22 replies to this topic

[BloodCloak]

Hey, i'm about to play through baldur's gate 1+2+expansions for the first time and was wondering if i should install any mods to go along with them.

I have seen the BWP mega mod and am interested but it seems to be a large undertaking and im not sure how much it would change the experience. Do you think i should install this or any others and are there any mods i should install for balance if i install no others?

Cheers

[theacefes]

I would recommend this but I think I may be a bit biased.

On a serious note, no matter which mod you install make sure you read the FAQs and readmes for docs on compatibilities and current bugs, etc.

[EpitomyofShyness]

The Baldur's Gate Tutu mod is amazing. It brings the Baldur's Gate 2 engine into the Baldur's Gate 1 game. You can get that one here Pocket Plane Baldur's Gate Tutu Mod

Also this mod is for Baldur's Gate Tutu, it makes the NPC's in Baldur's Gate Tutu talk to each other and to the PC. Baldur's Gate 1 NPC Project

There are a lot of other mods but these two are my favorites for the Baldur's Gate 1 storyline.

For Baldur's Gate 2 SoA/ToB:

BG2 Fixpack should be installed immediately after official Patches.

Divine Remix changes up stuff for Clerics and to a lesser extent Rangers and Paladins. It also gives the option of adding numerous different Cleric kits. Divine Remix also works with Baldur's Gate Tutu.

These are only two of the many mods I've installed, I love Ascension, and for NPC's I never go without Angelo.

Unfinished Business and NPC Flirt Pack are also great. I'm sure many other people will have quite a lot of suggestions.

[Jarno Mikkola]

Hey, i'm about to play through baldur's gate 1+2+expansions for the first time

These are only two of the many mods I've installed, I love Ascension, and for NPC's I never go without Angelo.

Ah, I would say that one shouldn't really install such a plot changing mods the first time it going to go through the game... nor Tutu or Baldur's Gate 1 NPC Project... because it's the first time!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[berelinde]

I couldn't get through BG1 without Tutu and the BG1 NPC Project. I just couldn't. BGT would also work, though, instead of Tutu.

[Jarno Mikkola]

I couldn't get through BG1 without Tutu and the BG1 NPC Project. I just couldn't. BGT would also work, though, instead of Tutu.

Or you lacked the will to try... so you have never went through the original Baldur's Gate? N00b!

Now, please don't take that as a overly hostile and negative reference... as I am a n00b myself too, I have never went through the BGII:ToB.
Which is why I am not using Ascension either... or the Wheels of Prophecy, no matter how good they are.

[EvaineDian]

I would also advise you to not install any mods for now. Just enjoy the games as they were meant to be, and once you're more familiar with them, you can try all the great mods out there and appreciate the great content they add.

[GeN1e]

I recall there've been a guy onto russians boards recently who played BG series for the first time and was wondering 'why doesn't BGT transition items into the BG2 part? BG1 had so many cool +4 stuff available for buying and there seem to be none in BG2'. Don't be an idiot like him and DO NOT INSTALL ANY SINGLE THING FOR THE FIRST TIME!!!. And don't listen to those who say 'you still should install fixpack', that's rubbish too (please excuse me for being lazy to explain in details why exactly).

Mods are for those who've already played the vanilla game and want diversion.

Edited by GeN1e, 23 January 2009 - 05:08 AM.

[Choo Choo]

I agree with EvaineDian and GeN1e. Mods are great, but you should play the vanilla games first - otherwise you won't be able to appreciate them as much, huh.

[Daulmakan]

I agree with EvaineDian and GeN1e. Mods are great, but you should play the vanilla games first - otherwise you won't be able to appreciate them as much, huh.

I echo their opinions, as well.

[Azazello]

I agree with EvaineDian and GeN1e. Mods are great, but you should play the vanilla games first - otherwise you won't be able to appreciate them as much, huh.

I concur with the majority vote. Hear, hear!

[BloodCloak]

OK, guess i'll go with the no-mod consensus. Thanks for the help guys.

Finally, i've played alot of RPGs but never an IE one (well, i have played PST), what (multi-)class would you recommend for a first playthrough? I'm not too keen on the plain fighter, but i suppose that with full party control i can always play another of the characters. Anyway what do you think the best build would be that is noob-friendly and would allow me to experience most of the game?

Thanks

[Choo Choo]

Fighter/Thief. Yes, there are a *lot* of thieves of in BG1, true-class and multi-class and whatnot, but then your fighter class will balance out your thieving obsoleteness - and come BG2, you will be very happy that you have thieving skills, because BG2.. well.. is a bit short on thieves.

I'm partial to that combination, though - my first character ever was a fighter/thief.

[Icendoan]

Uhhh, A Fighter/Cleric multiclass is pretty solid, durable and the healing will definitely help. I wouldn't recommend a Mage at first.

If you are comfortable with something, go with it. I have had successful runs (at first) with a Dwarf F/C and a Human Paladin.

Icen

[GeN1e]

what (multi-)class would you recommend for a first playthrough?

Depending on how well you know the game's stuff, really. I myself prefer F/M, but I certainly wouldn't suggest it to a novice. Same for thieves, bards and other fragile&deadly variations.

F/C seems sound indeed, as it can be as good in frontline as any pure fighter and even (significantly) better with proper buffing. Or if you're lazy to dig in depths of the proper usage of some spells then you still have lots of extra healing.

[BloodCloak]

Well, i've run into a couple of problems.

First the option for multi-class is greyed out when i make a character and second, the resolution really sucks, i can either play it in a tiny box surrounded by black bars or can stretch it (maintaing aspect ratio) so thats its ultra blurry. Any help for either problem?

Thanks

Edited by BloodCloak, 23 January 2009 - 07:03 PM.

[GeN1e]

First the option for multi-class is greyed out when i make a character

Humans can't multiclass, though they may dual-class later in game. For that they need to have 15 score in their class's primary ability (str for fighter, int for wizards, etc.) and 17 in the class' ability that they wish to dual to.

the resolution really sucks

Try this.

[BloodCloak]

Humans can't multiclass, though they may dual-class later in game. For that they need to have 15 score in their class's primary ability (str for fighter, int for wizards, etc.) and 17 in the class' ability that they wish to dual to.

Errm, FC multi-class vs. dual-class? If i dual-class what class should i choose first + when should i switch?
What race makes best FC?

Try this.

Thank you!

[Icendoan]

A Multi-class is when you have two or more classes advancing at once. The upside is that they get all the benefits all the time, but the experience has to be split between all the classes, meaning you progress slower. Multi-classes get HLAs for all classes, not just the most advanced. It is, however, limited to demi-humans.

A dual-class is when you start on one class, but switch to another. While your previous class is more than your new one, you can't use it. In order to use your first class, you new class has to be at least one level above your old one. Dual-Class characters, in the long run, also get more HP than multi-class characters. In BG2, you also get the opportunity to select a class kit, which will give you additional bonuses. Also, in ToB, you get Higher-Level-Abilites. Dual class characters only get the HLAs for the second class. Dual-classing is limited to humans only.

Icen

[BloodCloak]

Thanks, so for a noob multi vs. dual? If dual, which class should i be first + at what level should i change?

EDIT: Also, is there a XP cap remover for BG1, and will using it make the characters unable to be exported to BG2?

Edited by BloodCloak, 24 January 2009 - 10:17 PM.