Summary
Now thatBaldur’s Gate 3has hit shelves,Larian Studiosapplies its signature blend of intricate narratives, exploitable environments, flexible builds, and good old-fashioned Barrelmancy in the much-awaitedD&Dadaptation. Despite theBaldur’s Gatetitle usingDungeons & Dragonsmechanics, theDivinity: Original Sin 2creators managed to pull off what fans consider one of the best CRPGs ever to grace the platform.
However,Baldur’s Gate 3isn’t the only notable game in the Larian Studios roster. And whileDivinity: Original Sin 2earned its fair share of accolades, other Larian Studios games are worth looking into.
Updated on 31 May 2025 by Rhenn Taguiam:With Hotfix #17 of Baldur’s Gate 3 resolving some gameplay issues players might have pertaining to some bugs, it may be surprising for D&D fans to know that Larian Studios has a lot more games in their roster other than the Dungeons & Dragons adaptation. Fans of Baldur’s Gate 3 who want to leave Faerun and experience more of what Larian Studios offers can check out the world of Rivellon across the studio’s seven other titles, each of which has claims to fame that make them worth trying out. While Baldur’s Gate 3 is known to be the closest video games have to a proper adaptation of D&D 5e mechanics, other Larian Studios titles are worth playing due to other qualities as well, be it as introductions to the studio’s flair for immersive stories, or its venture into new genres.
Platforms
PC, Xbox 360
While game expansions usually come side-by-side with their original releases,Divinity 2: Flames of Vengeancereleases with quite the surprising design deviations that may as well have players separate it from its base game. The game continues directly from whereEgo Draconisleft off: players have to defend Aleroth, the last surviving city of Rivellon, from the Damned One Damian’s campaign of destruction.
Despite the game making a seamless transition to the expansion,Flames of Vengeancetakes a step back as it removes some features ofEgo Draconisthat set it apart from other RPGs. While Aleroth’s small setting remains packed with lore, gone is the acclaimed dragon transformation and Battle Tower hub. These absences on top of clunky combat in the same yearGod of War 3andDragon Age: Origins - AwakeningreleasedmadeFlames of Vengeancequite the lackluster title.
Claim To Fame: Solid Presentation Blocked By Lackluster Combat
Given its status as an expansion toEgo Draconis, the overall nature ofDivinity 2: Flames of Vengeanceis that of an experience that uses the foundation of the former’s open ending to simulate a leadup to an intense finish to theDivine Divinitysequel. Unfortunately, despite the innate gritty nature ofFlames of Vengeance’s “worst case scenario” premise, its decent presentation and an environment packed with lore and quests seem marred by the overall lack of “oomph” from its combat system. Especially for a 2010 title, the rather janky combat inFlames of Vengeancedoes little justice to its strong story.
With 2009 being a year when titles such asAssassin’s Creed 2andDemon’s Soulswere released, Larian Studios also attempted to venture into full-3D viaDivinity 2: Ego Draconis. Set years afterDivine Divinity, players take on the role of a Dragon Slayer tasked to defeat the remaining dragons in Rivellon. However, constant attacks by Damian, the Damned One, and his anger towards Lucian the Divine will put Rivellon in danger that only the player can resolve.
While boasting the same depth in lore asDivine Divinity, gameplay inEgo Draconisstands out with the Battle Tower that served as the player’s main questing hub as well asa dragon transformationthat lets players fight opponents in large spaces. Combined with Larian Studios’ flexible character creation,Ego Draconishad the potential for an in-depth game. Sadly, complicated mechanics and a rather mediocre approach to an action RPG madeEgo Draconislacking in terms of a full release.
Claim To Fame: Immersive Experience Hindered By Lackluster Graphics
Unfortunately forDivinity 2: Ego Draconis, it released at a time when its competitors are already releasing more graphically-intensive titles. While graphics alone shouldn’t determine the value of a game, heavy-hitters such as Bethesda having vast open world experiences to accompany its stronger graphical presentations can make the more story-focused sections ofEgo Draconislacking in terms of immersion. However, players who do take the time to exploreEgo Draconiscan experience one of the strongest narratives of its era, especially with its more gripping story that is an obvious level up from the originalDivine Divinity.
