A New Vision for a Classic RPG

Recent reports confirm that Baldur's Gate 2 and the original Baldur's Gate are headed for a modern remake. With Wizards of the Coast involving key designers from the original team, excitement is building. However, a major question remains: how much of the original formula will be preserved? While changing a legendary game is a risk, it is time to move past the dated real-time-with-pause (RTWP) combat system.


The Case for Turn-Based Mechanics

Fans of the originals are deeply attached to the classic RTWP style, but it is important to remember that the original titles and their Enhanced Editions remain available for those who prefer that experience. The remake offers a unique opportunity to evolve.

According to reader polls, there is a strong appetite for change. In a recent survey regarding combat preferences, a vast majority of players favored turn-based (TB) systems over real-time. This shift is largely influenced by the success of Baldur's Gate 3.

«Larian turned its fights into elaborate puzzles that fully take advantage of their environments in a way that just doesn't really work in RTWP—at least not the way it was implemented in BG1 and 2.»

Authenticity to the D&D Experience

A transition to turn-based combat would bring the series closer to its tabletop roots. Dungeons & Dragons is fundamentally about strategy, patience, and deliberate planning. Moving to a turn-based system offers several advantages:

  • Strategic Depth: Every action, from a simple sword strike to complex spellcasting, receives the attention it deserves.
  • Tactical Clarity: Players can better utilize their environment, turning every encounter into a complex puzzle rather than a chaotic scramble.
  • Modernized Pacing: It provides a more structured and deliberate way to engage in tactical combat.

Taking Creative Risks

A remake serves little purpose if it merely updates the graphics while keeping every dated mechanic intact. To truly justify a return to these classics, developers should aim to provide a fresh experience that complements the original rather than simply cloning it. While the developers should avoid unnecessary changes—such as altering character personalities or weakening challenging enemies—adopting turn-based combat is a bold move that preserves the essence of the game while making it accessible and engaging for a modern audience.