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MegaGatts posted:I think there's a ring that rises intelligence by one and lowers constitution by 1 as random loot in the severed hand
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Nov 15, 2014 23:43
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Speaking of points systems, I think the most broken thing about BG1/2/IWD's point system is that there's such a huge range of stat values that do nothing. I understand that classes have primary states but for there to be no difference between 7 and 14 Constitution or Dexterity (for non-thieves) is silly, particularly when the difference between 14 and 18 is huge. Makes very little sense even from a role playing perspective, let alone a game design perspective.
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Nov 15, 2014 23:44
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fong posted:Speaking of points systems, I think the most broken thing about BG1/2/IWD's point system is that there's such a huge range of stat values that do nothing. I understand that classes have primary states but for there to be no difference between 7 and 14 Constitution or Dexterity (for non-thieves) is silly, particularly when the difference between 14 and 18 is huge. Makes very little sense even from a role playing perspective, let alone a game design perspective. And the reasoning behind the whole 18/xx strength score thing is so  it just has to be some weird legacy issue.
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Nov 16, 2014 00:25
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fong posted:Speaking of points systems, I think the most broken thing about BG1/2/IWD's point system is that there's such a huge range of stat values that do nothing. I understand that classes have primary states but for there to be no difference between 7 and 14 Constitution or Dexterity (for non-thieves) is silly, particularly when the difference between 14 and 18 is huge. Makes very little sense even from a role playing perspective, let alone a game design perspective. This mostly has to do with the ability score system originally being designed for tabletop gaming and not video gaming. In PnP D&D the stats do lots more things than they do in videogames, since a lot of the poo poo didn't translate well into a game (like number of languages known for example). Even in PnP there were still quite a few dead zones though where like a 7 and an 11 are literally the same, but its not as bad as it is in the video games. tl;dr 2nd edition sucks
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Nov 16, 2014 04:26
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Also the ability system was designed for a 3d6 roll, so most of the middle range has minimal effects by design. Being inherently better or worse than average in some characteristic was supposed to be a pretty rare thing.
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Nov 16, 2014 04:50
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So for IWD:EE, assuming for solid stat rolls and wisely allocated at that- I have a Sorcerer, a 2h specialized berserker, a totemic druid, a bard, an elf archer. . . I'm not sure what I'll do for the sixth? I'd like to dick around with sunsoul monk. But a gnome cleric/thief would be useful too. What do y'all recommend?
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Nov 16, 2014 04:51
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I would make an Illusionist/Thief for the 6th and replace the archer with a Ranger/Cleric multiclass. It seems like Illusionist/Thief has more 'synergy' than a Cleric/Thief, but I've never tried a Cleric/Thief so it might be really good (can you backstab out of sanctuary?) However, I just started playing IWD:EE too, so take that with a grain of salt  My party: Human Paladin Human Fighter 3->Cleric dual-class Half-Elf Fighter/Druid Half-Elf (?) Conjurer Gnome Illusionist/Thief Half-Elf (?) Bard Pivotal Lever fucked around with this message at 07:54 on Nov 16, 2014 |
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Nov 16, 2014 07:48
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The trouble with dropping the archer is that he just rains down death. Elf archer with 18/** strength and 18 dex is typically a beastly killing machine. Illusionist/thief might be solid too, i just love the idea of a monk. 
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Nov 16, 2014 07:59
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I'm about 3/4ths the way through IWD:EE right now and so far I've only found 1 monk item the whole game (maybe 1 more for sale in a store). I know *random loot* and all, but just sayin. You need a rogue for find and remove traps. Assassin is a pretty loving sweet kit in this game. Nothing is more satisfying than an 80hp+ backstab 1 shot. Slap some boots of speed on him and he can nearly solo entire zones by himself. Just run in, backstab, run out, restealth, repeat. It's loving great. Honestly, you kinda lack a tank too. I might go with a sword and board paladin instead of the archer or berserker. Paladins have a ton of paladin specific dialog in IWD for some reason, and the holy sword is probably the "best weapon" in the game. The new kits make them even cooler too. The funny thing is that the Inquisitor might not actually be an over powered kit in IWD like it was in BG2, because there are FAR fewer mage battles in IWD. Undead hunter might actually be more useful (although I can't remember energy drain existing in IWD. Is it even a thing?).
