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Minsc

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This article is about theForgotten Realmscharacter. For the capital of Belarus, seeMinsk.
Minsc
Baldur's Gatecharacter
Minsc as he appears inBaldur's Gate 3
First gameBaldur's Gate(1998)
Voiced byJim Cummings[1]
Matthew Mercer(Baldur's Gate 3)[2]
In-universe information
ClassRanger
AlignmentNeutral Good (Baldur's Gate)
Chaotic Good (Baldur's Gate II)
HomeRashemen

Minsc/ˈmɪnsk/is a fictional character in theBaldur's Gateseries ofDungeons & Dragonsrole-playing video gamesdeveloped byBioWareandLarian Studios.He originated from thepen-and-paperDungeons & Dragonssessions held by the lead designer ofBaldur's Gate,James Ohlen,and was expanded upon by the game's lead writer, Lukas Kristjanson. His video game debut was inBaldur's Gateas a companion character who can join the player's party. He also appears in the sequel,Baldur's Gate II: Shadows of Amn,the expansion,Baldur's Gate II: Throne of Bhaal,the 2015 gameBaldur's Gate: Siege of Dragonspear,the 2023 gameBaldur's Gate 3,as well as in promotions relating to the titles. Minsc is voiced byJim Cummingsin his original video game appearances,[1]and byMatt MercerinBaldur's Gate 3.

In the storyline, Minsc is a ranger, originally tasked with serving as a bodyguard to thewitchDynaheir as part of a "dajemma" (rite of passage). When Dynaheir is captured by gnolls, Minsc asks the player to help free her, after which both characters are available to assist the player. Eventually, the player's party is captured and when Dynaheir is killed by the mageJon Irenicus,Minsc teams with the player in the pursuit of justice. Aberserker,he has a strong desire to uphold good and be heroic, though with an extreme fervor that causes those around him to regard him as possiblyinsane.His animal companion is a miniature giant space hamster named Boo, with whom he often consults.

Since his introduction, Minsc has been regarded as one of the best and most popular elements of theBaldur's Gategames because of his demeanor and attachment to Boo, according to reviewers fromIGN,GameSpot,andEurogamer.Other reviewers from publications such asCVGhave regarded him as one of the greatest aspects ofPC gaming,while game developers have noted a preference for him. The web comicMegatokyoadded Boo as a character in their publication, while Largo (for whom Boo serves in the comic as his long-suffering conscience) took on aspects of Minsc. His absence from subsequent gaming titles has also been lamented by several publications.

Conception and creation[edit]

Minsc character sheet

Minsc and Boo originated inpen and paperDungeons & Dragonssessions held by the lead designer ofBaldur's Gate,James Ohlen.[3]Played by Cameron Tofer, associate producer and lead programmer ofMDK2,Minsc was conceived as an unstablecomic reliefranger who carried around a pet hamster named Boo in theDark Sun campaign setting.The lead writer forBaldur's Gate,Lukas Kristjanson, expanded upon the character and created dialogue intended to make Minsc funny and memorable to the general audience.[4]During development, some of the character's lines were rewritten based on the voice actor's readings.[5]As this progressed, the writers noted they were able to interject dialogue more freely for Minsc into the script in a tone suitable for the character.[6]In a 2001 interview,BioWareco-founderRay Muzykahas stated that among the titles the company has completed, Minsc was his favorite character.[7]

Minsc classifies Boo a "miniature giant space hamster",a creature first mentioned in theDungeons & DragonsSpelljammercampaign settingwhich describes them as giant hamsters bred to paddle wheels for flying ships, which can alternatively be bred in miniature form, looking like a normal hamster.[8]Senior designerDavid Gaidernoted that regardless of what Boo was called, Boo had no powers or abilities beyond those of a regular hamster.[9]He also noted that Boo was handled differently from other creatures that served as familiars that would fight alongside their owners, because of the frailty of hamsters and the impact Boo's dying would have on Minsc in the game.[10]In an open discussion with BioWare developers, scriptwriterDrew Karpyshyndescribed Boo's role in the game as "[providing] wisdom and moral support to Minsc".[11]

Appearances[edit]

Baldur's Gatevideo game series[edit]

InBaldur's Gate,Minsc is a bald, purple-tattooedrangerfrom theForgotten Realmscountry ofRashemen.Originally aberserkeron his "dajemma",[12]arite of passageto gain entrance to the Ice Dragon Berserker Lodge,[13]he makes an oath to guard thewitchDynaheir,[12]but runs into trouble when he and Dynaheir are ambushed by gnolls, who capture Dynaheir at their stronghold. He orders the player to halt so that Boo may judge them, and requests that the player help him. Following Dynaheir's rescue, the player is given an option to add Minsc and Dynaheir to the party that will eventually fight the main antagonistSarevok.

