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Baldur’s Gate 3 made history received 97% by PC Gamer, making it one of the highest rated games in its 30 year history. No PC game has received such a high score from the publication in the last 16 years. The significance of this score can be seen in the context of PC Gamer’s past: previously, the magazine’s US and UK teams worked with different editorial teams and scores.
The authors of PC Gamer decided share interesting statistics – Baldur’s Gate 3 was the first game since 2007, which the magazine gave such a high rating. In total, the American division of PC Gamer gave a rating of 97 or higher to only five games.
Sid Meier’s Alpha Centauri, 1999 [98]
Half-Life 2, 2004 [98]
Crysis, 2007 [98]
Sid Meier’s Civilization II, 1996 [97]
Half-Life, 1998 [97]
PC Gamer’s UK department has been much more modest in the past, limiting itself to 96 out of 100 scores.
Sid Meier’s Civilization II, 1996 [96]
Quake II, 1997 [96]
Half-Life, 1998 [96]
Half-Life 2, 2004 [96]
The rarity of top ratings on PC Gamer is intentional: the publication’s scoring guide is designed to make 90+ ratings feel meaningful. Top marks are given to games that are out of the box, make a compelling recommendation, or are considered truly outstanding. PC Gamer has never given a score of 99 or 100, realizing that no game can ever be perfect.
Baldur’s Gate 3 earned praise from the PC Gamer team for incorporating elements of previous top-rated titles in the genre. It combines the best aspects of Ultima, Baldur’s Gate, Planescape: Torment, Arcanum: Of Steamworks and Magick Obscura, Divinity: Original Sin, as well as new features and modern design. The game’s time in Early Access has allowed it to achieve a depth and breadth that surpasses its predecessors in the CRPG genre.
The PC Gamer team was captivated by Baldur’s Gate 3, with members sharing hilarious anecdotes about completing quests, discussing the best companions, and talking about memorable combat encounters. Even those who initially struggled with the mechanics found themselves delighted with it, further solidifying its status as an outstanding game.
Overall, Baldur’s Gate 3’s high score reflects its exceptional gameplay, innovative features, and ability to resonate with both veterans and newcomers to the CRPG genre.
