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Baldur's Gate: Enhanced Edition now on iPad
Baldur's Gate: Enhanced Edition rolled onto the App Store today, with the remastered BioWare RPG now available on iPad for $9.99. Trent Oster, head of developer Beamdog, revealed the current version is limited to iOS 6.0, although iOS 5.1 support is in the works.Beamdog released Enhanced Edition for PC last week, with the Mac and Android versions still to come. While BG:EE comes in $10 cheaper on iPad than on PC, certain new inclusions such as Neera and Dorn II Karn are only available as in-app purchases.The game's multiplayer is in beta at launch, but Beamdog said cross-platform multiplayer is coming to the game, meaning iPad rangers will be able to fight alongside PC druids, Mac paladins, and Android thieves. Other combinations will also probably work.
PSA - Baldur's Gate: Enhanced Edition arrives on PC today, other platforms soon
Beamdog's Enhanced Edition of Baldur's Gate and its expansion Tales of the Sword Coast launches on PC today, at 3PM ET (12PM Pacific, 8PM Brit-time) to be precise. It's currently going for a pre-order price of $19.99, and can be pre-loaded before its release.Beamdog says its update of BioWare's seminal RPG includes over 400 improvements on the original game, including new characters, quests, and voice sets. The Enhanced Edition also offers native support for high-res widescreen, and nifty-looking cross-platform multiplayer.On the subject of other platforms, Beamdog chief Trent Oster recently disclosed that his team can't control the timing of iOS, Mac, and Android releases. Speaking on Twitter, Oster said a game-stopping bug means the iOS version should hit next week, with Mac and Android versions expected after it.
Baldur's Gate: Enhanced Edition gameplay fires off many magic missiles
If you've been anxiously awaiting Beamdog's overhaul to the original Baldur's Gate, we've got some Baldur's Gate: Enhanced Edition footage for you to sample. Just put on your Cloak of Fire Resistance first – there are lots of magic missiles flying around!
Baldur's Gate: Enhanced Edition closing in on new target of Nov. 28
Baldur's Gate: Enhanced Edition is still on course to unlock this month, with a new target release date of November 28. The revision, tweeted by Beamdog head Trent Oster, is admittedly only two days different from the former November 30 target. Nonetheless, given the meaty delay endured in September, a slight bump forward is encouraging.While Beamdog is aiming for a cross-platform launch, Oster admitted his studio can't "100% control the release date on iOS, Mac, and Android." What Oster did do was confirm the revamp is compatible with first-generation iPads. So even grandma and grandpa can play on their old-timey tablets, although they've got a few more weeks to wait yet.
GOG shows you how to 'enhance' old Baldur's Gate games
Following the delay of Baldur's Gate Enhanced Edition, GOG.com swooped in with a guide for how to make your own enhanced versions of Baldur's Gate and Baldur's Gate 2. While the dow noted the delay to the update from Trent Oster's Beamdog, the distributor saw that as an opportunity to post the step-by-step guide to enhance the games' graphics. Credit goes to GOG.com forum user GoJays2025 for putting the guide together.For the record, the enhancement requires six mods, and both of the games. It's convenient, then, that GOG.com has them on sale at $3.49 each. Meanwhile, Baldur's Gate Enhanced Edition is scheduled to hit November 30.
Baldur's Gate Enhanced Edition pushed to Nov. 30
It looks like fans will have to wait for Baldur's Gate to swing open once again, as Beamdog head Trent Oster has revealed that Baldur's Gate: Enhanced Edition has been delayed. Writing in the Baldur's Gate forums, Oster noted that the overwhelming response to the project – and the resulting influx of volunteers, additions and fixes – has lead Beamdog to push the project back from September 18 to November 30.In other words, it sounds as if the project has grown larger than Beamdog originally intended. "The suggestions, fixes, and translations continue, and more volunteers keep joining," wrote Oster, adding that Beamdog has delayed the project to provide "the best possible product on launch."Oster asks for patience from fans, promising "something a little extra" is in the works for those who have already pre-ordered.
