Advice with mods... To use or not to use

sexymonkeys · Post by **sexymonkeys** » Sat Dec 09, 2006 1:17 am

I've never finished BG2 before... In fact I've never gotten past chapter 2 (because I keep on restarting and trying out different characters and NPCs).

Lately I've been getting more and more interested in downloading some NPC mods and the Unfinished Business mod, but I'm not sure if I should, considering I've never finished a clean BG2 game before.

So I'm asking for advice whether I should download some mods or not. The way I'm thinking is that since mods such as Unfinished Business and the NPC's just add a bit more content and fun, it wouldn't really interfere with the normal story anyway. So I wouldn't really miss out on anything if I did play with these mods. I would just get an extra gaming experience...

So should I or should I not download these mods? And if you don't think downloading mods even before you finish the game is sinful, what mods do you recommend? I know I would give Kelsey, Tashia, Keto, Valen, Solaufein, and Unfinished Business a try. What others are there that you think are good?

fable · Post by **fable** » Sat Dec 09, 2006 7:57 am

Sure, download ''em. One thing: I would check for compatibility, and quality of content. Some mods are lacking in one, or both.

DaemonJ · Post by **DaemonJ** » Sat Dec 09, 2006 10:53 am

If you do a Google for the NPC mod(s) you are interested in there should be a few forum topics that describe any problems and/or comments on the mod. Hopefully that information will allow you to make a proper and informed decision.

sexymonkeys · Post by **sexymonkeys** » Sat Dec 09, 2006 3:30 pm

Ok thanks for the advice

Domi_Ash · Post by **Domi_Ash** » Sat Dec 09, 2006 11:42 pm

When you picking and chosing between NPC mods, I'd really advise you to go with the most basic information and your own gut feeling as to whether you're interested in the NPC in question or not. They defiently won't ruin your game, you can treat them just like Bio's NPCs by picking them up and kicking them out, and there is just no guessing ahead of time if you'd like the NPC or not. If you start researching too deeply, you'll end up researching not playing, and opinions on pretty much all NPC mods vary a lot. Ie some love Solaufein, some groan at the very mention of that mod (I picked it only because it's pretty much the very first widely available NPC mod in WeiDU which grandfathered all others). Also most mods are updated quite a few times, so someone like me who played Solaufein V20 probably has an opinion that is only partially applicable to Solaufein V90+ or whatever it is now.

DaemonJ · Post by **DaemonJ** » Sun Dec 10, 2006 3:36 am

Personally, I would play a "vanilla" version (i.e. no mods) of BG2. The play again with any mods that you are interested in to see what kind of difference they add to the game.

Raven_Song · Post by **Raven_Song** » Sun Dec 10, 2006 10:37 am

You will also need to make sure that you read all readmes carefully, as some mods WILL conflict e.g. G3 Fixpack will conflict with the restored dialogue component of UB.

It might also be an idea to check appropriate forums (where possible) as certain components of certain mods are known to be problematic, I seem to recall there being some problems with the "Kidnapping of Boo" component of UB.

Oh and I'd seriously consider looking into the G3 Fixpack and G3 Tweak Pack.

BlueSky · Post by **BlueSky** » Sun Dec 10, 2006 11:27 am

Here are some websites for mods that I found when I was playing the series.
I'm sure a search would produce the links.
1.Pocket Plane Group, I seemed to get most of mine from here.
2. Black Wyrm's Lair, had some unique mods.
3. Gibberlings Three Forums
4.Spellhold Studios
5. Ironworks Gaming

Don't know if they're all still around, but a couple of years ago, I was a frequent visitor to these sites for the BG mods.

Raven_Song · Post by **Raven_Song** » Sun Dec 10, 2006 12:05 pm

Well 1 to 4 are definietly alive and kicking, I'm not sure about 5.

You might also want to check Chosen of Mystra, RPG Dungeon and Sorcerer's Place.

dragon wench · Post by **dragon wench** » Sun Dec 10, 2006 12:57 pm

DaemonJ wrote:Personally, I would play a "vanilla" version (i.e. no mods) of BG2. The play again with any mods that you are interested in to see what kind of difference they add to the game.

I'd second that. Unlike certain other games that shall remain nameless

D), BG2 is eminently playable without modifications.

I'd definitely suggest playing it through unmodded first, and then experimenting, since each variant of the game (i.e unmodded, modded, assorted mods) will give you a somewhat different experience.

fable · Post by **fable** » Sun Dec 10, 2006 7:05 pm

In any case, be sure to check the sticky thread that contains info on mods, and links. Most stuff in there should be working.

QuenGalad · Post by **QuenGalad** » Wed Dec 13, 2006 10:27 am

I think it's a good idea to play unmodded game first - you will have a general insight as to what the vanilla game offers, and then, you will make it offer whatever you want

by installing the mods. I found that several mods I played made the game much harder, and I don't belive I would have passed some parts without the "knowledge" coming from previous gaming.

And, of course, you will see The Baldur's Gate As It Was Meant To Be

(bugger, it's starting to sound religious!

)

CFM · Post by **CFM** » Wed Dec 13, 2006 1:25 pm

I totally agree with everyone's thoughts on playing the "vanilla" game first.

In addition to all the reasons already listed previously, consider that your virgin run will be unique from every subsequent play-thru, because it's your only trip thru the game where you won't know what's gonna happen.

Given the fact that installing mods can potentially introduce new bugs that can greatly lessen the overall experience, your virgin game would be the one you'd least want to risk a headache with.

Install mods that add new content afterwards, so that on subsequent play-thrus, you can again feel Like A Virgin.