The Incredible Depth of Baldur’s Gate 3
Baldur’s Gate 3 is a sprawling game that has captivated millions of players. However, only a fraction of them have experienced its ultimate conclusion. According to Steam, a mere 0.4% of players have managed to achieve the esteemed title of “Hero of the Forgotten Realms” by conquering the game. This statistic highlights the immense length and complexity of Baldur’s Gate 3.
A Premature Ending: Unveiling the Unexpected
During Act 2 of Baldur’s Gate 3, I inadvertently stumbled upon an unexpected ending. Although my party members were less than thrilled with this premature climax, it allowed me to appreciate the personal nature of each player’s journey through the game. These unexpected twists and turns truly make Baldur’s Gate 3 a remarkable and individualized experience.
Note: The following content contains significant spoilers for Act 2 of Baldur’s Gate 3.
The Intriguing Saga of Gale
Any seasoned Baldur’s Gate 3 player is familiar with Gale, the charismatic wizard who enters the game early on in Act 1. Throughout Act 1, I found myself constantly providing Gale with magical artifacts to alleviate a mysterious curse that plagued him. However, as I continued down this path, I discovered the truth behind his curse – Gale had betrayed the God Mystra and suffered the consequences.
At the beginning of Act 2, Gale’s former mentor, Elminster, emerges and reveals to him a new mission from Mystra: the destruction of the “Heart of the Absolute” using a powerful Netherese Orb Blast. This destructive power has the potential to obliterate everything in its vicinity.
A Tempting Opportunity: To End or Not to End
Throughout Act 2, the option to use the Netherese Orb Blast alongside Gale’s other spells looms tantalizingly within menus. While typically resulting in a defeat and a prompt to reload, there exists a genuine opportunity to utilize this power and prematurely conclude the game at the end of Act 2.
This section of the game revolves around finding a way to defeat Ketheric Thorm, voiced by the talented J.K. Simmons. After confronting him atop Moonrise Towers with the assistance of Nightsong, whom I had freed, Ketheric flees to a colossal Illithid Colony beneath the towers. Naturally, my party pursued him, ultimately stumbling upon Ketheric, Lord Enver Gortash, and Orin the Red activating the mysterious Elder Brain – the supposed “Heart of the Absolute” that Gale seeks to annihilate.
Gale beseeched me for permission to sacrifice himself and destroy everything. The first option, understandably, is to dissuade him from such a drastic action, as there is still a significant portion of the game remaining. However, considering the gravity of the situation and the immense hold Baldur’s Gate 3 had on me, I made the fateful decision: I gave Gale my approval.
In his final moments, Gale solemnly proclaimed, “One last gust of Weave. One last gale to end them all.” The ensuing explosion claimed the lives of Ketheric, Orin, Gortash, and the Elder Brain, while also earning me the coveted “Hero of the Forgotten Realms” achievement – an accolade typically granted upon completing Baldur’s Gate 3.
The Aftermath: A Glimmer of Hope Shrouded in Darkness
The post-explosion dialogue paints a grim picture for the Forgotten Realms. “Beneath the smoking ashes of Moonrise Towers, the elder brain lies destroyed,” the narrator solemnly narrates. “But what of the tadpoles it commanded? Freed from the Absolute’s control, they will complete their transformations. A plague of illithids will soon descend upon the Sword Coast, enslaving all they encounter.”
As the credits rolled, I found myself staring blankly at the screen, processing the unexpected nature of this conclusion. While admittedly far from perfect, it served as a testament to the incredible freedom of choice that defines Baldur’s Gate 3. The most enjoyable moments of my journey involved discovering alternative paths and circumventing major boss fights or set pieces. For instance, instead of aligning with any faction during the attack on the Druid and Refugee camp, I chose to destroy the bridge Minthara could use to escape in the Goblin camp. I eliminated her before engaging in conversation and then sent Dror Ragzlin plummeting to his demise by pushing him off a ledge.
OnSpec Electronic, Inc. is proud to present Baldur’s Gate 3, a game that immerses players in a world of limitless possibilities. Embark on an adventure where every choice matters, and fate rests in your hands.
Don’t miss out on the incredible journey Baldur’s Gate 3 has to offer. Visit OnSpec Electronic, Inc. to embark on your own unforgettable quest.