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Nov 16, 2014 08:41
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Pivotal Lever posted:I would make an Illusionist/Thief for the 6th and replace the archer with a Ranger/Cleric multiclass. It seems like Illusionist/Thief has more 'synergy' than a Cleric/Thief, but I've never tried a Cleric/Thief so it might be really good (can you backstab out of sanctuary?) IWDEE ranger/clerics don't get druid spells until they reach the proper ranger level, 9 I think, and he already has another druid, whereas Archers are hella powerful. Cleric/Thief's have great versatility too.
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Nov 16, 2014 08:46
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Skwirl posted:IWDEE ranger/clerics don't get druid spells until they reach the proper ranger level, 9 I think, and he already has another druid, whereas Archers are hella powerful. Cleric/Thief's have great versatility too. Yeah they fixed the bug where you get all the druid spells unlocked, but ranger cleric is still pretty good. IWD shits out millions of flails and morning stars on you for some reason so its nice to always be using the 2 best drops at a time. I know its "random loot" and all, but for some reason I always found IWD to drop long swords, axes, morning stars and flails way more than anything else. Save axes and swords for the Paladin/Warrior and get those sweat flails on your ranger/cleric.
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Nov 16, 2014 08:52
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Quantumfate posted:The trouble with dropping the archer is that he just rains down death. Elf archer with 18/** strength and 18 dex is typically a beastly killing machine. Illusionist/thief might be solid too, i just love the idea of a monk. I was initially going to go with an archer in my party for the raining down death factor, so maybe keep that and put a thief of some sort in the 6th slot. I just really like spells, all my dudes can cast something, heh. I've disarmed a lot of traps so far. Also, there is a setting in the ini that makes Ranger/Clerics behave like Baldur's Gate, if anyone wants the old behavior back. code:Pivotal Lever fucked around with this message at 09:46 on Nov 16, 2014 |
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Nov 16, 2014 09:40
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Archers are the Inquisitor of IWDEE in terms of brokenness. IWD uses BG1 arrows meaning arrows of fire do 1d6 fire damage instead of BG2s 1d2, and acid arrows do a whopping 2d6 along with their 1d6 piercing. Just to highlight how much damage they can do take a level 9 archer. There's a bow pretty early that sets his base attacks to three, that bow has +2 damage, add in the +5 from Grandmastery, the +3 from the archer class. Now say he's using acid arrows he'd be doing 3d6 +11 damage 4 1/2 times a round at level 9. 14-29 damage per arrow, that's 56-145 damage per round at level 9. And it will get get increasingly more hilarious as he continues to level. Eventually he'll get to 10 attacks per round with improved haste and a raw damage bonus of +12 not counting the bow or arrows.
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Nov 16, 2014 10:09
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GuyDudeBroMan posted:I know its "random loot" and all, but for some reason I always found IWD to drop long swords, axes, morning stars and flails way more than anything else. Save axes and swords for the Paladin/Warrior and get those sweat flails on your ranger/cleric. By the way, has anyone figured out what to do with The Voice of Durel Anatha? I assumed there was a quest surrounding him, but all I can do to resolve it is trash the false temple of Ilmater. Is there another way to resolve it? Also, there was talk among the deep gnomes about a final umber hulk assault after you free the gnomes in the mines, but I didn't see one happen. Has anyone experienced that and if so, do you need to do something for it? Factor_VIII fucked around with this message at 10:49 on Nov 16, 2014 |
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Nov 16, 2014 10:33
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I just finished IWD:EE today and I must say, the game got pretty trivially easy after Yxunomei. Up until then I was actually having to use spells and strategy, but from that point on either I was high enough level or the enemies got easier or something so that I just had a melee meat grinder going up front. Paladin, Fighter->Cleric dual, Fighter/Druid multi, with a Fighter/Thief using bows was enough that I only used my Bard for that song and my Sorcerer for haste or improved haste once I got it. Seriously it took me probably 20 hours to get to Yxunomei and then only about 5 or 6 hours to blow through the whole rest of the game (minus expansion). Is this a new thing in the Enhanced Edition? I know that dual wielding messes with the balance somewhat, as does the addition of a bunch of BG2 spells. Or has IWD always had a strange difficulty curve?
