Baldur's Gate vs The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim

Baldur's Gate is a seminal isometric role-playing game set in the Forgotten Realms universe of Dungeons & Dragons. Players control a custom protagonist venturing across the Sword Coast to uncover a dangerous political conspiracy and unravel the mystery surrounding their own sinister lineage. Featuring an expansive world filled with intricate lore, mysterious dungeons, and vibrant cities, the game established a new standard for computer RPGs. Combat combines real-time action with a tactical pause feature, enabling precise party control during intense encounters against fantastical beasts and hostile factions. Players can recruit up to six companions, balance party alignment, and navigate moral choices while enjoying rich storytelling across Linux, PC, iOS, and Mac platforms.

Skyrim is Bethesda’s landmark open-world RPG set in a Nordic fantasy province, known for its freeform exploration, dragon-shouting Dragonborn, and an enormous modding community that keeps it alive over a decade later.

• Deep tactical combat system using real-time-with-pause controls.
• Expansive fantasy narrative with rich companion banter and alignment dynamics.
• Authentic implementation of Dungeons & Dragons rules and lore.
• Flexible cross-platform support across Linux, PC, Mac, and iOS.

• Enormous freedom
• Best-in-class modding
• Great atmosphere and exploration
• Tons of content

• Steep initial learning curve for players unfamiliar with AD&D 2nd Edition rules.
• Pathfinding AI can occasionally cause party members to get stuck in tight corridors.
• Retro 1998 graphics and UI may feel dated to modern audiences.

• Dated combat and animations
• Bugs without mods
• Re-released many times