Minsc

This article is about the Forgotten Realms character. For the capital of Belarus, see Minsk.

Minsc

Minsc as he appears in Baldur's Gate II
Series	Baldur's Gate series
First appearance	Baldur's Gate
Voiced by	Jim Cummings[1]
Game information
Homeland	Rashemen
Race	Human
Class	Ranger
Alignment	Chaotic Good
Setting	Forgotten Realms

Minsc (pronounced /ˈmɪnsk/) is a fictional character in the Baldur's Gate series of Dungeons & Dragons computer role-playing games developed by BioWare. Minsc originated in pen and paper Dungeons & Dragons sessions held by Baldur's Gate's Lead Designer James Ohlen, and was expanded upon by the game's lead writer, Luke Kristjanson. First appearing in Baldur's Gate, Minsc later appeared in its sequel, Baldur's Gate II: Shadows of Amn, and expansion, Baldur's Gate II: Throne of Bhaal, as well as in promotions relating to the titles. Minsc is voiced by Jim Cummings in all appearances.

Minsc is a ranger, originally tasked with serving as a bodyguard to the witch Dynaheir as part of a rite of passage. After assisting the protagonist defeat his brother, they are captured alongside him. After Dynaheir is killed by the mage Jon Irenicus, Minsc offers his services to the protagonist in the pursuit of justice. A berserker, Minsc has a strong desire to uphold good and be heroic, though with an extreme fervor that causes those around him to regard him as possibly insane. His animal companion is a hamster named Boo, who he believes is a "miniature giant space hamster" and consults for advice. Boo's actual nature is left for the player to decide.

Since his introduction, Minsc has been regarded as one of the best and most popular elements of the Baldur's Gate due to his demeanor and attachment to Boo, according to sources such as IGN, GameSpot, and Eurogamer. Others such as CVG have regarded him as one of the greatest aspects of PC gaming, while game developers have noted a preference for him. The web comic Megatokyo adapted Boo to appear in their publication, while the protagonist took on aspects of Minsc. His absence from subsequent gaming titles has also been lamented by sources such as UGO.com

Conception and creation

Minsc and Boo originated in pen and paper Dungeons & Dragons sessions held by Baldur's Gate's Lead Designer James Ohlen. Played by Cameron Tofer, associate producer and lead programmer of MDK2, Minsc was conceived as an unstable comic relief ranger who carried around a pet hamster named Boo in the Dark Sun campaign setting. The lead writer for Baldur's Gate, Luke Kristjanson, expanded upon the character and created dialogue intended to make Minsc funny and memorable to the general audience.^[2] During development, Minsc's lines were modified in accordance with his voice actor Jim Cummings.^[3] 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.^[4] Bioware co-founder Ray Muzyka has stated that out of the Baldur's Gate series, Minsc is his favorite character.^[5]

The notion of Minsc's animal companion Boo as possibly a "miniature giant space hamster" originates from Dungeons & Dragons source material, first mentioned in the Spelljammer campaign setting which described them as giant hamsters bred to paddle wheels for flying ships, which can alternatively be bred in miniature form, looking like a normal hamster.^[6] The possibility of Boo as such was purposefully left up to the player to determine, though senior designer David Gaider noted that regardless Boo had no powers or abilities beyond those of a regular hamster.^[7] He also noted Boo was handled differently from the standard concept of familiars as creatures that fought alongside their owners, due to both the frailty of hamsters and the impact Boo dying would have upon Minsc in the game.^[8] In an open discussion with BioWare developers, scriptwriter Drew Karpyshyn described Boo's role in the game as "[providing] wisdom and moral support to Minsc".^[9]

In computer games

Introduced in Baldur's Gate, Minsc is a bald, purple-tattooed ranger from the Forgotten Realms country of Rashemen. Originally a berserker on his "dajemma",^[10] a rite of passage to gain entrance to the prestigious "Ice Dragon Berserker Lodge",^[11] he swore to guard the witch Dynaheir.^[10] When introduced to the player, the duo has already been ambushed by a group of gnolls, who took Dynaheir back to their stronghold. Ordering them to halt so his hamster may judge them, Minsc introduces himself and his source of advice, the hamster Boo. He requests their help, and if they accept he will hold them to their word, to the point of using violence if necessary.^{[citation needed]} Once rescued, both characters will assist the protagonist in defeating his brother, the antagonist Sarevok.