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Nov 16, 2014 11:31
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fong posted:I just finished IWD:EE today and I must say, the game got pretty trivially easy after Yxunomei. Up until then I was actually having to use spells and strategy, but from that point on either I was high enough level or the enemies got easier or something so that I just had a melee meat grinder going up front. Paladin, Fighter->Cleric dual, Fighter/Druid multi, with a Fighter/Thief using bows was enough that I only used my Bard for that song and my Sorcerer for haste or improved haste once I got it. Seriously it took me probably 20 hours to get to Yxunomei and then only about 5 or 6 hours to blow through the whole rest of the game (minus expansion). Dragon's eye to yxunomei was always the hardest part of the game imo, but the new kits, dual wielding, and spells really mess with the game balance. It's a shame, I was hoping they'd adjust the encounters to make up for the additions. Still a fun game though and I'm not upset with the purchase.
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Nov 16, 2014 12:05
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fong posted:I just finished IWD:EE today and I must say, the game got pretty trivially easy after Yxunomei. Up until then I was actually having to use spells and strategy, but from that point on either I was high enough level or the enemies got easier or something so that I just had a melee meat grinder going up front. PS: I figured out The Voice of Durel Anatha quest. You need to speak to Nim and get him to explain that he was responsible for the war. Afterwards you report that to Durel Anatha and his soul is laid to rest. You can then take his corpse to the temple in Kuldahar. Factor_VIII fucked around with this message at 14:10 on Nov 16, 2014 |
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Nov 16, 2014 14:08
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Where is the frost giant cave? I just got to the temple of the everlasting God or something after finishing up the Vale of Shadows.
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Nov 16, 2014 16:46
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This may be half off-topic but I'm going to try and finish NWN2: Mask of the Betrayer before I properly start a run through Icewind Dale 2, as it's so much easier to generate just one Player-Character instead of six, and I was wondering what is the best and most convenient way to set up the camera? There's a load of options but I just can't seem to get it right.
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Nov 16, 2014 17:01
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Not an infinity engine game, but similar. Does anyone have experience with Arcanum and have non-spoilery tips for character gen for a first time playthrough? or is there a better thread?
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Nov 16, 2014 17:11
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armoredgorilla posted:Not an infinity engine game, but similar. Does anyone have experience with Arcanum and have non-spoilery tips for character gen for a first time playthrough? or is there a better thread? I seemed to remember the magic was very powerful and the spell harm was very good. Invisibility was also handy at just bypassing anything annoying and boring. bunnielab posted:I picked up IWEE and am enjoying it but I am stuck as poo poo at the first big fight in the last crypt in the vale of shadows. I keep getting my rear end kicked and cant figure a way to draw the dudes out so I only have to fight a few at a time. 6 days old so i'm a bit late but I've just finished the crypt and I've basically been cheesing it by dragging out a handful of enemies at a time and murdering them. Cleric hold undead usually can freeze a couple of them making it even easier. The only problem is having to rest/save everytime. Takes forever recasting everything! hemale in pain fucked around with this message at 17:30 on Nov 16, 2014 |
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Nov 16, 2014 17:20
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hemale in pain posted:I seemed to remember the magic was very powerful and the spell harm was very good. Invisibility was also handy at just bypassing anything annoying and boring. The equivalent in tech is molotov cocktails which needs points in throwing and explosives. This playstyle makes you literally a hobo as you need to loot every trashcan for rags and bottles. Everything else in tech is super expensive in level up costs and material costs for barely perceptible advantages over regular equipment unless you get a rebalancing mod.
