Recording summary · December 2023
Baldur's Gate 3 DOES NOT Deserve Game of the YEAR Award - BORING GAME
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Overview
Daniel voiced shock and disappointment over the 2023 Game of the Year awards, disagreeing with the victory of Baldur's Gate 3 while titles such as Diablo 4, Starfield, and Hogwarts Legacy were overlooked.
Initial frustration with Baldur's Gate 3 led Daniel to refund the game within two hours, finding fault with its visuals, turn-based combat, and story focus, though giving it another chance remained under consideration despite reluctance to spend £30 or £40 again.
Assessments of 2023 nominees and other major titles favored Diablo 4 for its real-time ARPG systems, Starfield for shipbuilding and combat, and The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom, while dismissing nominees such as Alan Wake 2, Marvel's Spider-Man 2, the Resident Evil 4 remake, and Super Mario Bros. Wonder, alongside noting omissions like Armored Core VI: Fires of Rubicon.
Themes
Critique of the 2023 Game of the Year nominees, including disapproval of Alan Wake 2, Marvel's Spider-Man 2, the Resident Evil 4 remake, and Super Mario Bros. Wonder, alongside support for The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom.
Appreciation for Diablo 4's real-time mechanics, skill trees, paragon boards, and aspects over Baldur's Gate 3's turn-based systems.
Satisfaction with Starfield's custom shipbuilding and combat despite acknowledged bugs.
Unfavorable reaction to Baldur's Gate 3's graphics, turn-based combat, and narrative emphasis compared to preferred turn-based systems like Darkest Dungeon.
Omission of Armored Core VI: Fires of Rubicon and Hogwarts Legacy from major award categories.
Alienation from mainstream gaming preferences and hesitance over repurchasing Baldur's Gate 3 for £30 or £40.
Developments
Baldur's Gate 3 won Game of the Year at the 2023 awards.
Daniel refunded Baldur's Gate 3 within two hours of play.
Daniel released an earlier review cautioning viewers about Baldur's Gate 3 and received negative comments.
Uncertainties & gaps
Whether combat in Baldur's Gate 3 gains depth and complexity later in the game.
Whether Daniel's initial negative impression of Baldur's Gate 3 stemmed from being in a bad mood, and whether Daniel will spend the money to repurchase and play it.