In Shadows of Amn, it is revealed shortly after the close of the previous game the group was captured and imprisoned by the mage Jon Irenicus, who seeks to tap into the protagonist's power for his own goals. Dynaheir is slain, and Minsc offers his services in the name of good to strike back against Irenicus. In Throne of Bhaal, Minsc is one of several character that can be summoned to assist the protagonist in a similar fashion. In the game's epilogue, it is revealed Minsc returned to Rashemen and gained access to the lodge, having become a renowned hero due to his experiences with the protagonist. Forming his own adventuring company, he continues fighting against evil until when well advanced in age, Minsc and Boo set out and disappear.^[11]

Though not appearing in any later games in the series, Minsc and Boo are referenced in other Bioware titles. In Neverwinter Nights 2: Mask of the Betrayer, an "Astral Rodent totem" can be found, with the words "For M" carved on it. In Mass Effect 2 a purchasable "space hamster" that gives the player a "knowing smile" when observed can be purchased; in another instance, one of the game's non-playable characters, Tali, will shout a modified version of one of Minsc's battle cries, instructing her combat drone to "Go for the optics!"^{[citation needed]} In Dragon Age: Origins, the loading screen sometimes displays the advice "If all else fails, go for the eyes" (a reference to Minsc's battle cry commanding Boo to "go for the eyes").^{[citation needed]} Another Bioware game, Dragon Age Legends, also references Boo by directly quoting Minsc's battle cry of "go for the eyes" as a battle cry for random NPC's that fight alongside the player^{[citation needed]}

Guild Wars Nightfall also come with a Paragon shout called "Go for the eyes!", clearly referencing to Minsc battle quote.

Cultural impact

In other media

Minsc appears in the 2000 novelization of Baldur's Gate II: Shadows of Amn with a heavily changed design, which describes him as a well-built man with long red hair, a patchy orange beard, and a jagged scar along the right side of his head. In addition Minsc is no longer a warrior, portrayed as much smaller with the novel's protagonist, Abdel, who is described as much larger than him. In contrast, Boo is left unchanged, still referred to by Minsc as a miniature giant space hamster. Held prisoner alongside Adbel at the start of the novel, Minsc is set free and accompanies Abdel until they reach an inn, at which Minsc opts 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 later returns for his help in securing travel aboard a ship. Minsc makes a final appearance in the novel when Adbel returns to kill his employers; understanding that the inn will be permanently closed soon, Minsc tells Boo as they leave that they will have to find another place to work.^[12]

Boo appears by himself in the webcomic MegaTokyo, wearing strapped on wings and serving as secondary protagonist Largo's conscience, though can't be readily understood due to only being able to squeak. Largo himself quotes Minsc, though adapts the battlecries to his own needs.^[13] At one point in the comic, Boo attempts to leave Largo and return to BioWare's employment, only to be turned down.^[14] BioWare's Ray Muzyka praised Boo's appearance in the comic, describing it as an "anime-style" depiction of a favorite character.^[5] For a limited time Boo plush toys modeled after his appearance in the comic were sold by the artists through the website, though production was initially delayed due to manufacturer error.^[15]

Promotion and reception

GameSpy held an interview with Lukas Kristjanson who, while speaking as Minsc, gave background information on the character.^[16] When asked about the possibility of Minsc and Boo making cameo appearances later BioWare titles, lead Baldur's Gate II: Throne of Bhaal 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."^[9]

IGN named Minsc's return in Baldur's Gate II as an aspect of the game they looked forward to, stating "How can you live without Minsc?!"^[17] Dan Tudge, project lead for Dragon Age: Origins, noted that prior to working for BioWare he would rush home after work to use the character.^[18] Minsc placed seventh in a "Reader's Choice" edition of GameSpot's "Ten Best Sidekicks" article, which noted that readers commented on the character's demeanor and attachment to Boo as reasons for his appeal to them.^[19] UGO.com described Minsc as "a beloved game personality",^[20] lamenting the absence of similar characters in later BioWare titles.^[21] Eurogamer named Minsc the best male supporting character in video games for 2001, noting him as additionally one of the most popular characters of the original Baldur's Gate.^[22] Computer Games Magazine called him the favorite character of many players of the original Baldur's Gate, citing his strengths and "appealing personality" as reasons for his popularity.^[23] Calling him "everyone's favorite lovable oaf",^[24] they praised his early presence in the game's sequel.^[25] CVG listed him as one of their two-hundred reasons to "Love PC Gaming", quoting one of his battlecries for their reasoning.^[26] GameDaily named him one of the Most Lovable Lummoxes in video gaming, stating "Every good party of adventurers in a CRPG needs a tank...In Baldur's Gate, the human ranger Minsc is that tank, and a valuable asset to the player's quest."^[27]

