In a surprising and delightful turn of events, Larian Studios’ CEO, Swen Vincke, teamed up with two Lord of the Rings actors for a side-splitting Baldur’s Gate 3 playthrough. This unexpected collaboration between Vincke, Elijah Wood (Frodo Baggins), and Sean Astin (Samwise Gamgee) is the ultimate Christmas viewing experience that fans didn’t know they needed. The studio shared a short snippet of the playthrough on social media, showcasing the developer’s boss guiding Wood and Astin through the game’s initial stages. Brace yourself for laughter, as the comedic chemistry between the actors is simply electric.
Right from the start, the playthrough is filled with uproarious moments. Astin humorously remarks on the presence of a naked Tiefling on the character creation screen, exclaiming how he’s excited to witness its beauty. Wood, on the other hand, chooses to create a Dark Urge halfling, which sparks memories of his character’s journey through the temptation of darkness in the Lord of the Rings trilogy. The playthrough is also peppered with Middle-Earth references, such as Astin’s triumphant defeat of the Spider Matriarch, reminiscent of his days hunting Shelob. The laughs keep coming until the unexpected conclusion, which eerily mirrors the iconic trilogy.
As the playthrough progresses, Wood’s character succumbs to evil temptations upon unlocking the Necromancy of Thay book. In a hilariously dark turn of events, he proceeds to kick a helpless squirrel, chop off a wizard’s arm, and fling a gnome across the village. This unexpected chaos perfectly showcases the talented actors’ comedic timing and absurdity. Astin, in true Samwise fashion, tries to bring his friend back from the brink, urging him to throw the book into a fiery pit. However, Wood’s character believes he is too powerful to let go of the book, leading to an amusing exchange between the actors. Eventually, Astin takes matters into his own hands and kicks both his friend and the book into the lava pit, resembling a reverse-Gollum moment.
The eight-minute video of this Baldur’s Gate 3 playthrough is contagious with its lightheartedness and charm. It is almost impossible not to crack a smile, particularly if you are a fan of both the game and the Lord of the Rings franchise. It serves as a reminder of the immense talent and ability these actors possess to bring joy and laughter to their fans. If you’re eager for more crossovers between Baldur’s Gate 3 and Lord of the Rings, there’s even a mod available that adds the entire Fellowship of the Ring to the game.
This unforgettable playthrough showcases the perfect blend of humor, nostalgic references, and genuine camaraderie between Larian Studios’ CEO, Swen Vincke, and the Lord of the Rings actors, Elijah Wood and Sean Astin. It is a must-see Christmas experience that will leave you grinning from ear to ear. So, gather around and immerse yourself in this fantastic display of gaming fun and star-studded hilarity!
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