In the classic RPG genre, few titles are as beloved as Baldur’s Gate 2. Released in 2000, this game set the standard for RPGs and narrative-driven gameplay. From its memorable characters to its companion system, it was a delight to play.
However, Director James Ohlen revealed that during development, he was not happy with the companion system and to look for inspiration, he decided to check other games. The game that finally inspired him was Final Fantasy 7.
Baldur’s Gate 2 Seeking Inspiration in Unexpected Places
In an interview, James Ohlen stated that he was very dissatisfied with the depth of his game’s companionship. With the intense competition in the RPG genre, he knew that making memorable characters with engaging and intense stories would keep the players attached to the game.
Ohlen said that he was very competitive and didn’t want to lose to other games because his characters were not memorable or engaging enough. He tried many other RPG games to get inspiration but the title that inspired him to change was Final Fantasy 7.
I’m very competitive, I played Final Fantasy 7 and was like, ‘Oh my good god, these characters make ours look like a bunch of cardboard cutouts. This is terrible.’
Driven by a desire to bring innovation to the game and to also elevate the player experience, Ohlen made the bold decision to completely revamp Baldur’s Gate 2’s companion system. He learned and drew inspiration from Final Fantasy 7. He and his team were very determined to infuse their characters with complex personalities and add narrative depth.
The result of this dedication and hard work paid off as characters like Minsc, Jaheira, and Viconia, emerged as compelling characters with engaging backstories and relationships. After the game’s release, Players also found themselves emotionally invested in these companions.
The Legacy of Innovation: Influencing the next iteration
Baldur’s Gate 2’s impact played a significant role in forging the path for RPG games for years to come. Ohlen’s admission of his game’s lackluster character story and embracing the competition helped him introduce improvement and innovation to the series.
Fast forward to the present, Baldur’s Gate 3 followed the footsteps of its predecessor and delivered on the premise. It introduced a new generation of companions like Astarion and Shadowheart, each of them as intricate and compelling as their predecessor.
As players start their journey on the Forgotten Realms once more, they can’t help but get inspired and impressed by the characters. This will serve as a testament to how competition and not being willing to accept defeat, can bring out the best in someone.
