Beamdog, the makers of the Enhanced Editions of Baldur's Gate and its sequel, has announced a new expansion pack for the classic CRPG. The game is set to bridge the gap between the original game and its sequel and is expected to contain 25 hours worth of content with support for co-op multiplayer.
Originally tagged as "Adventure Y", the game finally has a name: Baldur's Gate: Siege of Dragonspear. It hasn't been priced or dated at this time, but the developer hopes to release it before the end of the year for the PC, Mac, and Linux. It's also planned for the iOS and Android devices, like the Baldur's Gate Enhanced Edition.
In order to play the expansion, you'll need a preexisting save file from the Baldur's Gate Enhanced Edition to import. You can then export the save to work in Baldur's Gate 2 Enhanced Edition.
Here's what the deal is (spoilers ahead):
Though Sarevok is dead and his plan for war averted, peace eludes the citizens of Baldur’s Gate. A crusade marches from the north, seizing supplies, forcing locals into military service, and disrupting trade along the Sword Coast. A charismatic warrior known as the Shining Lady leads this army, her background shrouded in mystery. Can the rumors be true—is she, like you, the child of a god?
The closer you get to the Shining Lady, the more you realize your father, the dead Lord of Murder still casts a long shadow upon your path. Baldur’s Gate has put its faith in you, but you must determine whose interests you truly serve before you face the Shining Lady among the ruins of Dragonspear Castle.
- Expand Your Story: Explore new areas, fight new monsters, and win new rewards in the Siege of Dragonspear expansion to Baldur’s Gate: Enhanced Edition. Continue the adventure by exporting your game to Baldur’s Gate 2: Enhanced Edition
- The Crusade Rises: A sharp and subtle adventure that pits you against an enigmatic new foe
- Explore the Sword Coast: Venture through vibrant new hand-painted areas in the classic style of the original Baldur’s Gate
- Gather Your Party: The original cast returns to kick butt for goodness – along with Neera, Rasaad, Dorn, and four new additions
- To Infinity and Beyond: Updated UI and improved Infinity Engine features
- Extra Class: New items, quests, and a new class: the spirit-calling shaman
- Venture Forth With A Friend: Functional, extensively tested cross-platform multiplayer on all supported platforms
- Story Mode: A difficulty setting to allow players to experience all of the story with none of the Game Over screens
Further details about the game can be found on the official website, where you'll find a ton of screenshots of the game's new locations.