequel to Baldur's Gate, the game lets the player control stronger, higher-level characters from the onset. The main character can also be imported from the previous installment. Three new classes (sorcerer, monk, and barbarian) are available along with those that were present in the original game. Characters can also acquire specializations within most of the classes: a paladin, for instance, can become a dragon slayer or an inquisitor. Weapon proficiencies are more specific: for example, instead of just specializing in blades, the player can choose between proficiencies in long swords, two-handed swords, bastard swords, katanas and scimitars. There are many new types of weapons, armor, and magic spells in the sequel. Sixteen characters may join the party during the course of the story. Each of them has his or her own motivations, sometimes conflicting with those of other characters. Scripted events and interaction with playable as well as non-playable characters have been noticeably increased in the sequel. The main character can also romance some of the companions by choosing appropriate behavior and dialogue lines. The game allows the player to make many moral decisions and pursue character-specific side quests unrelated to the main story. Many of the companions bring their own quests, and unique tasks are available for the main character depending on his or her class. Every World has conflict. Good and evil. Friend and foe. Safety and danger. In Baldur's Gate II: Shadows of Amn, you'll find yourself between these factions. This epic sequel to the Roleplaying Game of the Year will immerse you in a world of intrigue, adventure and fierce combat where your ability to discern the difference between these sides - with the assistance of steel and spell - determines your fate. Set in the Forgotten Realms campaign setting, Baldur's Gate II is the most stunning Advanced Dungeons and Dragons game to date. |
| Platforms | Linux, PC (Microsoft Windows), Mac |
| Released | September 21, 2000 |
| Genre | Role-playing (RPG) |
| Play Modes | Single player, Co-operative |
| Content Rating | T |
| Languages | English |
| Genre | BioWare, BioWare Edmonton, MumboJumbo |
| Ratings | 89/100 (545 reviews) |
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Links to external sources for further reading
- Boo! Rad!Boo! Rad!in.ign.com
- Ahead of BG4's arrival, Baldur's Gate 1 and 2 remakes reportedly in the worksAhead of BG4's arrival, Baldur's Gate 1 and 2 remakes reportedly in the worksindulgexpress.com
- The next Baldur's Gate is reportedly a remakeThe next Baldur's Gate is reportedly a remakepolygon.com
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