At the beginning ofShadows of Amn,the player's party is captured and imprisoned by the mageJon Irenicus,who seeks to tap into the player's power for his own goals. Dynaheir has been slain, so Minsc offers his services to avenge her. Depending on the player's choices, it is possible Minsc adopts a new witch in the party; if he does, and the new witch is downed in battle, Minsc goes berserk.[14][15]InThrone of Bhaal,Minsc is a character that can be summoned to assist the player. In the game's epilogue, it is revealed that Minsc has returned to Rashemen and has gained access to the Ice Dragon Berserker Lodge, having become a renowned hero due to his experiences with the player. He forms his own adventuring company, the Justice Fist, where he continues to fight evil. In his later years, he journeys across the Realms and disappears.[13]

Larian Studios, developers for the 2023 sequelBaldur's Gate 3,have confirmed thatMatthew Merceris the voice of Minsc.[16]Minsc appears as a minor antagonist and possible party member. He is implanted with a mind-controlling parasite by the main antagonists of the game and manipulated by a doppelganger impersonating his friend and former companion Jaheira. Minsc takes on the name "The Stonelord" and leads a criminal organization in the city of Baldur's Gate. Depending on the player character's actions he can be snapped out of his brainwashing and recruited as a companion.

Baldur's Gatenovelization[edit]

Minsc is a supporting character in the 2000novelizationofBaldur's Gate II: Shadows of AmnbyPhilip Athans.He is depicted as a well-built man with long red hair, a patchy orange beard, and a jagged scar along the right side of his head. He is no longer a warrior, and is physically smaller than the novel's protagonist, Abdel. In contrast, Boo is unchanged, and is still referred to by Minsc as his miniature giant space hamster. Held prisoner alongside Abdel at the start of the novel, Minsc is set free and accompanies Abdel until they reach an inn, where he decides to work. Abdel repeatedly shows discomfort for his presence, using Minsc's employment as an excuse to leave him behind and steal his sword, though he later returns for his help in securing travel aboard a ship. After Abdel returns to kill his employers, Minsc realizes the inn will close permanently; he and Boo leave to find another place to work.[17]

NeverwinterMMO[edit]

In February 2015, it was announced that Minsc and Boo will appear inElemental Evil,a module to the 2013massively multiplayer online role-playing gameNeverwinter.The module was released on March 17, 2015.[18]

Megatokyo[edit]

Main article:List of Megatokyo characters § Boo

Boo appears in thewebcomicMegatokyo,where he wears strapped-on wings and serves asLargo's conscience, although he is often misunderstood as he only squeaks. Largo adapts Minsc's personality, including his catchphrase, saying "Go for the beer, Boo!"[19]In number 121, Boo leaves Largo but is unable to get his old job back at BioWare.[20]

BioWare's Ray Muzyka praised Boo's appearance in the comic, describing it as an "anime-style" depiction of a favorite character.[7]For a limited time Booplush toysmodeled after his appearance in the comic were sold by the artists through the website, though production was initially delayed due to manufacturing errors.[21]

Battle for Baldur's Gate - Dungeon MayhemExpansion Pack[edit]

In September 2019,Dungeon Mayhem,aDungeons & Dragonsinspired card game, released its first expansion pack entitledBattle for Baldur's Gate.The box contains two character card sets, with one featuring Jaheira and the other with Minsc and Boo.[22]

References in other media[edit]

Minsc and Boo have also been referenced by non-BioWare games and media. InDragon Age: Origins,the loading screen sometimes displays the advice "If all else fails, go for the eyes".[citation needed]InDragon Age Legends,random NPC's use "Go for the eyes!" as a battle cry.[citation needed]InNeverwinter Nights 2: Mask of the Betrayer,an "Astral Rodent totem" can be found, with the words "For M" carved on it. InMass Effect 2,a "space hamster" is available for purchase. It gives the player a "knowing smile" when observed. One of the game'snon-playable characters,Tali,shouts "Go for the optics!" to her combat drone.[citation needed]InMass Effect 3Citadel DLC,Commander Shepardfinds their hamster being thrown out by one of their foes, and tells the hamster "Sit tight, little guy. If anyone gives you trouble, go for the eyes!"[citation needed]InGuild Wars Nightfall,"Go for the eyes!" is the name of a shout command skill used by the Paragon class.[23][note 1]