MDK2 HD no longer exclusive to Beamdog, now on Steam
The HD update of MDK2 is no longer exclusive to the Beamdog service, where it originally launched in October. The Overhaul Games-overhauled version of BioWare's chuting, shooting sequel is now available on Steam for $14.99.If you have the original MDK2 on Steam and want to upgrade to the new hotness, you'll get 20 percent off the purchase of MDK2 HD. Actually, your motivation doesn't come into account: you'll get that 20 percent discount if you have MDK2 in your library, no matter why you're buying MDK2 HD.
Baldur's Gate: Enhanced Edition arrives Sept. 18, discounted pre-orders now open
The PC version of Baldur's Gate: Enhanced Edition will be released on September 18, Overhaul Games revealed following a countdown. The iOS and Mac versions will be released in September; the Android tablet version is TBA. In addition, the developer has revealed some of the new content that the Enhanced Edition will contain, namely new characters and a new adventure.The new character in our gallery, Neera, is "a half-elf wild mage slowly coming to terms with her enormous magical potential." Neera brings with her a new "romantic" adventure, a new area and up to four hours of extra gameplay. The Enhanced Edition also includes The Black Pits, which tasks players with engaging in arena combat at the behest of Baeloth, the "mad drow" who built the pits as a brutal form of entertainment.Pre-orders for Baldur's Gate: Enhanced Edition are now open on the official site. Those who pre-order get the game for $17.99, two bucks off the usual price of $19.99.%Gallery-161171%
Beamdog: No Baldur's Gate for Wii U, bad Nintendo experience to blame
Taking to Twitter once again, Beamdog's Trent Oster has made it painfully clear that Baldur's Gate: Enhanced Edition will not be ported to the Wii U. When asked about the possibility, Oster told a fan that "we don't do Nintendo development," adding that Beamdog's "previous experience with Nintendo was enough to ensure there will not be another [Nintendo project]."Oster's issues with Nintendo extend from Beamdog's WiiWare port of MDK 2. A 6,000 unit sales requirement before a developer receives payment – combined with a drawn-out certification process – soured Oster's feelings for WiiWare. He also noted that the Wii's "exceptionally low attach rate" is "bad for devs" and essentially makes the Wii "a toy."We contacted Oster for clarification on Beamdog's experience with Nintendo. "It's pretty simple," he said.
Beamdog interested in Icewind Dale, pending Baldur's Gate success
Beamdog hasn't even released Baldur's Gate Enhanced Edition, and you're already clamoring for Icewind Dale? Slow down there, pardner! It turns out that Beamdog is just as keen on tackling Black Isle's other Dungeons & Dragons RPG, which runs on the same engine as Baldur's Gate. Beamdog head Trent Oster noted on Twitter that the subject of Icewind Dale "has come up a number of times" and the company is "interested" in pursuing the project.That said, the possibility depends on the success of Baldur's Gate: Enhanced Edition. Though the project isn't officially in the works yet, Oster told a Twitter user that Icewind Dale would likely run on Beamdog's existing codebase, and thus would support all classes and kits available in the Baldur's Gate 2 "Throne of Bhaal" expansion.Finally, when asked if Beamdog would consider trying its hand at taking on the Ultima series, another old-school favorite, Oster said the company approached EA about the idea. "They told us no thanks."
Baldur's Gate: Enhanced Edition getting OSX version, cross-platform multiplayer
OSX users looking to get their nostalgia on with Overhaul Games' Baldur's Gate: Enhanced Edition won't have to resort to Boot Camp black magic. The game will be natively OSX compatible, according to Beamdog creative director Trent Oster.All three ports will reportedly "play similar," despite the fact that the iPad version uses a touch interface. Oster also announced cross-platform multiplayer for the title, which does exactly what it sounds like by allowing PC, OSX and iPad users to all Baldur around together in the same games. Console players, however, may never get chance to join in all these reindeer games, as Beamdog is "pursuing a non-console strategy."
