Baldurs Gate 3 might be the first game I’ve ever played, that makes me feel like I’m playing it wrong. Now I’ve been bad at games before. Many times actually. For instance fighting games. Regardless of the franchise, I possess neither the dexterity necessary to master even rudimental techniques, nor the patience to learn. Racing games present a similar challenge to someone as uncoordinated as myself, except here the challenge is expedited by the speed and volacity at which these vehicles reach, and my inevitable proclivities to steer them directly into the nearest available obstacle. Even games I’m vaguely adept at such as the “Uncharted” series are riddled with the environmental indentations made by the limp and lifeless corpse of Nathan Drake. But Baldurs Gate 3 represents a different kind of challenge. One I’m too anxious to overcome.

Usually with any new game, especially one so steeped in intricate turn based combat, requires a degree of time to adjust. But there is something about the BG’s system that I find so intimidating to navigate. Now I’m not unfamiliar with turn based combat, though it’s evident that my predilection for the more exuberant RPGS, has somewhat diminished my comprehension of the more calculated conflicts boasted here. But the intricacies and patience necessary to prevail in these disputes is not something I was prepared for. You really need to strategize your moves. Evaluate the terrain, positioning and even the elevation of your opponents, before you can even consider how best to attack! And even once you’ve established the appropriate action, with the reliance on chance, more specifically the inert algorithm of the percentage to land a direct attack, you have a strong liability of missing your intended target! With each subsequent failure only compounding your misery, as your enemies advance on your position, you pray that they themselves suffer the same numerical misfortune.

Baldurs Gate 3 is also a game that propagates my least reliable attribute: decision making. Even the simplest of conversational judgements are scrutinized beyond all rational conviction. Decisions that could have adverse repercussions for a stalwart member of my party, that I don’t want to disappoint. It’s very disconcerting to think that one seemingly innocuous dialogue option, could negatively influence how your companions perceive you. As a result I find myself being overly cautious. Procrastinating to avoid making what I consider to be the wrong choices. Pensive with my decision making and diligently refrain from combat if it can be avoided. As someone that revels in the reciprocal nature of interactive combat, to be so conflict adverse goes against everything I play RPGs for. It doesn’t help that healing in Baldurs Gate 3 has compromised the convenience of resting.

A traditionally simple exchange of commerce for the hospitality of a bed, is complicated by the need for food. You have to ensure that you possess enough consumables to restore your health when retreating back to camp. Without this valuable resource, these timely siestas won’t provide the full and comprehensive respite that your party might require. Which only exacerbates my anxiety further. And it’s strange to say this, having paused my current play through to type this, but I’m kinda enjoying it. With a little more confidence and a little less dithering, I’m confident that I can finally complete Act 1.

Have you played Baldurs Gate 3? Are you struggling with the combat? Let me know in the comments below. Cheers.