02/01/2024 - Day VII, Act II: It has been exactly one week since I began my journey through Sanctuary. I'll admit, my journey began with a reduction in price and a hint of skepticism - ready to be dissapointed by the Archdevil, Bobby, once again - my first journal entry spoke of Baldur and his Gate, and the lack of microtransactions, as a jest. The battle pass and shop left a distinct, poor first impression, especially when coupled with some issues I had at startup (turn off ultra textures for the love of god).

What I did not foresee is the level at which I would become engrossed in my journey. At every turn, I have been faced with cryptic warnings; "Diablo IV bad", "Trash game no content (reviewed by someone with over 200 hours)", and yet... in spite of this, I can't help but be drawn in, immersed by the immaculate, perfected Diablo combat - the beautifully, so disgustingly beautifully, presented world and environment, and the sound design that compliments it. Flies buzzing around rotting viscera, a somber, melancholic instrumental for every area of the game thus far, with a sinister, deep, thrumming bassline that counters it especially when the tension picks up. Cutscenes are fantastic, voice lines are impressive, and the fact that this game right now for me is competing for my time with Baldur's Gate 3 is a testament to how much I am currently enjoying it. I will continue to write in my journal as I venture forth toward Lillith.

From the moment I started playing Baldur's Gate 3, I was absolutely captivated. The depth of the story, the complexity of the characters, and the richness of the world are unparalleled. It's like stepping into a high-fantasy novel where every choice feels impactful and every character interaction is meaningful.

The combat system is a thing of beauty. It's turn-based strategy at its finest, allowing for thoughtful and tactical decisions without feeling slow or cumbersome. The way magic weaves into combat, and the environment plays a role in battles, is nothing short of genius.

One of the things I really appreciate about Baldur's Gate 3 is the lack of an in-game shop. It's refreshing to play a game where the focus is purely on the experience and story, rather than being nudged towards microtransactions. I'd say it's a breath of fresh air to play a game where my wallet isn't constantly under siege.

The voice acting and dialogue in Baldur's Gate 3 are top-notch. The characters are so well-realized that I found myself genuinely caring about their stories and dilemmas. This isn't your run-of-the-mill RPG dialogue; it's cinematic, immersive, and utterly compelling.

In conclusion, Baldur's Gate 3 is a masterpiece. It's a game that respects its players, offering a rich, immersive experience without the distraction of an in-game shop. It's not just a game; it's an epic journey.