Baldur's Gate for iPad will be under $10, include multiplayer
Good news on that new version of Baldur's Gate that was just announced. Not only is it going to be released for under $10, but it'll also include multiplayer of some kind. What kind? Details are still fuzzy, but developer Beamdog says not only would it be crazy to sell it for more than $10, but there will also be some way to play with your friends, included. Here's hoping that's some real-time co-op gameplay, and not just competitive leaderboards. Though we won't turn down competitive leaderboards either, for that matter. And there's even more than that: The game's sequel, Baldur's Gate 2, is also coming to iPad even later on in the year. It's been a long time since we've seen these games, but if you're ready for a return to the D&D setting of the Baldur's Gate series (or are just interested in visiting for the first time), you're in for a treat.
Baldur's Gate: Enhanced Edition ventures to iPad
One of the advertised augmentations in Baldur's Gate: Enhanced Edition is that it has an iPad port. Developer Overhaul Games has revealed some images of Baldur's Gate running on the iPad, but that's about it. Other than it existing, nothing else is known about the iPad version.Baldur's Gate: Enhanced Edition will launch this summer with the original game, Tales of the Sword Coast expansion pack, and "a new adventure and new party member." See the original announcement for more information, and see our gallery below for images of how you might lounge around and tap through the game when it launches this summer.%Gallery-151300%
Baldur's Gate 2: Enhanced Edition also in the works (plus bonus BG:EE details)
Baldur's Gate: Enhanced Edition hasn't even been an official thing for 24 hours, and yet its sequel is already in the plan, according to the above tweet from Beamdog's creative director Trent Oster. Beyond the fact that it exists, precise information regarding Baldur's Gate 2: Enhanced Edition is even slimmer than what we've got on Baldur's Gate: Enhanced Edition.What we do know, however, is that both games will also include their respective expansion packs: Tales of the Sword Coast for Baldur's Gate and Throne of Bhaal for Baldur's Gate 2. The team at Overhaul Games is correcting issues with Baldur's Gate's multiplayer, and there may even be a chance that your original save file could still work.
Baldur's Gate: Enhanced Edition arrives this summer [update: more news!]
Nope, we still don't really know what this Baldur's Gate announcement business is, but we sure do know its name now: "Baldur's Gate: Enhanced Edition." Huzzah! As previously reported, Beamdog is working on the Baldur's Gate project, though the developer's Overhaul Games division is taking lead. Atari is handling publishing duties, and Wizards of the Coast is licensing its (D&D-based) IP.From the few details we have, the project sounds an awful lot like an HD remake to us – especially given the fancier logo and "Enhanced Edition" subtitle. We've reached out to Beamdog for clarity on what the game actually is, and what platforms it'll end up on (among other things). For now, know that Baldur's Gate: Enhanced Edition will land on whatever those platforms are at some point this summer. We're gonna take a wild guess that it'll be on PC at the very least.Update: Beamdog reps tell us that the team at Overhaul is adding "new, original content" to the original game to make up the Enhanced Edition. "This is the Enhanced Edition, it's not a repackage. We have the original source code and are doing a significant update." He also confirms that no platforms have been announced just yet.Update 2: A Beamdog rep also confirms that the company is self-publishing. Though he wouldn't go into detail regarding the new content, he says that "it's being lovingly crafted in the spirit of the original with the help of some of the original developers." Additionally, Cameron Tofer and Trent Oster have been working on the project ("planning and organizing") for "over a year now." We'll also hear more soon, as the team is planning "regular announcements every week with more details."
Baldur's Gate teaser site gets a countdown and a soundtrack
BaldursGate.com just appeared back at the end of February with naught more than a poem and a rumor, and it's lain dormant since then -- until now. Just this evening, a countdown has appeared on the site, along with a tune (more on that in a second), both that seem to be hinting at a big reveal coming up in just about twelve hours from now, at 11am Pacific on Thursday morning. The music, which is reminiscent of the theme from the legendary singleplayer RPG (and sounds great) is indeed linked to a file on Beamdog.com, which is former BioWare designer Trent Oster's website, and has previously published an enhanced remake of BioWare's MDK2. Considering that the sound file is actually located at "files/overhaul/theme.mp3," it's probably a good bet that the announcement is some sort of Baldur's Gate remake from Oster's studio, Overhaul Games. For exactly what platforms however (PC, iOS, or even consoles), we'll have to wait until the official word arrives. The good news is that there's not too long to wait. If you hurry, you can listen to the minute-long theme music about 720 more times before the big reveal arrives.