PC
Studios being known for RPGs such asDivinity: Original Sin 2makes the existence ofDivinity: Dragon Commanderrather surprising. After all, the game now focuses on the political aspect of Rivellon’s world, positioning players as the titular character in a Rivellon set thousands of years before theDivinitygames. As the bastard son of the dead Emperor Sigurd, players as the titular Dragon Commander have to fight his half-siblings and destroy the demonic steampunk technology the fallen emperor had used to unite the land.
The game itself takes on elements of traditional 4X titles. Divided into three phases, players can converse with liaisons of the world’s various races that impact the game’s eventual turn-based phase and its concluding RTS combat. Despite the allure of having an impact on Rivellon’s political scene,Dragon Commander’s medicore visuals and clunky gameplay made it not as enjoyable as other titles.
Claim To Fame: Wargame Combined With Dragon Mode Makes For A Unique Experience
What immediately setsDivinity: Dragon Commanderapart from its siblings from the franchise is its nature as a wargame with turn-based elements. However, the idea of the player’s character touting a dragon form to lead units in combat is also a plus in the franchise’s take on a strategy title. The idea that players become a part of Rivellon’s ancient past can become compelling enough for fans of the series. Despite its middling rating,Dragon Commanderis a must-try for players who want to see how Larian Studios will attempt to pull off its staple immersion mechanics outside the purview of a traditional RPG.
PC, Mac OS
WhereBeyond Divinitylacks in terms ofDiablo’s in-depth gameplay, it more than makes up with immense freedom of play. Serving as the sequel ofDivine Divinity, players take on the role of a paladin dragged into another universe and “soul-forged” into a punished death knight. Despite being warriors of opposite sides, players need to help them work together to break their forging.
This unique premise works with Larian Studios’ flexible character customization system, with the added thrill of controlling two characters at once. Players can now pause the game in real-time to configure actions for both characters to accomplish, while stories andin-game choicesnow have more flavor courtesy of insights of two protagonists. Sadly, the highly technical play ofBeyond Divinityleaves much to be desired for an enjoyable playthrough.
Claim To Fame: Two Main Characters Opened Unique Internalized Stories
While RPGs that featured the “seeing the light” trope often saw enemies converted as they “spend time” as the unwilling captives or companions of heroes,Beyond Divinityupends this trend with its unique “soul binding” premise. Despite middling reviews, the premise alone can compel players to at least get to know both heroes, who normally face each other in combat, try to get past their differences to accomplish wildly different objectives.
Considered as the “do or die” game of Larian Studios,Divinity: Original Sindelivered as one of the best attempts at modernizing the tactical RPG genre. Set thousands of years after the events ofDivine Divinity, players are Source Hunters that eradicate Sourcerers who control the Source, or essence of the void energies that make up the universe.
Despite its typical fantasy premise,Original Sinshines in its usage of branching dialogue on top of extremely dynamic turn-based battles. Moreover, extra features such as cooperative multiplayer and a custom modding tool provide players with opportunities to play with friends in maps of their own creation. Such was the acclaim towardsOriginal Sinthat its gameplay servedas the framework ofOriginal Sin 2, which in itself was touted as one of the best RPGs of all time.
Claim To Fame: The Do Or Die Game That Ascended Into Divinity
Considered by some as the “do-or-die” game of the struggling Larian Studios, the crowd-fundedDivinity: Original Sinwas a testament to the potential of theDivinityfranchise since its conception. The game’s integration of classic CRPG elements such as turn-based combat and heavy emphasis on story with more modern graphics and tactical gameplay showed gamers it’s possible for strategic experiences to come with a decent story. Despite its seemingly-familiar fantasy backdrop,Original Sinis quick to set itself apart from contemporaries not just with the unique world of Rivellon, but in how it manages to breathe life even if it’s contained in just a single game.
