Re: HD Version of Baldur's Gate?
 

Well, I am still fascinated when I see threads here about people replaying even BG2 in Ironman mode or somesuch. Maybe I'm just spoiled by new and shiny. I find it to be like 80's cartoons - fondly remembered in the past but horrible in the present.

I am secretly hoping this is a BG3 announcement - although it seems a bit too low-key for that. Even the Tablet versions would be a welcomed addition over HD graphics applied to same old game.

Re: HD Version of Baldur's Gate?
 

Details are a bit sketchy but here's one announcement:

http://www.vg247.com/2012/03/15/atar...r-summer-2012/

Sounds like a HD remake to me.

Re: HD Version of Baldur's Gate?
 

It's down. An enhanced edition implies more than just HD, to me at least.

Re: HD Version of Baldur's Gate?
 

Here's the Beamdog announcement. No clarification on exactly what "enhanced edition" means. If this was BG3, then they would be screaming that from the rafters. LOL

http://us2.campaign-archive1.com/?u=...&id=6ae2f577cd

"Baldur's Gate Enhanced Edition is going to have new content for the game you love," Beamdog chief and Baldur's Gate veteran Trent Oster tweeted following the announcement, "made by some of the original team members."

http://www.escapistmagazine.com/news..._campaign=news

Re: HD Version of Baldur's Gate?
 

Yeah it's no BG3, but gladly it is more than just HD. Otherwise we would be calling it BG HD right now after the announcement. Anyways, aren't there mods that render it in HD already? I can't remember. Usually with "enhanced" versions of games they add optimizations and limited content that doesn't reinvent the game but does update and streamline it.

The Witcher for example, saw reduced loading times, Ui optimizations and many new animations and monsters. From Wikipedia.

So take heart, given that they have even pimped the project out to another dev, this may indeed be the closest thing to a new BG fans will get anytime soon.

Since The Witcher is relatively new and the time between versions quite short in context, I expect a myriad of changes to BG in comparison. 14 years leaves alot of improvements to be made as they update the game for a modern audience with modern technology. I would guess the following to be included. All guesswork and speculation btw.

- HD textures with recolors. Prolly HD sound too.
- Compatible high resolutions (a given).
- New animations (hopefully all of the spell animations or maybe only a handful)
- New models.
- New UI or streamlined existing. I am almost certain those draconic dialogue boxes will be replaced. No more half of your screen taken up by an NPC convo. Prolly transparent boxes like NWN's.
- Spellcasting might become easier/more intuitive. Quickcast bars may be used.

Probably some new sidequests and/or incorporated mods. Possibly some new PC's. If they do include new PC's you can be sure they will release some as premium content making them "purcahse only". Another way to milk an existing franchise for more. You can also be sure they will make a killing on premium DLC's just like Bioware did with Dragon Age - was prolly a selling point when they pitched it.

Re: HD Version of Baldur's Gate?
 

The site now says:

so definitely new content. As long as it is still Infinity Engine then modding items, spells, scripts, etc. won't change, either.

Summer 2012, eh? To think that at this time last year I was under the impression that I probably wouldn't buy any more games--ever--because I dislike FPS so much (even though I will still get Fallout3 at some point--I am so behind the curve but I don't care). If the game will contain new content then I will definitely buy it.

In the meantime, I'll mark the site as a favorite. Between this and Wasteland 2, it looks like the near future will be interesting, from a gaming point of view.

Re: HD Version of Baldur's Gate?
 

Beamdog’s Trent Oster let a few additional details slip via Twitter:

“Baldur’s Gate Enhanced Edition will include the Tales of the Sword Coast Expansion”

Oster then goes on to say that Baldur’s Gate Enhanced Edition will be using 2nd Edition Dungeons & Dragons rules. As well, the game will be “a Beamdog exclusive”, so that means that we at least for sure know that there will be a PC release. (But really, didn’t we already know that?) However, he then goes on to say the following:

“As for other platforms, tune in same time next week hopefully with 100% less explosions.”

Trent Oster has announced that there are actually two separate games on the way, an enhanced edition of Baldur's Gate and its Tales of the Sword Coast expansion, and an enhanced version of Baldur's Gate II: Shadows of Amn and its Throne of Bhall expansion.

For me, this all boils down to the new content (i.e. new areas to explore, new quests, new encounters, possibly new npcs). If that's limited in scope, then I'll pass no matter what other enhancements they make. There are simply too many other new games I want, to spend money on a rehash of something I played several times years ago, no matter HOW good the graphic makeover is.

Re: HD Version of Baldur's Gate?
 

Re: HD Version of Baldur's Gate?
 

I'm of the same mind. If the engine and UI overhaul are limited to barely noticeable tweaks, it won't be enough to justify suffering through it for me. Yesterday, when the rumor was that this is a HD version of Baldurs Gate and nothing more, I had already decided I will look at videos of it but will never bother playing. Why would I want to when I did already?

