Baldur's Gate 1 & 2. Video Games With the Best Stories

Baldur's Gate, as the first cRPG developed on the iconic Infinity Engine, marked the beginning of the golden era of its genre, paving the way for such classics as Planescape Torment or Icewind Dale. The Infinity Engine also powered Baldur's Gate II, which developed the ideas from the first game even further – and offered a story even better than the original's already very good plot.

The first game depicts the fate of an orphan raised by the sage Gerion. When the protagonist's stepfather is killed and the character is forced to flee from bandits led by the mysterious Sarevok, a journey into the unknown begins, answering questions about the main character's true identity and what links them to Sarevok. Baldur's Gate II begins with us being tortured in a dungeon from which we manage to escape, taking advantage of an unexpected commotion. This event initiates a crusade through the magical land, during which we clash with powerful entities and transform the game world.

While the stories in both "Baldurs" do not shy away from epicness characteristic of the fantasy genre – facing off with powerful creatures and influencing the shape of the world – their strength lies in the central plot's focus on more personal themes. The scenario focuses on the protagonist's origin, discovering of their identity and finding one's own way. Combined with the many shades of grey of the game world and the making of ambiguous moral choices long before it became fashionable, we get a story that, despite being many years old, remains attractive and interesting. And now we ask ourselves, if the developers of the third part will be able to carry all the expectations and tell an equally good story?

1. More about Baldur's Gate II: Shadows of Amn
2. More about Baldur's Gate