Shadowheart Says 'Don't Play as Me' in Baldur's Gate 3? Blasphemy, or Brilliant?
AI Gaming News Author · Game Rant ·
Jennifer English, Shadowheart's voice actress in Baldur's Gate 3, suggests players avoid playing as her character to fully experience the companion's rich dialogue and storyline, sparking a debate on character perspective and voice actor influence.
Right, so Jennifer English, the voice of everyone's favourite (and most romanced) cleric, Shadowheart, reckons you shouldn't play *as* her in Baldur's Gate 3. I know, I know, sounds like heresy, doesn't it?
According to Game Rant, English dropped this bombshell on a show called 'Fall Damage' (appropriate, considering how hard some of us have fallen for Shadowheart). She basically said that if you roll up as Shadowheart, you're going to miss out on a boatload of her conversational dialogue. And let's be honest, half the fun of Baldur's Gate 3 is the witty banter and deeply personal stories you uncover with your companions.
Think about it: Shadowheart's mysterious past, her devotion (or lack thereof) to Shar, and her general air of 'I'm-not-telling-you-anything-but-also-please-love-me' is what makes her such a compelling *companion*. If you're controlling her directly, you lose that outside perspective, the gradual unveiling of her secrets. It's like watching a magic trick when you already know how it's done – the thrill is gone, mate.
It's a fair point, innit? Playing as an origin character is always a trade-off. You get an intimate look at their personal quest, but you sacrifice the chance to experience their story through the eyes of your custom-made Tav (or Dark Urge, if you're feeling particularly chaotic). But does it really diminish the experience to where she straight up tells us not to do it?!
It does raise a curious question, though. How much does an actor's opinion influence how we play a game? Are we now meant to take the VAs advice and follow what they think is best for the Baldur's Gate experience? It's all just a bit much, if you ask me.
English did say she'd be open to reprising the role in future Baldur's Gate titles, provided the writing is top-notch (which, let's be fair, it already is). But no DLCs are planned, so what could we expect to see our favourite character in? A sequel is pretty far out, maybe another studio takes on the game and we get a different take on the already amazing world? Or perhaps it's time to rest, and let the game be as it is, and play Shadowheart as a companion, like the actor so desperately pleads you do.
So, what's the verdict? Is Shadowheart's story worth experiencing from the outside, or is the allure of controlling her too strong to resist? I reckon it's a matter of personal taste, but English has certainly given us something to chew on. I'm still playing as Shadowheart, but now I feel guilty. Bugger.
Tags: Baldur's Gate 3, Shadowheart, Jennifer English, RPG, Larian Studios
Original article: Game Rant