GameBanshee Forums

The time has come for me to play this wonderful (heavily-modded) game again, but I will need to buy a computer. It's so long since I bought a new computer that I feel I need some BG-specific advice, if you please:

1) I always preferred 640x480 resolution. Do the modern machines and screens still support this? What should I look out for? (I see there are mods now that allow ultra hi-res wide screen etc etc.... but I found that even 800x600 spoiled the feel of the game for me: 640 resolution is the best for IE).

2) Operating Systems have moved on... is BG2 ToB happy with the latest Windows Vista? I have heard of some problems, but would appreciate definitive answers. Is it even possible to buy a comp with older Windows installed?

3) How much memory and processor speed is recommended to eliminate all slowdowns, including those caused by extended scripts (eg from Sword Coast Strategems, as this mod interests me a lot)?

Many thanks for reading, and many more if you can help with any of these questions.

Earnest

1. You can change the resolution you play with at the configuration menu.

2. Baldur's Gate tends not to like Vista and has been causing grief to people, although if you search around this forum, you should find workarounds.

3. If you're buying a new computer, this is the least of your worries. I am positive that the "lowest" machine you can get will be more than enough to play BG.

If running older software id a big deal for you (as it is with me) you could insist on getting XP with your new rig. The sellers may balk, but the customer's always right, so if they won't sell you what you want, take your business elsewhere.

I appreciate the quick responses... but the first question was more about the hardware: I remember the config program and the choice of resolution, but as an example this (borrowed) laptop I am now using only seems to support two resolutions on Control Panel (800x600 and 1024x768). So the question remains, do modern machines allow selection of my beloved 640x480 for IE games?