In July 2014, a comicDungeons & Dragons: Legends of Baldur’s Gatewas announced for October 2014 release. It's set generations afterThrone of Bhaaland features Minsc as the main character. It's written by Jim Zub and pencilled by Max Dunbar. It's part of theDungeons & Dragons40th anniversary celebrations.[24]

On March 8, 2015 atPAX EastinBoston, Massachusetts,Minsc was used as an NPC "intern" of the player characters in the "Acquisitions Incorporated" celebrityDungeons & Dragonssession, to the apparent delight of playersJerry HolkinsandPatrick Rothfuss.[25]

In March 2015,Wizkidsprovided a limited edition promotional card and die of Minsc and Boo as part of their Dungeons & DragonsDice MasterssetBattle for Faerûn.[26]

In July 2017,Wizkidsreleased their seventh D&D Icons of the Realms miniature sets, which features a miniature of Minsc (with Boo sitting on his shoulders) as a Medium-sized and of 'Rare' rarity rating piece of the set.[27]

In the 2017 gameTorment: Tides of Numenera,the player can, under certain circumstances obtain a rodentlike creature named Bao which grants one fighting bonuses at the expense of intelligence, along with an ability to blind enemies.[28]

In July 2021, Minsc was depicted on aMagic: The Gatheringtrading card in theDungeons & Dragonsthemed setAdventures in the Forgotten Realms.[29]

Promotion[edit]

In an interview withGameSpy,Lukas Kristjanson acted as Minsc as he gave details about his character background.[30]When asked about the possibility of Minsc and Boo making cameo appearances later BioWare titles,Baldur's Gate II: Throne of Bhaallead developer Kevin Martens stated "Well, Minsc is popular. You like Minsc. We like Minsc. Neverwinter is so far away. That is all that I have to say."[11]

Reception[edit]

Dan Tudge, project lead forDragon Age: Origins,noted that prior to working for BioWare he would rush home after work to use the character.[31]UGO.comdescribed Minsc as "a beloved game personality",[32]and lamented the absence of similar characters in later BioWare titles.[33]IGNnamed Minsc's return inBaldur's Gate IIas an aspect of the game they looked forward to, stating "How can you live without Minsc?!"[34]Computer Games Magazinecalled him the favorite character of many players of the originalBaldur's Gate,citing his strengths and "appealing personality" as reasons for his popularity.[35]Calling him "everyone's favorite lovable oaf",[36]they praised his early presence in the game's sequel.[37]Minsc placed seventh in a "Reader's Choice" edition ofGameSpot's "Ten Best Sidekicks", which noted that the character's demeanor and attachment to Boo as reasons for his appeal.[38]Eurogamernamed Minsc the best male supporting character in video games for 2001, noting him as additionally one of the most popular characters of the originalBaldur's Gate.[39]

CVGlisted him as one of their two-hundred reasons to "Love PC Gaming", quoting one of his battle cries ( "Go for the eyes, Boo!" ) for their reasoning.[40]He was listed byMSN Entertainmentas one of the "Gaming's unsung heroes", saying he "provides great comic relief and is a fondly remembered man."[41]GameDailynamed him one of the Most Lovable Lummoxes in video gaming, stating "Every good party of adventurers in aCRPGneeds atank...InBaldur's Gate,the human ranger Minsc is that tank, and a valuable asset to the player's quest. "[42]Dakota Grabowski of GameZone listed Minsc as the top BioWare created teammate, commenting "His voice-acting was hands-down one of the best attributes of theBaldur's Gateseries "and that" BioWare will never surpass their creation of Minsc (and Boo!). ".[43]Kimberley Wallace ofGame Informerconsidered him to be one of the best BioWare characters, saying "If you played Baldur's Gate, one character stood out from the pack.... Strangely enough, this is what makes you love him all the more."[44]In 2011,Empireranked him and Boo as the 11th greatest video game character, adding that "Few names bring a wistful smile to the faces of aging PC gamers like that of Minsc and his trusty hamster companion".[45]GamesTMnamed Minsc one of BioWare's 8 most memorable companion characters.[46]Andy Kelly fromPC Gamernamed Minsc as his personal favourite BioWare companion, commenting "Minsc is not as rich or nuanced as many of BioWare's more recent creations, but he makes up for it with sheer personality".[47]In a 2017 article,PC Gamerstaff included Minsc in their definitive list of the best RPG squad mates around.[48]

Notes[edit]

  1. ^The Guild Wars wiki entry for "Go for the eyes!" credits the 1981 filmClash of the Titanswhere Perseus tells flying owl Bubo to "Go for the eye!"

