Baldur's Gate Getting Enhanced

Both BioWare classics are getting a new lease on life.

PC gaming has a long and storied history, but it’s one that is notoriously difficult to curate. Trying to play games from even just 7 years ago can be a struggle with new machines, and even gaming portals like Steam can’t guarantee that the older games you purchase will work well on your rig. It’s fortunate for PC gamers old and new, then, that two of the most beloved PC RPGs of all time are getting a full-on upgrade for modern computers. That’s right, dungeon crawlers—Baldur’s Gate and Baldur’s Gate II are coming back in a big way.

The news was revealed after a cryptic countdown timer began recently. Overhaul Games is the studio in charge of a complete, ahem, overhaul of the acclaimed RPGs. A relatively new team comprised of many ex-BioWare developers, Overhaul includes people that worked on these games the first time around.

Details are limited, but the announcement states that these games will be “enhanced,” using a “re-forged” version of the Infinity Engine. The announcement goes on to state that modern improvements will be included, but what form those improvements could take is unknown.

While it’s still possible to track down copies of the original Baldur’s Gate games, they have been notoriously difficult to get working properly on newer computers. Popular web PC portal Good Old Games has offered versions of these games that are optimized to run on recent machines and free of DRM restrictions, but the Enhanced versions of the games should prove to go far beyond even this service. We will keep you updated as release info and screenshots become available.

Stanton Daries Staff Alumnus

03/15/2012 at 10:51 PM

I am both excited, and apprehensive, at this news.

Our Take

Esteban Cuevas Staff Alumnus

03/16/2012 at 01:00 AM

I've never played the Baldur's Gate series as it was before I had a PC that could run games. My knowledge of the series is actually pretty slim. However, I do like it when old titles are revitalized like this. This is basically the PC equivalent of a HD upgrade.

Mongoose

03/16/2012 at 01:31 AM

Looks like I have one unheard message....

"Hello this is 1999 calling. I know its been awhile, but we should catch up. Let's meet up at Baldur's Gate. Minsc and company are coming as well. Talk to you soon!...Oh yeah, how about that y2k thing? You still have that survival kit? Just kidding, can't wait to see you."

Patrick Kijek Contributing Writer

03/16/2012 at 02:28 AM

And it's going to be exclusive to Macs!

But seriously, I hope that I do not have to put boot camp in, just so I can take the enhanced Baldur's Gate anywhere. Fantastic, dreamy news.

Angelo Grant Staff Writer

03/16/2012 at 10:37 AM

I hate to out myself here, but I could never figure these, or the other "gold box" games out. I blame my JRPG upbringing for that. I'd love to really understand how to play them since they're so highly reguarded.

PixlBit