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Nov 16, 2014 17:31
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armoredgorilla posted:Not an infinity engine game, but similar. Does anyone have experience with Arcanum and have non-spoilery tips for character gen for a first time playthrough? or is there a better thread? Unless you're a masochist don't play half-orc on a first play through. Some are incredibly racist against them so they won't talk to you. Beauty is kind of a dumb stat even for a diplomat, don't go bellow 6 I'd say because it makes first impressions bad. You also get a bunch of beauty boosting items/stat ups so having it low isn't that bad in the long run. Beauty can be especially ignored a lot if you go for high persuasion and charisma because you can just talk people to like you. Though one early game follower won't join you if you have sub 8 beauty so better get beauty boost early if you plan to dump beauty a bit. Dex is really good on any build except maybe on a diplomat who isn't planning on fighting. Though theres no point on not being a mage or melee while being a diplomat so usually max dex. Guns are terrible early on. They require PE and DEX to be good which is kind of annoying. On a melee and magic build PE is a dump stat. PE only matters in ranged combat really. Technologist path needs some planning for a build. Magic is OP because they basically get everything they want really easily where technology has to invest a lot more stat points into stuff. Edit: ALSO FOR THE LOVE OF GOD USE THE UNOFFICAL PATCH. Iretep fucked around with this message at 17:37 on Nov 16, 2014 |
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Nov 16, 2014 17:33
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Inspector Gesicht posted:This may be half off-topic but I'm going to try and finish NWN2: Mask of the Betrayer before I properly start a run through Icewind Dale 2, as it's so much easier to generate just one Player-Character instead of six, and I was wondering what is the best and most convenient way to set up the camera? There's a load of options but I just can't seem to get it right. I prefer putting it in strategy mode and zooming out, using click-to-move to play it like an IE game Third person action game WASD mode was a bit too clunky for me to get into since strafing is weird as hell
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Nov 16, 2014 17:42
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One more Arcanum question: if I want to play for story and dialogue only, is this an option? Minimal combat and just go for the adventure of it? I don't mind spamming harm if that's the only way...
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Nov 16, 2014 19:07
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BadAstronaut posted:One more Arcanum question: if I want to play for story and dialogue only, is this an option? Minimal combat and just go for the adventure of it? I don't mind spamming harm if that's the only way... Combats unavoidable. Raising your diplomacy and charisma raises how many party members you can have. Diplomats basically have a lot of companions and use them to murder stuff so having no combat stats is perfectly doable. In the first town if you have one point in diplomacy you can hire a really good melee half ogre who is good for either magic or tech parties and he mostly doesen't care if you're good or evil. A very easy way to get through the game is to have healing and support magic and buff your companions a lot. The healing spell basically allows you to brute force some parts of the game that should be impossible for you normally.
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Nov 16, 2014 19:30
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Comstar posted:Wait, WHAT? Can someone post them?? I'm replying a bit late but I haven't been around. Googling one of the phrases that I'd screenshotted (which was Aerie getting her fortune read) returned one result, from some website in a language I cannot possibly recognize, so this may not be totally accurate but they definitely look right. quote:Kveroslava: As you wish. Come and sit beside me, good <MANWOMAN>, and I shall take ahold of your hand. Close your eyes and let Kveroslava feel your aura... Personally I had Hexxat's read too, and it went: quote:Kveroslava: Your hand is cold... I think you have lost much in your time. You gained much recently as well, but that just makes the losses all the more acute.
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Nov 17, 2014 05:43
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Aerie still bitching about her loving wings
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Nov 17, 2014 15:36
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Edwin has zero reaction to "You are an evil bitter man" and just wishes the fortune were more informative e: I really, really like Saemon Havarian. So many games equate guys who are your enemies with guys who are just totally unlikeable evil twits. Saemon is funny and charming despite being a complete fucker, and I love that he repeatedly, repeatedly screws you over and always has some meandering excuse about it and it's always funny when he does. "Aw, hell. I'll be below decks, securing the... uh... something..." e2: hahaha "Sir, you must believe that I am totally sincere when I say CHARNAME, GET HIM" anime tupac fucked around with this message at 06:11 on Nov 18, 2014 |
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Nov 18, 2014 05:41
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is there a sword coast strategems kind of mod for icewind dale : ee? after playing the games since they were released including a couple of incomplete playthroughs with TUTU, I'm now replaying both Baldur's gates, lvl 4-5 party going to larswood and I'm having a lot of fun with full SCS installed. some of the fights are pretty loving brutal, like i'll lose to a single bard if I don't prepare for it. tough but fair I'd say.
