I just started playing DD and it's first time I've ever played a game like this. I'm mostly an advenuture game nut. I am so confused about the spells, weopons etc. Can someone just give me a brief overview about how to play this game.
Thanks
Kim

There are a lot of folks out this week, or no doubt you would be swimming in responses by now, Kim!
What are you playing as - warrior,wizard or survivor? I'm not sure exactly what you're asking, so forgive me if I am stating what you already know! Each plays a little differently at first, although you can obtain spells in the different paths as you get experience points.

Your character wakes up, not having a clue who he is. From that point you explore the town, picking up everything that isn't nailed down. Except if you are in someone's house and they're watching! And one exception I'll tell you about in a minute. There's lots of stuff on the ground too, and you can hit your ALT key to see it better. In your inventory screen, you can equip your hero with a weapon.
At first what you want to do is talk to everyone- go into all the houses too. There are a few quests to complete that will get you started.Pick out an abandoned house to make it yours, so you can have a bed to rest in, and a place to put stuff.
OK, the exception on picking everything up - you might want to ask before you go into that garden for the herb someone asks you for.
As you do the quests for folks, you get experience points. Then depending on what you have chosen your character to be, you can get new skills/spells. If you're a wizard,you'll make one your active spell, so everytime you right click, you'll cast it. Left clicking on an enemy will make you use your weapon instead.

Unlike many adventure games, this is non linear, so it is normal to be confused at first about what to do next! What have you done so far?

Thanks guys your comments have been really helpful. i am playing as the warrior cause he seemed the best. I am close to the beginning. i am now at the house where the crazy man turned the little guy to ice. Actually I'm down in a well with rats and a skeleton.
Is there an advantage to being one character over another?

Hi

As a still "apprentice grade" Dark Sider I have found playing as a warrior first time round has usually been the best way to go for me - always keeping my eyes open for "free" weapons and armour that happens to be lying around of course. Don't want to waste my pennies

But my BIG golden rule is never venture into new territory of ANY kind without doing a Quick Save first

[Saved my socks SO many times has that rule

Hi Kim - I played DD as a mage because I wanted to cast spells (loved the Freeze spell)

Mad is correct in that warriors are stronger at first and they are easier to play at the beginning. Just take the game slow and don't get discouraged. These games can overhelm you because they are sooo big and there is so much you can do.

Thanks Syd, you're right. this game is overwhelming because it seems like there's so much involved in playing. But i've heard so many good things about this game that, at some point, I'll get the hang of it and it'll be fun.
Happy new Year
kim

Hi Kim,

I think you were very wise to chose a warrior first time through..I played a thief myself and was so confused. Never played a RPG, never thought I would..but this game taught me and I'm delighted it did so.
Down the well is the right place to be.
Follow it and you'll come up to the "mad man's" inner home..just talk to him and he'll listed and unfreeze his friend. Be very nosey and poke around and collect all you can find while there..it's okay in this house...in the other homes, don't get caught and that's not easy..so I'd leave them alone for now. As you talk to everyone, you'll get quest and information on what to next.
Don't hesitate to ask us..there are plenty of us..as you can see and we'll be glad to have fun and enjoy the adventures with you..

Ingie <img border="0" alt="[newyear]" title="" src="graemlins/newyear.gif" />

Thanks to this topic, now I'll be playing M&M VI and Divine Divinity. I picked up DD very cheap in Nov, and played it on someone else's computer for a bit. Got it home and hadn't gotten around to installing yet.

I did play it enough that round to see why people speak very highly of it.

Can't play everything you know. I'm an old fan of Might and Magic games - and the Wizardry series as well. My main problems with RPGs is that they usually take much much longer to play then an adventure game...and that means that it is even closer to forever between reviews.

Does this mean Balder's Gate isn't recommended for new RPGers.

Actually, my opinion only, I think the BG series are a bit hard at first..but each person is different.

I agree; one can't play them all.

The thing about RPGs is that they are longer and more involved. Some are not, like Heretic; but most are big games with lots of possiblities. If you note how many actually come out in a year, you appreicate that fact. Add in the $$ issue and I appreciate the length and the ability to play again as a different character and the choices to make in the game..makes a new game from the old.

I am just now finding out the joy of M&M...and loving the opportunity, playing VI and I just love it. Pop in and help out if you get a chance.

Ingie <img border="0" alt="[newyear]" title="" src="graemlins/newyear.gif" />

Hi all,

I have played the MM games over and over and have enjoyed them every time that I play.

The Divine Divinity game is my absolute favorite one and is a delight to play. You can play it as a different person every time and still enjoy it.

I have yet to play Beyond Divinity. Started it once way back and had hard drive problems at the time so never finished it. Lost the saves in the process so now have to start over with it. I will try it again to see if I can make it at some point.

Also Bauldar's Gate is another one that I just can't get into for some reason. It is still installed but haven't been in the mood to get into it so far. I did finish Ice Wind Dale with no problem and it is a similar game so go figure.

VHLMagic, hi,

I wouldn't get too excited about Beyond Divinity. Not nearly as good as Divine Divinity. Have you played Planescape: Torment?

Happy New Year,
metzomagic

Personally I enjoyed Beyond Divinity quite a lot - but of course, to me nothing matches DD. Loved the M+M games though, and ever so happy to have the XP patch to play them again. You all have reminded me of a New Year's resolution - I am going to play Planescape this year, never have got to that.

Ok Guys, you asked for it! here a some first of many questions on this game:

Do I need to be concerned about the weight of things and why?

How do I know when I'm strong enough to fight someone like a Jake zombie. (he just killed me)

How do I know what to use to fight something?
Thanks for taking time for me.
peace
Kim

Yes you need to be concerned about weight - just find somewhere to unload stuff that you'll remember where it is so you can sell it later on.
If you try to carry too much you'll be "over burdened" and won't be able to move.

Jake is tough - leave him until way, way later. You'll know when you're strong enough 'cause you'll kill him

As to what to use to kill - just try everything you can until something works (at least that's what I did)