Baldur's Gate 3 has proven to be a groundbreaking success, far surpassing the original expectations of developer Larian Studios. The studio known for CRPGs like Divinity: Original Sin 2 likely anticipated hype for the return of the prolific series, but the title's continued performance has been nothing short of a phenomenon. Bringing Dungeons and Dragons into the world of gaming, Baldur's Gate 3 has modernized the Forgotten Realms setting in an unprecedented way. The lore of Faerun explored within Baldur's Gate 3 is based on its source material's Fifth Edition, but one of the game's deeper-rooted influences shows the potential that another famous series within the genre has.

One of the most captivating aspects of Baldur's Gate 3 for many fans is the fact that it is a continuation of a long-dormant franchise that hadn't seen a game in decades, with the last Baldur's Gate having been released back in 2000. The series and broader CRPG genre have always been niche despite their dedicated followings, leaving most people more familiar with titles like Mass Effect and Dragon Age rather than the Baldur’s Gate duology that directly inspired them. Another cult-classic CRPG title of the original era, however, has had its own ripples that reach all the way into Baldur’s Gate 3.

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The Legacy of Planescape: Torment

An early adaptation of the Dungeons and Dragons formula into gaming, Planescape: Torment is still praised today by many fans despite originally being released back in 1999. An adventure taking place in the city of Sigil of the highly influential Planescape setting and across different planes of the multiverse, it tells the story of The Nameless One, an immortal amnesiac cursed to lose his memories with each death. Standing out among its peers, Planescape is characterized by the focus on its narrative and player choice instead of combat in a genre known for its exciting battles.

Released between the original Baldur’s Gate and its sequel, Planescape’s age shows significantly even with its Enhanced Edition update. Considered inaccessible to most players for years now, the game’s dated graphical style and experimental UI can be intimidating to those familiar with the conveniences of modern games. The Baldur’s Gate franchise fell largely within the same category for years, but Larian Studios’ recent push into the current generation has become a new example of what CRPGs are capable of.

Planescape Could Thrive With the Baldur's Gate Treatment

In the same way that Baldur’s Gate 3 revitalized its series on a massive scale despite the gap in releases, a new Planescape title could have much of the same effect. Planescape: Torment didn’t end up forming a coherent series in the same manner as its counterpart, however, meaning the original game may benefit from a remake more than a sequel. Already featuring what is often praised as one of the best narratives found in the medium, the narrative-centric experience of Planescape would be ideal for the formula now established within the latest Baldur’s Gate.

Larian Studios may have come into prominence with the success of their recent showing, but the developer also seems set on maintaining the values that motivated it to explore a niche CRPG in the first place. Despite the financial success of Baldur's Gate 3, Larian has committed to a smaller project in favor of an even bigger experience this time around. Given the more contained scope of the story of The Nameless One, Planescape: Torment could perfectly fit that vision and find a new life one day.

Baldur's Gate 3 is available now for PC, and releases on September 6 for PS5.

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