A Return To The Forgotten Realms
We speak to the team behind the latest ports of D&D classics
Beamdog’s Luke Rideout tells us more about the re-releases of D&D classics 6
single launcher menu. “Both Skybound and Beamdog want players to enjoy the games right out of the box, instead of having to download gigabytes of game data to play,” divulges Luke, something that we solidly approve of. By keeping the Baldur’s Gate games to one physical package, data and characters can be saved and shared much more easily between the original, its sequel and the various expansions. With over 100 hours of gameplay, whatever the game pack, there’s a lot for gamers to get their +3 Sword Of Sundering into; yet apart from the traditional RPG elements, what do these games have to offer to a modern audience? “Aside from the nostalgia and being part of the iconic Dungeons
& Dragons universe, these games have staying power because they have rich, character-driven stories,” explains Luke, and given there are few peers to these legendary series, we would tend to agree. And to help scratch the itch of 20-year Baldur’s Gate veterans everywhere, Beamdog and Skybound are putting together some very lovely looking special collectors packs, which are also designed to lure in new fans wanting that authentic Dungeons &
Dragons experience. “That led us to decide on some quintessential
Dungeons & Dragons goods, like awesome metal dice and the Beholder
It is satisfying to see such great results – but it was a journey
dice bowl; our beautifully hand-drawn, weathered parchment-style map, as well as the hero cards and lithograph prints of fan-favourite characters like Minsc (and Boo), the Nameless One, Deekin and Aribeth.”
Creating the D&D enhanced editions has been a huge labour of love for Beamdog, and now finally console owners can share in that love. With most fans overjoyed at seeing their retro RPG favourites resurrected once more, Retro Gamer is intrigued to see how the games translate to the Xbox One, Playstation 4 and Nintendo Switch, especially with the latter looking like it will sadly lack touchscreen controls. Nevertheless, with a preexisting rich stream of evocative storytelling, coupled with compelling gameplay, we are sure we can expect mountains of camaraderie, adventure and steel on steel. The stuff of legend! Right, Boo?