References[edit]

  1. ^abGale Research Company (2001).Contemporary Theatre, Film, and Television.University of Michigan: Gale Research Co. p. 100.ISBN0-7876-5108-7.
  2. ^"Baldur's Gate 3 adds Critical Role's Matt Mercer in 'critical role'".Polygon.14 December 2022.
  3. ^Andrew Whelan (October 16, 2019)."'BALDUR'S GATE' 20 YEARS LATER: BEAMDOG DESCRIBE CLASSIC RPG'S JOURNEY, FROM HIGH SCHOOL TO NINTENDO SWITCH ".Newsweek.RetrievedMarch 7,2020.
  4. ^Staff (December 24, 1999)."Developer Journal: Baldur's Gate II pt. 3".IGN.Archived fromthe originalon February 17, 2002.RetrievedJanuary 10,2009.
  5. ^Staff (April 7, 2000)."Developer Journal: Baldur's Gate II, pt. 9".IGN.Archived fromthe originalon February 22, 2002.RetrievedJanuary 10,2009.
  6. ^Lafferty, Michael (July 3, 2001)."GZ Interview BioWare on BGII: Throne of Bhall".GameZone. Archived fromthe originalon October 14, 2008.RetrievedJanuary 12,2009.
  7. ^abStaff (August 9, 2001)."An Interview with Ray Muzyka".Player of Games. Archived fromthe originalon September 3, 2007.RetrievedJanuary 30,2009.
  8. ^Terra, John;Davis, Scott E.;Ewell, Newton(1991).Monstrous Compendium: Spelljammer Appendix.TSR, Inc. pp. 83–84.ISBN1-56076-071-0.
  9. ^"Black Isle Studios Forum Updates".Sorcerer's Place. Archived fromthe originalon November 22, 2008.RetrievedJanuary 30,2009.
  10. ^"On the BG2 Boards".GameSpy.Archived fromthe originalon June 30, 2009.RetrievedJanuary 30,2009.
  11. ^abStaff (June 27, 2001)."Baldur's Gate II: Throne of Bhall Edited Chat Log".IGN.Archived fromthe originalon July 26, 2008.RetrievedJanuary 30,2009.
  12. ^abBaldur's Gate II manual, 2000, p.33.
  13. ^abBioWare(21 June 2001).Baldur's Gate II: Throne of Bhaal(PC).Interplay.Level/area: Epilogue.With the saga of the Bhaalspawn closed, Minsc fulfilled a long promised oath. He returned to Rashemen, hoping to regale the Icedragon Berserker Lodge with the tales of his deeds, and earn a place within its hallowed halls. His words were not needed. Every tavern in Faerun had a bard singing of the valiant ranger, and he was welcomed as a hero. Eventually he formed his own adventuring company, the Justice Fist, striking fear in the hearts and faces of evil until, in his advancing age, he again set out across the Realms... and disappeared. And what of Boo? Well, what is Minsc without Boo? The two would never be separated, and some say they are together still, up amongst the stars where hamsters are giants and men become legends.
  14. ^"Baldur's Gate 2 Online Walkthrough - Minsc - Sorcerer's Place".Sorcerers.net.Retrieved16 November2022.
  15. ^"Gamebanshee - Minsc".Gamebanshee.Retrieved16 November2022.
  16. ^"Community Update #17: Holy Knight - Larian Studios forums".Larian Studios. Archived fromthe originalon 2022-12-15.Retrieved15 December2022.
  17. ^Athans, Philip(2000).Baldur's Gate II: Shadows of Amn.Wizards of the Coast.ISBN0-7869-1569-2.
  18. ^Ford, Suzie (February 18, 2015)."Neverwinter: Minsc & Boo Return - Elemental Evil Release Announced".mmorpg.com.RetrievedFebruary 18,2015.
  19. ^"MegaTokyo - [90] go for the beer, boo!".Megatokyo.RetrievedJanuary 30,2009.
  20. ^"MegaTokyo - [121] E3 Special: how many times..."MegaTokyo.RetrievedJanuary 30,2009.
