It’s no secret that Baldur’s Gate 3 is a masterpiece; its shelves groaning with awards confirm that. While Larian Studios is accustomed to such accolades, a recent endorsement from Dungeons and Dragons legend Bruce Nesmith is particularly sweet. Nesmith, a former creative director at TSR who was instrumental in shaping the tabletop DnD universe, and later a key designer for Bethesda’s iconic Elder Scrolls and Fallout series, has officially crowned Baldur’s Gate 3 the greatest DnD game ever created.
Nesmith’s extensive career includes crafting numerous DnD modules and board games during the 1980s and ’90s. Gamers will also know him from his pivotal role at Bethesda, where he designed quests for The Elder Scrolls: Morrowind and Oblivion, and Fallout 3. He later ascended to lead designer for Skyrim, widely considered one of history’s finest RPGs. Given this impressive resume, his opinion on Baldur’s Gate 3 carries significant weight.
Unsurprisingly, Nesmith is a massive admirer. In an interview with FRVR, he lauded Larian for doing ‘a fantastic job with Baldur’s Gate 3,’ specifically praising its seamless integration with the 5th Edition (5E) rules and its deep commitment to its Dungeons and Dragons origins.
Nesmith elaborated, stating, ‘Obviously, [Larian] loved this project, they loved the game, and that came through.’ He highlighted their authenticity, noting, ‘They didn’t try to hide behind anything.’ He contrasted this with older computer RPGs, which often featured ‘inappropriate comedy poking fun at the game’ and ‘a monotonous grind of doing repetitive activities to get yourself up in level.’ According to Nesmith, neither of these issues plagues Baldur’s Gate 3.
An embedded video showcases gameplay and highlights from Baldur’s Gate 3, illustrating the points discussed.
He further praised the game’s stunning graphics, exceptional voice acting, and the powerful sense that every choice truly matters, all while weaving a ‘coherent and compelling story.’
Therefore, when directly questioned about the ultimate video game adaptation of the Dungeons and Dragons tabletop experience, his answer was unequivocal.
‘I would absolutely put, right now, Baldur’s Gate 3 at the very top of the list,’ Nesmith declared, adding, ‘but I have extremely fond experience with Baldur’s Gate 2. That was two dozen years ago, and that was a fantastic game. I loved the heck out of that game.’
An accompanying image depicts a powerful female wizard from Baldur’s Gate 3, her grey hair flowing, clad in a green tunic, as she channels golden magical energy from her hand.
While such high praise for Baldur’s Gate 3 is common, hearing it from an authority like Nesmith undoubtedly adds significant gravitas. For Larian, receiving such an endorsement from someone so intimately familiar with the Dungeons and Dragons universe and the intricate world of RPGs may even eclipse the satisfaction of all the awards they’ve accumulated.
For those finally diving into Baldur’s Gate 3, or perhaps contemplating another journey through its rich world, consider exploring some top community-made modifications to enhance your experience. You can also discover other highly-rated titles that stand alongside it on our definitive list of best PC games.
Do you believe another Dungeons and Dragons game challenges Baldur’s Gate 3’s reign? If so, we’d love to hear your thoughts. Join the discussion on the PCGamesN community forum and share your spirited opinion!