It all depends how lazy they are. More chapters are great. Reminds me of what they did with Thief Gold. But if this just turns out to be the exact same game it was 14 years ago with nothing other than some mods that add content, then i'll pass. I can get that online for free by adding fanmade mods. It needs an overhaul for 2012 to draw in anyone but die-hard fans. I am optimistic that it will get one but also cautious at just how extensive it will be.

Bah, Bioware just need to stop fricking around with their own fantasy offshoots, make nice with Hasbro/Atari/WotC and then remake BG using their modern Dragon Age engine. Then turn it into a trilogy and stfu. Clearly there is a huge clamoring for a new BG game.

Re: HD Version of Baldur's Gate?
 

Thankfully they are definately updating the old Infinity Engine which is a great thing and promises many UI and scripting optimizations. It may look and run quite different to what we remember. This could make me actually play it.


Baldur’s Gate: Enhanced Edition™ and Baldur’s Gate II: Enhanced Edition™ will feature a re-forged version of the Infinity Engine with a variety of modern improvements.

http://www.baldursgate.com/news/2012...anced-edition/

Re: HD Version of Baldur's Gate?
 

Told you it wasn't BG3 good sir. :P

The news is essentially as I'd already posted. However, the notes about extra and new content was a nice surprise and have me a little more intrigued about the product now. I'm relieved that it's not in 3D, that they're sticking with 2nd Ed and that it'll be the Infinity Engine being modified. The expansions being woven into the packages is also a nice touch.
Here's to hoping that in the long term it'll help create more interest in the genre style and we'll see another completely new AD&D game with the enhanced engine somehow!

@Azred.
That Wastelands 2 thread is my baby. ;) I definitely think Ironworks needs more people to post news bits like that rather than just more generic MMO stuff or focus on the AAA games. It might help generate more traffic like in the old days again, you know?

You can keep your Dragon Age "awesome button" engine thanks. I'd take the Infinity Engine over it any day of the week.

Re: HD Version of Baldur's Gate?
 

No, you insisted this morning this was BG in HD...

Re: HD Version of Baldur's Gate?
 

Shar is Mask's mother... and SHAR is a freaking black hole! (in the novels).

Re: HD Version of Baldur's Gate?
 

The amount of code to mod the Infinity Engine to get it to updated specs would be a HUGE rewrite of the source code.. They would have to rip out the graphics code and replace it with a 'plugin'... and no more sprite models.. All the sets/monsters/chars would be polygonal 3D, but on a 2D aspect--think Darkstone.

I'd LOVE it! :D

Re: HD Version of Baldur's Gate?
 

Re: HD Version of Baldur's Gate?
 

[QUOTE]Told you it wasn't BG3 good sir. :P QUOTE]

A Trent Oster tweet - We are working towards a #BG3 #bgee is our first step in our larger plan

There may be a BG3 coming after all!

Re: HD Version of Baldur's Gate?
 

Yes indeed, that is the Overhaul master plan. But it'll take some measure of success with the Enhanced editions of BG 1 and 2 and possibly even a kickstarter project to make it happen. Trent has already acknowledged what Brian Fargo has achieved with Wasteland 2. Thus, I hope the big publishers are taking notes!

I know that I'm definitely in the minority - but I don't particularly want to see a BG3 even attempted. I think the Bhaalspawn story was concluded perfectly well at the end of Throne of Bhaal and to be honest I'd much rather just see another Infinity Engine based AD&D title in an under-used setting.

Re: HD Version of Baldur's Gate?
 

Oh yeah, I've spoken to him, and if they can get the financing for BG3, he wants to do it!

I think we're all in agreement, if its as good or better than BG2, it'll be an instant winner. Imagine adding a FULL multiplayer party.. 6-8 players in an updated engine in a new BG3.


Drool.... :drool: :jawdrop: :stargate::bananadance:

Re: HD Version of Baldur's Gate?
 

I agree, but the original game concept for BG3, the ill-fated Jefferson project and Sawyer's solo effort on "The Black Hound" actually had nothing to do with the Bhaalspawn saga. The name link to Baldur's Gate 1 and 2 was primarily for licensing purposes.

Re: HD Version of Baldur's Gate?
 

I wouldn't mind seeing another Icewind Dale (loved the story in those games) or perhaps a remake of BG1 or BG2 maybe using the Eclipse engine from Dragon Age Origins.

Re: HD Version of Baldur's Gate?
 

I completely agree and I feel strongly about this as well. Necromancing the Bhaalspawn saga (whether sequel or prequel) is the worst idea possible. And if BG3 won't have anything to do with the saga, then why call it BG? Start a new game and a new franchise...

Icewind Dale on the other hand could use IWD3. To make a nice conclusion of TotL and IWD2 storylines and tie up all the loose ends....

Re: HD Version of Baldur's Gate?
 

Someone was doing BG2 with the Dragon Age engine, was it at Bioware Social forums? Yes:
Baldur's Gate 2 ReDux - Dragon Age: Origins

Re: HD Version of Baldur's Gate?
 

