Baldur’s Gate is coming to the iPad this summer

It’s heralded as one of the best RPGs of all time; it’s won countless awards and entertained millions since its 1998 release and, from this summer, it’s getting a makeover (and a port over to the iPad).  We are, of course, talking about Baldur’s Gate.

Specifically we’re talking about the verbosely titled Baldur’s Gate Enhanced Edition, of which Atari, Wizards of the Coast, and Overhaul Games have announced some more details.

First off, we have to break it to fanboys that this won’t just be a direct port of the original; Atari et al. will be enhancing and refining the engine with a few “modern improvements.”  But, before you take out the pitchforks, the developers promise to remain true to the spirit of the game.

And we’re inclined to believe them as they’ll be including some of the game’s original developers in the process.

This brings us to the iPad.  It seems many of these enhancements and refinements will be designed to bring the classic game over to Apple’s iPad. From what we hear the iPad version will include the entire Baldur’s Gate story, along with the Tales of the Sword Coast expansion pack. Not only this, but they are going to be adding in new content including a new adventure and party member.

“The greatest story ever told, better than you imagined”

You might be thinking this is a case of tampering with a classic but will you be able to resist?  We wager not.  The new enhancements and retro appeal will tempt most of us to revisit the classic and might, in the process, introduce a new generation to the Baldur’s Gate.  It’ll also likely be a money spinner for the developers involved, so win-win.

The Baldur’s Gate Enhanced Edition™ will be available on the Apple App Store, this summer.  But, if you can’t wait that long pop over to GOG.com and download yourself a copy of the original.