By
Johnny_B
02/01/99
The combat system in the game is truly admirable. Unlike past AD&D games that were turn-based,
Baldur's Gate features a real-time engine that uses an ingenious system of pauses. You can pause the game at any time using the space bar and set up several auto-pause options. From here you can give orders and have the sort of precise tactical control that a turn-based system allows, but with the
more realistic combat feel of real-time strategy. You can even select group formations in order to tactically position your party. If you are not an RPG regular just think of it as a 2D
Myth with much more specialized characters.
Possibly the
biggest triumph of
Baldur's Gate is its
broad appeal. It is the
most accessible true RPG I've ever seen. Although it possesses the depth of a true game of AD&D,
a novice gamer can play it.
You can practically ignore the finer rules of the gaming system, barely glance at the excellent 150 page manual, and still do admirably well. Of course,
Baldur's Gate also offers almost unprecedented depth of gameplay and game mechanics for the true AD&D fanatic.
Baldur's Gate serves up the best of both worlds.