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Nov 18, 2014 16:21
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Anyone have thoughts on how to do a Baldur's Gate New Game Plus kind of run? I wanted to finish up my Normal difficulty game, then ramp up to Hard or Insane for a second run, but unlike Icewind Dale EE, BGEE only seems to only export your very basic character traits (race, class, stats, profs) with no weapons or experience. My current thought is to use EE Keeper to turn on NPC exports, then import them once I have the relevant characters back into my game. But then I'd still have to go through and add all their equipment manually.
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Nov 18, 2014 16:36
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armoredgorilla posted:Anyone have thoughts on how to do a Baldur's Gate New Game Plus kind of run? I wanted to finish up my Normal difficulty game, then ramp up to Hard or Insane for a second run, but unlike Icewind Dale EE, BGEE only seems to only export your very basic character traits (race, class, stats, profs) with no weapons or experience. My current thought is to use EE Keeper to turn on NPC exports, then import them once I have the relevant characters back into my game. But then I'd still have to go through and add all their equipment manually. it'd still be really easy, even with insane difficulty b/c difficulty only affects damage done, not saving throws or thaco or stuff like that so you'll still have a full party of lvl 7-8 character fighting low lvl enemies. you should install that sword coast stratagems mod, it makes the game a lot harder while still being fair. might still be too easy, tho. Dyna Soar fucked around with this message at 18:10 on Nov 18, 2014 |
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Nov 18, 2014 17:58
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Dyna Soar posted:it'd still be really easy, even with insane difficulty b/c difficulty only affects damage done, not saving throws or thaco or stuff like that so you'll still have a full party of lvl 7-8 character fighting low lvl enemies. Aw, it's not like Heart of Fury? Boooo.
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Nov 18, 2014 18:12
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well afaik Baldur's gate EE doesn't have a new game+, meaning that all the enemies are higher level as well. that's kind of what Baldur's gate 2 is for.
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Nov 18, 2014 18:18
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armoredgorilla posted:Aw, it's not like Heart of Fury? Boooo. I was the opposite... I tried to play Heart of Fury mode on IWD and I quickly got fed up with it because it was just about ridiculous numbers. Orcs had 100 HP and had a +40 bonus to hit, so armour was useless. It basically came down to exploiting game mechanics rather than better strategies or just being tougher from having finished the game already, so I said bollocks to it.
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Nov 18, 2014 18:18
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Sorry, I'm sounding like a broken record but if you want real challenge, play bg 1 & 2 all the way through with full SCS installed. You really have to use varying tactics and all available items & spells to win. Makes the game much more fun imo cos some of the battles turn more into puzzles, you have to figure out how to outsmart the game design instead of just using whatever cheesy way is the easiest. http://www.gibberlings3.net/scs/ Dyna Soar fucked around with this message at 18:28 on Nov 18, 2014 |
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Nov 18, 2014 18:25
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armoredgorilla posted:Aw, it's not like Heart of Fury? Boooo. Install Improved Anvil v6 and play without Valygar.
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Nov 18, 2014 18:33
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ANIME MONSTROSITY posted:Install Improved Anvil v6 and play without Valygar. I don't get why they couldn't just make the game more challenging without all the other extra content.
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Nov 18, 2014 18:37
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Cause Improved Anvil is made by an insane person. Install SCS instead.
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Nov 18, 2014 19:03
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yeah well, i haven't played a single mod with added content that didn't make me cringe or annoyed. fixpack / tweakpack / scs are pretty much the only mods that don't make the game worse in some way.
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Nov 18, 2014 19:46
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