Larian Studio's animation game was extremely on point in Baldur's Gate 3. The ludicrous number of unique interactions each character has gives each so much personality, and as it turns out, inspiration struck one of the developers from an unexpected angle.
In an illuminating new series looking at mocap in BG3, Larian's choreography expert Mustapha El Bachiri, among other things, explains where Lae'zel's unique style of combat comes from. Confirming it was inspired by an "eastern martial arts samurai background", Bachiri went a step further, adding a special technique that once came to an ancient swordmaster in a dream to add "a little elusive touch".
According to Bachiri, this master swordsman had a dream in which he fought a tough opponent who he could not overcome, no matter what technique he tried. He managed to overcome this nocturnal opponent by envisioning a "final missing move" that would ultimately help him win. He disguised the positioning of the blade, cradling it backwards on the inside of his arm and behind his body when standing side-on.
This is, of course, represented by Lae'zel's iconic idle and ready animations with a long sword, which players will see almost immediately upon booting up a fresh game. It remains incredibly impressive that this level of detail was routinely applied to such a massive RPG, undoubtedly part of the reason why it was received so warmly.
What do you think of this mocap showcase? Did it have you twirling around the nearest length of wood you had to hand? What do you think of the origins of Lae'Zel's combat animations, pretty cool, huh? Let us know what you think in the comments section below.
[source youtu.be, via pcgamer.com]
Comments 5
Really liking these little BTS snippets.
Absolutely love the game. It is easily the best game ever made. It deserved all the Game of the Year awards last year, and for me, it deserves them this year too! All these intricate details are what makes the game so special. What really gets me, even as I embark on my fourth playthrough, is that there is so much that changes depending on those decisions you had taken previously; so many interactions that only occur within set parameters that you would otherwise not see. Hats of to Larian, it really is an incredible game...
@Fiendish-Beaver agreed. Its definitely going to end up in my top 10 and I'm not even halfway through currently. Such a fantastic game with great story and characters you really connect with. And as previously said, it's the little touches and things they put in that most people will never see that makes it stand out
I still have yet to get BG3 I wanted to get whilst it’s currently but I’m also trying to save money for my day trip to Bridlington with family next week.
I’m hoping to get in the next months though pretty sure they’ll be another sale for it again
I haven’t been completely blown away by a video game in many moons. Baldur’s Gate 3 changed that, and so much more.
I’ve been gaming for over 40 years of my life, and I can easily say that BG3 in my top 3 games of all time. I’ve only completed the game twice, but I really took my time with both playthroughs. There’s just so much to love, and an impeccable attention to details whilst treating you to a grandiose story.
I could go on and on, but I will just simply say that Baldur’s Gate 3 truly deserves all the accolades and affection heaped upon it.
I plan on running through the game at four to five more times. One of my all time favorite games, and quite easily at that.
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