  21. ^Staff (December 12, 2005)."Boo booboo".MegaTokyo.RetrievedJanuary 30,2009.
  22. ^"Battle for Baldur's Gate | Dungeons & Dragons".dnd.wizards.com.Retrieved2020-11-28.
  23. ^""Go for the Eyes!"".Guild Wars Wiki (GWW).2012-06-06.Retrieved2014-03-21.
  24. ^Meer, Alec (18 July 2014)."Official Baldur's Gate Comic Goes For Your Eyes".Rock, Paper, Shotgun.Retrieved18 July2014.
  25. ^"Acquisitions Incorporated 2015 PAX East".March 8, 2015. Archived fromthe originalon April 2, 2015.RetrievedMarch 8,2015.
  26. ^"Dice Masters: Battle for Faerun".DiceMastersDB. Archived fromthe originalon 25 September 2015.Retrieved24 September2015.
  27. ^"Icons of the Realms: Tomb of Annihilation".Wizkids.Retrieved27 July2017.
  28. ^Bao,official Numenera wiki.
  29. ^"Minsc, Beloved Ranger".
  30. ^Kristjanson, Lukas."Interview: Minsc".GameSpy.Archived fromthe originalon November 14, 2007.RetrievedJanuary 10,2009.
  31. ^Staff (December 23, 2008)."Baldur's Gate Memories".IGN.Archived fromthe originalon January 13, 2009.RetrievedJanuary 10,2009.
  32. ^Harper, Kareem."Heavenly Sword Review".UGO.com.UGO Networks.Archived fromthe originalon December 12, 2007.RetrievedJanuary 30,2009.
  33. ^Swiderski, Adam."Neverwinter Nights 2 review".UGO.com.UGO Networks.Archived fromthe originalon February 11, 2007.RetrievedJanuary 30,2009.
  34. ^Staff (August 21, 2000)."Baldur's Gate II: Shadows of Amn Preview".IGN.Archived fromthe originalon June 21, 2002.RetrievedJanuary 10,2009.
  35. ^Ryan Hunt, David (17 October 2000). "Baldur's Gate II: A brief guide to crucial NPCs".Computer Games Magazine.
  36. ^D'Aprile, Jason (1 September 2000). "Another Look at Baldur's Gate II".Computer Games Magazine.
  37. ^Yans, Cindy (16 March 2000). "Baldur's Gate II: Shadows of Amn Preview".Computer Games Magazine.
  38. ^"Reader's Choice: Ten Best Sidekicks".GameSpot.Archived fromthe originalon 2000-06-20.
  39. ^Staff (March 26, 2001)."Gaming Globes 2001: The Results".Eurogamer.RetrievedJanuary 11,2009.
  40. ^Staff (May 2, 2009)."200 Reasons to Love PC Gaming".CVG.Archived fromthe originalon May 5, 2009.RetrievedJuly 8,2009.
  41. ^"Gaming's unsung heroes".MSN Entertainment.Archived fromthe originalon February 8, 2008.RetrievedMay 5,2014.
  42. ^"Ten of Video Games' Most Lovable Lummoxes".GameDaily.AOL.Archived fromthe originalon February 25, 2021.RetrievedJanuary 28,2009.
  43. ^Dakota Grabowski (2010-01-08)."Top Ten BioWare-created Squadmates".Archived fromthe originalon 2014-05-19.Retrieved2014-05-18.
  44. ^Kimberley Wallace (August 15, 2013)."The Best BioWare Characters".Game Informer.RetrievedMay 16,2014.
  45. ^Dyer, James; McComb, David; Plumb, Alastair; Scarborough, David (May 26, 2010)."The 50 Greatest Video Game Characters - 13. Cloud Strife".Empire.RetrievedAugust 2,2013.
  46. ^"BioWare's 8 most memorable companions".Gamestm.June 23, 2015. Archived fromthe originalon June 23, 2015.RetrievedOctober 26,2013.
  47. ^Andy Kelly (November 7, 2018)."The best and worst BioWare companions".PC Gamer.RetrievedMarch 6,2020.
  48. ^"The RPG dream teams".PC Gamer.June 9, 2017.RetrievedFebruary 15,2020.

Further reading[edit]

External links[edit]

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