The Ultimate Game-Changer: How Baldur’s Gate 3 Outshines the KOTOR Remake

Highlights

Baldur's Gate 3's success as a single-player-focused CRPG is unusual in an era dominated by live service games, showcasing the potential of the genre.

Baldur's Gate 3 shows clear traces of the impact that Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic (KOTOR) has had on it. Both games feature cinematic dialogue choices, strategic combat mechanics, and intricate narratives.

Although the fate of the KOTOR remake remains uncertain, the triumph of Baldur's Gate 3 serves as evidence that committed development efforts can yield significant rewards. Thus, a remake of KOTOR holds immense potential for success.

Baldur's Gate 3 is an extraordinary example of a highly successful single-player game with a focus on role-playing. What sets it apart is that it belongs to the CRPG genre, which is typically considered niche. It is remarkable to see a game from this genre dominate the Steam charts, especially in an era where live-service games usually take the spotlight. Baldur's Gate 3, being a continuation of a series that has been inactive for decades, showcases the potential that another similar series could achieve if given the same level of attention.

Baldur's Gate 3 is the third installment in its series, arriving more than 20 years after its predecessors. These two previous titles are often regarded as some of the best games ever created by BioWare, a renowned RPG developer. Although BioWare is now well-known for franchises like Mass Effect and Dragon Age, which share similarities with Baldur's Gate 3, it was Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic, released between the original Baldur's Gate titles and the aforementioned franchises, that became one of the most influential RPGs of all time. Fans have long been requesting a proper remake of this classic game, and Larian Studios' latest effort reminds some players of the nostalgia associated with Knights of the Old Republic.

The Influence of KOTOR and Its Remake’s Development Hell

In 2003, KOTOR revolutionized the Star Wars experience by offering a cinematic, choice-based gameplay. With its intriguing narrative and well-developed characters, BioWare set a new standard for RPGs. The game's influence can be seen in the recruitment of companions and the diverse character building options found in later similar experiences. Despite its age, KOTOR continues to captivate fans, prompting long-standing calls for a remake.

Excitement surrounded the announcement in 2021 that developer Aspyr would be undertaking the KOTOR remake. However, the addition of Saber Interactive to the development team, following the departure of two production heads and rumors of an underwhelming internal demo showcase, has raised concerns about the project's future. With no updates or comments from Embracer Group's CEO, many fans have lost hope for the remake's eventual release.

KOTOR Lives On Through Baldur's Gate 3

Baldur’s Gate 3, with its emphasis on cinematic dialogue choices, relationships, and tactical turn-based combat, serves as a well-crafted adaptation of a beloved IP. This game showcases the potential of deep single-player titles in the modern industry and proves that a remake of KOTOR could also succeed if executed properly. Although the status of a KOTOR remake remains uncertain, its influence on subsequent RPGs ensures that BioWare's classic is still revered by fans. Aspyr, Saber Interactive, and Embracer Group may not have been suitable for the scale of the project, but the industry's landscape has now shifted. With the success of Baldur’s Gate 3, a KOTOR remake has the potential for even greater achievements, both in terms of quality and financial success.

Baldur's Gate 3 is out now for PC, with a PS5 version coming September 6 and an Xbox Series X/S port also in development.