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It makes sense that in order to get Baldur’s Gate 3 to launch on the Xbox platforms later this year, Microsoft and Xbox gave down and essentially threw the Xbox Series S under the bus. Baldur’s Gate 3, which recently debuted on the PlayStation 5, is currently having a historically fantastic launch on Sony’s flagship system.
At this point, we should just give Baldur’s Gate 3 the GOTY award.
The well-known role-playing game Baldur’s Gate 3, developed by Larian Studios, has had an incredible quarter. When the game was first released on the PC, it received excellent reviews with a Metacritic score of 96. It has now made a victorious PlayStation 5 debut, with an even better 97—though it’s crucial to remember that this could alter as more reviews are received. Not only are critics praising it, but fans are also devouring it with joy, which increases its chances of winning Game of the Year—especially in a competitive field that includes other massive blockbusters like Starfield and The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom.
A long time ago, console players had high expectations for dense role-playing games, or CRPGs, such as Baldur’s Gate 2. In the present, Larian Studios’ deft conversion of challenging role-playing game systems into a gamepad-friendly experience has made that ideal a reality. Considering that the same developer already masterfully portbaled Divinity: Original Sin and its sequel for consoles, it’s almost like a tribute to the genre’s progression. Connecting a gamepad to a PC, replacing hotbars with radial menus, and adding a few extra capabilities, such simultaneous item searches, provides essentially the same experience.
The seamless experience for players who started on PCs is what’s unexpected. You can have an ad-hoc Nintendo Switch-like experience by syncing your save files with your PlayStation credentials and linking your Larian account with them, however it will require some administrative work. However, why would you wish to change? Rich and replayable, Baldur’s Gate 3 offers a multitude of possible outcomes dependent on your decisions and style of build. In addition, the console experience is surprisingly enjoyable; the game seems to be designed specifically for idling on the sofa. For those who have spent years playing on the PC, the DualSense controller may need some relearning, particularly for simpler activities like picking up particular objects in a congested area. But soon enough, muscle memory takes over and you’re casting spells like a pro.
Even with its successes, the experience isn’t perfect. Not too major, just a few technical glitches here and there. There are still many issues from the PC version, but they have always been a part of the role-playing game genre, and Baldur’s Gate 3 is no exception. The outcome is determined by rolling the dice, as usual. The split-screen option is the main culprit; it feels slow and only operates at 30 frames per second in Quality mode. Making the experience less hectic when two game instances run concurrently is another area where the game could be improved.
Cross-play, a much-anticipated feature, has sadly not yet been released, while cross-saves is now a fantastic feature. Though the developers haven’t had time to put it into practice yet, it’s on their radar. All things considered, Baldur’s Gate 3 on the PS5 is a worthwhile experience. Both fans of PC games and those new to consoles will find its strong blend of responsive mechanics and rich, detailed storyline to be comfortable and engaging.
Even if you’ve already played the PC version, it could be worthwhile to explore the expansive and intricate world of Baldur’s Gate 3 once more, this time from the comforts of your own living room.