Planning for the expansion pack

[phimseto]

My only request for any DLC or expansion packs: that it take place *after* the main storyline is completed. I've come to really dislike DLC that adds all this cool stuff during the main game which I've almost certainly already played and beaten at that point. I always felt like I "missed out" by playing the game right at launch. I'd rather new content that serves as a sequel of sorts - whether full on to the main plot or simply "the further adventures of". That way I can enjoy the game in all its fullness, while knowing that everything that comes after adds on to the world and story that I will have already experienced.

[Technatorium]

This is kind of misleading because even with Tales of the Sword Coast you weren't required to replay the game. In fact.

"If the player has already finished Baldur's Gate, the game presents the option of loading a save game which places the player character (and party) in Ulgoth's Beard. Ulgoth's Beard acts as a hub for the new quests introduced by Tales of the Sword Coast."

From the Wikipedia.

I remember doing this when ToSC came out too.

[Kilroy_Was_Here]

I don't know if this question can be anwered until the main game comes out and we can see how things fit together.

 

Remember though that Throne of Bhaal contained a new area (Watcher's Keep) that could be played during the SOA campaign as well as the post-game campaign about the Five.

[bobobo878]

From what I hear, if the original game doesn't contain any data for upcoming expansions, it gets really hard for the game from different expansions to ineract from unanother. IE, perks from one NV expansion wouldn't effect how the player wields weapons from other expansions. So, I'm thinking that instead of releasing the game on schedule, they should delay the game for about a year so they can get all the data they need into the vanilla version so that all the expansions can be integrated seamlessly. Then, instead of downloading the whole expansions, we can just download a code to unlock them, saving vast amounts of time.

[Labadal]

If I had to choose, let it take place after the game. I'd like to use my character from the official campaign in the expansion. (If it makes sense from a story perspective.)

Edited October 18, 2012 by Labadal

[rjshae]

The answer may depend a lot on how in-depth the original game is going to be.

[Technatorium]

In BG1, the "expansion" areas were optional and you could load into the expansion areas after you finished BG1 main campaign.

Or you had the option to play the expansion areas with the rest of the game.

I perfer this kind of option. Unless the expansion is suppose to be a continuation of the main storyline.

It all depends on what they plan for the expansion.

Frankly for me it's too early to tell.

Edited October 18, 2012 by Technatorium

[Rahkir]

This is an interesting question. I had similar feelings with Mass Effect, probably because there was a definitive and linear story progression. It made no sense for my party (some of which have no more obligation to be with me after the story) to continue going on adventures after the end. Or worse, when the "extra" adventure was supposed to occur temporally between the beginning and end of the game.

In BG I didn't have that feeling; there's no particular reason my group would want to stop adventuring simply because I finished my goal. The BG story was ultimately centered on the protagonist and his personal story; it felt epic, but in a different sense than "I'm Shepard and I'm going to save the world." epic. It speaks to a different type of story that the possibility of continued or alternate adventures exist after or during the main game. That it is an epic personal story, compared to a grandiose impersonal story.

[Melanchior]

Won't vote for anything until I finish the story and see what would fit.

[Pshaw]

I prefer expansions to take place after the game. I think it's because I expect an expansion to carry out a whole new grand story so I want it to be completely distinct and stand alone from whatever is going on the first game. If it's the dreaded DLC I expect it to just expand the world a little bit so it makes more sense to fit in with the original campaign.

[Shevek]

I like the idea of post game because they could travel to a completely new place and take part in a totally different story. Moreover, they can have the xpac serve as a bridge between the sequel and the original if this is done in this way.

 

Also, PE already sound outrageously huge. 2 main cities, a 15 level dungeon, bg1 like expore zones, etc.. Adding more to that may not be the best move.

[Rosveen]

How is Shivering Isles "during the game"? You can start it after you've completed the main quest.

 

I prefer post-game expansions.

[Hassat Hunter]

Not much a fan of DLC, but since this is a full-on expansion (and I already bought it)... I do agree post-game seems to make the most sense. And probably feel most refreshing, which is what I think an x-pack should do...

[Elthosian]

I don't care about when it happens, as long as we get to control a new main character!

[rjshae]

The third option would be a mix: some new content and features for the original game plus some level expansion and new areas. Stuff the designers want to add, but lack the schedule time to fully implement. I'm sure it'll be fun.

[Mamoulian War]

I am missing third option in the poll, I would like an expansion where you continue after you finish the main game, and you get new stuff for another playthrough as well. Like new Class, new Race, new Companion etc...

 

The best example of this is the Mask of the Betrayer expansion...

[Oerwinde]

Another vote for Both. Main content takes place after the base game, but plug an area or two into the base game and scatter a few questgivers around the world to make people want to replay first.

[scipioafricanus]

The team definetly said it was going to be a proper expansion (set of expansions!!!) coming out roughly 6 months after the original game. So I believe it will be a proper stand alone adventure/set of quests etc, with new areas and dungeons to explore, but with your high level characters to bring along to the party !! So expect some real mean ass baddies and monsters to defeat.

[.Leif.]

Though I voted post-game I think the new areas should be available during the main section of the game, with certain areas unlocking with the completion of the main story.

[Hiro Protagonist II]

I didn't vote. Not enough options in the poll and don't know how the main story of PE will pan out.

[Pope]

Post-game is fine, but I definitely want added content to the main game (companions!) to encourage me to replay the game.