Yeah I saw that one. It's a nice tribute, but I hate the cutscenes/dialogue screens in DA with the zooming in on pixelated faces. I was more so talking about remaking it from the ground up with a modernized engine such as the DA:O one. But a dedicated game rather than just a mod for DA.

It does look pretty nice in the video and serves to give a glimpse of the possibilities, especially during combat where you can tilt the camera from overhead view. The likeness of the characters is done very well. These game conversion mods never get completed for one reason or another whether they are made in NWN's 1, 2 or Dragon Age. If anything, it will serve as a useful inspiration for future games.

Re: HD Version of Baldur's Gate?
 

Yeah, I loved Icewind Dale.. I created the Drizzt, Cat, Battlehammer, Regis, Wolfie and
me... Was so fun.. I even had the portraits scanned in for each character.

Reminded me of "The Crystal Shard" novel.. and the sound sets were perfect for a few of my characters.. (Battlehammer and Cat)

Re: HD Version of Baldur's Gate?
 

"These game conversion mods never get completed for one reason or another whether they are made in NWN's 1, 2 or Dragon Age."
One problem with the Icewind Gate 2 mod, (Icewind Dale 2, Third Edition, conversion of BG 2) that I found was: a lot of the BG2 functions simply did not occur in the Icewind Dale 2 game. In a lot of areas you needed to use workarounds. Beta version was not so great but Nameless One's Delta version was playable.
Generally conversions need to be done by a program, I don't know if the conversions you mentioned did this or not. Doing it manually is just way too slow, enthusiasm will wear out quicker.

Re: HD Version of Baldur's Gate?
 

I would also love to see an enhanced Planescape Torment. I never did get around to playing it but people swear by the storyline - saying it's one of the best games ever. Anytime I try to go back and play it, the old engine and low resolution just frustrate me. Are there any HD mods for it or something?

Re: HD Version of Baldur's Gate?
 

Widescreen mod:

http://www.gibberlings3.net/widescreen/

And after you download it, there is an improvement (mainly changes UI from top left to center):

http://www.rpgcodex.net/forums/index...-1-2012.26591/

Re: HD Version of Baldur's Gate?
 

Yeah got that one thanks. Pity there's no HD textures or sommat.

Re: HD Version of Baldur's Gate?
 

Some more details:

Other tidbits from Oster's twitter feed:

Likely platform support: PC, MAC and IPad; Current agreement does not have Linux in it (that may change) Nintendo and XBox will NOT be supported

The original plan was for BGEE to be a pure digital distribution; fan support has them rethinking that idea.

According to Trent, there are now 8 former Bioware people working on BGEE.

Oster interview at Neogamr:

http://www.neogamr.net/news/beamdogs...hanced-edition

Re: HD Version of Baldur's Gate?
 

iPad edition omg.

Re: HD Version of Baldur's Gate?
 

Look at this from Wiki. Overhauls of Icewind Dale, Planescape Torment and a better late than never Baldurs Gate sequel.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Baldur%...dition#Sequels

Overhaul Games has revealed their intent to make Baldur's Gate 3 following their completion on both enhanced editions. Overhaul Games have described Baldur's Gate 3 as their "Long-Term Goal". Overhaul Game's has also stated that alongside Baldur's Gate 3, they would like to produce an overhaul of Icewind Dale using rules from the Baldur's Gate: Enhanced Edition.[13] Overhaul Game's have also stated that they would like to overhaul Planescape: Torment following the pending success of Baldur's Gate: Enhanced Edition.[14] It was then revealed that a Planescape: Torment overhaul would use the Infinity Enhanced Engine as well as possibly set up the stage for a sequel to Torment [3] Oster later revealed that Baldur's Gate 3 would be made after Enhanced Editions of Planescape: Torment and Icewind Dale.[3]

Re: HD Version of Baldur's Gate?
 

Take my MONEY!!!!!!

Re: HD Version of Baldur's Gate?
 

Here is a logo of it.. Saw it on IGN... Wee! :)

Re: HD Version of Baldur's Gate?
 

This is my favorite:

http://www.baldursgate.com/news/wp-c...tFAI_small.jpg

Re: HD Version of Baldur's Gate?
 

This is mine

http://www.baldursgate.com/news/wp-c...012/02/sc1.jpg

Re: HD Version of Baldur's Gate?
 

Already preordered.... Baldur's Gate, here cometh (back) Xanthul!

Re: HD Version of Baldur's Gate?
 

Oh man... I'd die to have an ipad... :( It's like a dream list.. and its at the top.. :)

Re: HD Version of Baldur's Gate?
 

<font color = mediumspringgreen>And it's coming out for android? I'm buying it. Take my money! </font>

Re: HD Version of Baldur's Gate?
 

We pre ordered the new BG game (birthday gift for the hubby) but it looks like it's been delayed til November. sigh...

Re: HD Version of Baldur's Gate?
 

I think I'm going to hold out for this on Android. The wait will kill me, but BY GOD i'd love to be able to whip this out on the train. Google Nexus 7 will LOVE IT