Report: Baldur's Gate site teases Beamdog-developed franchise project [Update]
What's going on at BaldursGate.com? We're not 100 percent sure, honestly, but it sure looks like a teaser site for some form of new entry in the BioWare franchise. And Game Banshee seems to know more, claiming to have solidified news that the site was put together by former BioWare designer Trent Oster and his cohorts at Beamdog. "We're not related to the Steam Complete Edition," Oster said, referring to a recently discovered Baldur's Gate Complete Edition. "I can tell you that much. Other than that, we're hoping to announce something soon."What that "something" is remains to be seen, but from the various Baldur's Gate accoutrement on the teaser site, it sure looks like a Baldur's Gate something is in the works over at Beamdog. Considering that Beamdog handled the HD port of BioWare's MDK 2, it stands to reason that an HD port of Baldur's Gate could be in the works. Regardless, we've yet to find out for sure.An adorable little poem was also found in the site's source code, which we've dropped after the break. And hey, do us a quick solid -- if you're way into the Baldur's Gate franchise and spot something especially notable on that site, don't hesitate to shoot us a note.
Deja Review: MDK2 HD
Murder Death Kill? Mystical Door Knobs? Malevolent Didgeridoo King? The true decomposition of codename "MDK" used to be a legend of sorts in the game industry. Now, there's not so much as a hint of enigma around the latest letters appended to the game: MDK2 HD does indeed run in haughty definition. Even if you're joining us from 2000's PC version of MDK2 (released alongside a Dreamcast version, and preceding a PlayStation 2 port), you'll be treated to a significant visual upgrade in MDK2 HD, care of Overhaul Games. What hasn't changed in the last eleven years, of course, is the incredulity that results upon playing a funny, frivolous and uncluttered action game from BioWare. Yes, that BioWare.%Gallery-136275%
MDK2 HD arriving 'this September' on Beamdog, former BioWare dev's service
Roughly a year after being announced, and just 4 months after parachuting onto WiiWare, the PC re-release of MDK2, titled appropriately enough MDK2 HD, has a release date of "this September." The port of BioWare's classic sequel is being handled by former BioWare co-founder Trent Oster's Beamdog outfit, under the name Overhaul Games. The release itself will be hosted on the Beamdog digital distribution service, which beams (dog?) games to your computer, with no installation needed. This HD-ification is being handled by Oster and other "BioWare veterans" like Cameron Tofer, Russ Rice and Sean Smailes, "who were all heavily involved in the development of the original." Oster says, "MDK2 HD really is a labour of love for us. We've spent a lot of time improving the visuals and gameplay, and we can't wait to see what people think!" To that end, the developer is looking for suggestions from fans on what they'd like to see improved. Don't have any suggestions? Never played the original? That's okay. Tofer, COO at Overhaul Games, says, "We think MDK2 HD has the sort of visuals, humor and great gameplay that can draw in not only existing fans of the game, but a brand new audience that just wasn't able to experience its magic the first time around." You can find out this September, for $14.99. %Gallery-130526%
MDK 2 for WiiWare in certification, new PC version still in the works
Remember, last year, when Interplay said it was reviving the BioWare action classic MDK 2 on WiiWare? Not only does the project still exist, it sounds like it's actually nearing completion. Trent Oster -- head of the WiiWare version's developer IdeaSpark Labs -- announced on the Beamdog forums that "MDK 2 for WiiWare has entered the final stages of the certification process" and is currently awaiting approval from Nintendo. He added that the Wiimote "adds a great deal to the gameplay, making a great action platformer even better." IdeaSpark, founded by Oster and fellow ex-BioWare member Cameron Tofer, recently launched the aforementioned Beamdog distribution service, which will eventually host another upcoming version of MDK 2, the PC-bound MDK 2 HD. Speaking of which, Tofer also noted on the forums that the team is "looking for feedback and suggestions" concerning the HD remake.
