Baldur’s Gate III: A Deep RPG Adapted for Console Control
In a genre that has never been easy to adapt to the console control system, Baldur’s Gate III stands out as a deep RPG that has successfully overcome this challenge. Larian Studios, the game’s developer, has put in the effort to ensure a seamless experience for console players. Product manager Emily Gera recently shared insights on how they achieved this in a detailed post on the PlayStation Blog.
Enhanced Features for an Immersive Experience
One of the key elements that contribute to the overall experience is the utilization of the DualSense controller’s capabilities. Gera explains that Larian Studios has made all the game’s features easily accessible through the use of radial menus, which are navigated effortlessly using the controller.
The DualSense controller’s lightbar adds an extra layer of immersion to the gameplay. Gera describes how it adapts to the player’s actions, stating, “In wizard battles, the light bar will take on the color of your spell, matching the color of the damage type or the color of the intent of the spell you’re casting. At times of increased pressure, its glow will intensify, accompanied by haptic resonances.” This feature adds visual and tactile feedback, enhancing the player’s connection to the game world.
Furthermore, the DualSense controller’s adaptive triggers have been utilized to provide additional functionality. Gera explains, “We’ve also made use of the controller’s adaptive triggers and added actuation points and feedback for the left and right triggers, giving a sense of weight to switching between menus. A light pull on the trigger will allow you to peek at the radial menus for a moment – a useful feature in the heat of combat – while a hard press past the resistance point will lock the menu.” These adaptive triggers add a level of immersion by simulating the physical resistance and weight of in-game actions.
Platform Availability
The PlayStation 5 version of Baldur’s Gate III is now available, following the release of the PC version last month. Console players can look forward to the game’s arrival on Xbox Series in the fall, although the DualSense functions will not be available on this platform.
With Larian Studios’ dedication to adapting Baldur’s Gate III for console control, players can expect an immersive and enjoyable RPG experience on their preferred gaming platform.