At first glance, fans of CRPGs might think ofDivine Divinityas a game with elements quite close to RPGs like Blizzard’sDiablo. However, whereDivine Divinityshines is its inclination towards player freedom. Despite graphical constraints,Divine Divinityboasts heavy usage of non-combat skills such as bartering and lockpicking, branching dialogue, and creative freedom in character customization.
Set in the world of Rivellon, players end up as adventurers doing errands in the town of Aleroth before working for Duke Janus of Castle Stormfist who claims to be the Divine, or the savior of the land. Players soon learn of a grand deception and have to stop the demon Chaos from claiming Rivellon. Despite its age,Divine Divinityis a worthwhile entry to introduce gamers to Larian Studios’ works, as many of its modern games’ mechanics are adapted from this title’s gameplay system.
Claim To Fame: Traditional CRPG In An Era Dominated By Action
Perhaps the most recognizable aspect ofDivine Divinityas a CRPG back then is its emphasis on the “RPG” element of the genre. In an era dominated by action-packedDiablo, Larian Studios made quite a brave stride withDivine Divinity. Despite its status generally being relegated as a cult classic,Divine Divinitypaved the way for 20+ years’ worth of lore with Rivellon as well as an immersive environment that would become the signature elements of the franchise.
Despite its 2017 release,Divinity: Original Sin 2received critical acclaim from fans with its intuitive combat system, stellar music, and compelling narrative not often seen in RPG titles of the time. Set hundreds of years afterOriginal Sin,the story ofOriginal Sin 2unites players and their companions as “Godwoken” Sourcerersdestined to become the Divine, leading to the salvation or destruction of Rivellon.
WhileOriginal Sin 2follows in the footsteps of its prequel and once again takes the form of an isometric tactical RPG, the game uses staple Larian Studios mechanics such as interactive objects and flexible character progression. The game also boasts dynamic environments, branching story paths, and the facilitation of broken skill builds. This blend of flexible mechanics gives players a fresh experience during each playthrough.
Claim To Fame: Perhaps Served As Proof Of Concept For AD&DAdaptation
Prior to the tease ofBaldur’s Gate 3, players may look atDivinity: Original Sin 2as the closest there is in the industry for a “genuine”D&Dadaptation. While the more rudimentary Action System ofOriginal Sin 2is nowhere nearD&D’s more specific mechanics, its core principles fulfilled the TTRPG’s main goals. On top ofOriginal Sin 2having an engaging narrative, stats affecting both dialogue and the overall game world has paved the way for shenanigans that the devs themselves seemed to anticipate, as though replicating the same immersive qualities ofD&Dbut in a video game format.
Fans who playD:OS2may see its gameplay elements as a “proof of concept” in the potential of an isometricD&Dadaptation, making theBaldur’s Gate 3experience quite the expected hit. Set in theForgotten Realmscampaign setting, theBaldur’s Gate 3story puts players at the center of an ongoing Mindflayer invasion, complete with an Illithid parasite that they can either purge or use to their advantage - a decision they have to make before they turn into Mindflayers themselves.
Larian Studios combining its signature blend of interactive environments and compelling dialogue with the worldbuilding ofD&Dmade for a dynamic experience. Being the most accurate depiction ofD&Dmechanics in a tactical RPG format,Baldur’s Gate 3lets players experience the TTRPG in its traditional glory, chock-full of game-breaking builds and spells, unique depictions of skills and abilities, as well as immersive lore.
Claim To Fame: The Best Adaptation OfD&D 5eRules So Far
One of the highlights ofBaldur’s Gate 3as a game is its remarkable translation ofD&D 5emechanics as a game.D&D 5eitself was a more simplified but flexible version of the MMO-esque4e, although the depth of the former’s mechanics implied an intensive gaming environment to even accommodate creative uses of spells and abilities.Baldur’s Gate 3achieves and elevates this under the backdrop of theDivinityfranchise’s signature interactive flexibility, smoothly integratingD&D 5e’s Action Economy while spells formed the limitations of interactivity with both environment and NPCs.
