Baldur's Gate: Enhanced Edition Reviews
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Gear Diary doesn't score it:
Baldur's Gate Enhanced Edition retains everything that made the original great, and adds some cool new stuff to the mix. The most important aspects of the entire release are (1) updating the code base so they can work on Baldur's Gate 2, and (2) bringing the game to the iPad. So if you have the Good Old Games version, don't stress too much over this one. But if you are an RPG fan with an iPad? Buy it, buy it, BUY IT!
Zero1Gaming doesn't score it either:
Overhaul Games have, if nothing else, brought an absolute paragon of gaming back into the limelight. They have given the modding community a new, vastly improved baseline to work from for future preservation. They have removed the barrier that prevented a new generation of gamers from playing one of the greatest PC games ever, and while some of said new generation may not be as appreciative of its charm as the old guard, it remains preserved for another decade, ready for someone new to fall in love with it.
Entertainment Depot gives it a 6.5/10:
In attempting to create a version of Baldur's Gate playable on all modern systems with a minimum of fuss, Overhaul Games has unfortunately succeeded only in half-measures. Gamers who might be mystified by mods can simply boot up the new edition and enjoy without any additional complications, but that enjoyment arguably comes at somewhat of a price. For every step forward BG:EE offers, it also takes a step back, with any number of nasty bugs and issues cropping up almost right from the get-go. That said, Baldur's Gate remains one of the great classics of computer role-playing games, and it's a testament to its sheer enduring strength that its core gameplay remains utterly addictive even in the face of unending complications. Many of these complications are avoided through the original version and a little elbow grease, of course, meaning that those who will most enjoy Overhaul's version will do so due to its total simplicity and technical support. Whether or not this is appealing will unlikely be enough to dispel its fog of issues, one that will hopefully dissipate over time.
Geek Mecca gives it a 7/10:
If you'd prefer the convenience of BG:EE, it's a perfectly acceptable version. But the fact that you're reading this here suggests that you have some PC gaming nous, and a properly modded copy of the original release is ultimately the superior experience. That fact alone is a saving throw against what should have been a glorious comeback.
Gaming Nexus gives it a 9/10:
The original game is a classic. The (Enhanced Edition) is a near-clone, with some additional content and different bugs. If you haven't played it before, or would like a deep RPG to put on your tablet, this is a good buy. Veterans of the original will find the added material hard to justify for the price.
GameSparked gives it a 6.5/10:
Baldur's Gate: Enhanced Edition is a curious thing. In many ways, it appeals to existing fans, as there's very little in the way of overhauls to draw in new players. Of course, 100% of that demographic already has the game, and has probably modded it to include all the (enhancements) that this game offers, and then some. It still retains a relatively high barrier to entry, which will probably dissuade many modern gamers. I could go on, but to simplify things, I'm just going to list the types of people who I think should buy this. If you're new to the series and are genuinely interested in it, pick this up. If you've played the original, without modding it, and want to give it another go, pick this up. If you've modded the original, but want something that's far more convenient (unless you have Intel Integrated Graphics), pick this up. If you are someone who has modded the original to oblivion, or is looking for a more comfortable point of entry, feel free to pass this one up, as it's missed opportunities galore.
And The Armchair Empire gives it a 6.5/10:
The joy of classic games is like reading old books that you've read before, only there's more options in the case of RPGs like Baldur's Gate. Everything that was good about it was still good in this iteration. Not perfect, to be sure, but pretty damned good. Overhaul Games didn't ruin the goodness in their effort to be loved, but they did make it harder to get to and enjoy. As a game, it's not what I would call the definitive experience, and I can't recommend people going with it when there's a better path out there.