References

1. ^ Gale Research Company (2001). Contemporary Theatre, Film, and Television. University of Michigan: Gale Research Co.. p. 100. ISBN 0787651087. 
2. ^ Staff (December 24, 1999). "Developer Journal: Baldur's Gate II pt. 3". IGN. http://pc.ign.com/articles/073/073533p1.html. Retrieved January 10, 2009. 
3. ^ IGN (April 7, 2000). "Developer Journal: Baldur's Gate II, pt. 9". http://pc.ign.com/articles/077/077730p1.html. Retrieved January 10, 2009. 
4. ^ Lafferty, Michael (July 3, 2001). "GZ Interview BioWare on BGII: Throne of Bhall". GameZone. http://www.gamezone.com/news/07_03_01_11_11AM.htm. Retrieved January 12, 2009. 
5. ^ ^{a b} Staff (August 9, 2001). "An Interview with Ray Muzyka". Player of Games.. http://www.playerofgames.com/articles/index.php?id=10. Retrieved January 30, 2009. ^{[dead link]}
6. ^ Terra, John; Scott E Davis and Newton Ewell (1991). Monstrous Compendium: Spelljammer Appendix. TSR, Inc.. pp. 83–84. ISBN 1560760710. 
7. ^ "Black Isle Studios Forum Updates". Sorcerer's Place. http://www.sorcerers.net/newspro/arc3-2001.html. Retrieved January 30, 2009. 
8. ^ "On the BG2 Boards". GameSpy. http://www.planetbaldursgate.com/news/index.asp?month=5&day=24&year=2000. Retrieved January 30, 2009. 
9. ^ ^{a b} Staff (June 27, 2001). "Baldur's Gate II: Throne of Bhall Edited Chat Log". IGN. http://rpgvaultarchive.ign.com/features/chats/bg2chat20010627.shtml. Retrieved January 30, 2009. 
10. ^ ^{a b} Baldur's Gate II manual, 2000, p.33.
11. ^ ^{a b} BioWare. Baldur's Gate II: Throne of Bhaal. (Interplay). PC. Level/area: Epilogue. (21 June 2001) "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."
12. ^ Athans, Philip (2000). Baldur's Gate II: Shadows of Amn. Wizards of the Coast. ISBN 0786915692. 
13. ^ "MegaTokyo - [90] go for the beer, boo!". MegaTokyo. http://www.megatokyo.com/strip/90. Retrieved January 30, 2009. 
14. ^ "MegaTokyo - [121] E3 Special: how many times...". MegaTokyo. http://www.megatokyo.com/strip/121. Retrieved January 30, 2009. 
15. ^ Staff (December 12, 2005). "Boo booboo". MegaTokyo. http://www.megatokyo.com/strip/759#rant712. Retrieved January 30, 2009. 
16. ^ Kristjanson, Lukas. "Interview: Minsc". GameSpy. http://archive.gamespy.com/interviews/october00/minsc/. Retrieved January 10, 2009. 
17. ^ Staff (August 21, 2000). "Baldur's Gate II: Shadows of Amn Preview". IGN. http://pc.ign.com/articles/133/133437p1.html. Retrieved January 10, 2009. 
18. ^ Staff (December 23, 2008). "Baldur's Gate Memories". IGN. http://rpgvault.ign.com/articles/940/940545p1.html. Retrieved January 10, 2009. 
19. ^ "Reader's Choice: Ten Best Sidekicks". GameSpot. http://www.gamespot.com/features/tenspot_readers_sidekicks/page5.html. Retrieved January 11, 2009. 
20. ^ Harper, Kareem. "Heavenly Sword Review". UGO.com. UGO Networks. http://www.ugo.com/ugo/html/article/?id=17821. Retrieved January 30, 2009. 
21. ^ Swiderski, Adam. "Neverwinter Nights 2 review". UGO.com. UGO Networks. http://www.ugo.com/ugo/html/article/?id=15955. Retrieved January 30, 2009. 
22. ^ Staff (March 26, 2001). "Gaming Globes 2001: The Results". Eurogamer. http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/a_gg2001_3. Retrieved January 11, 2009. 
23. ^ Ryan Hunt, David (17 October 2000). "Baldur's Gate II: A brief guide to crucial NPCs". Computer Games Magazine. 
24. ^ D'Aprile, Jason (1 September 2000). "Another Look at Baldur's Gate II". Computer Games Magazine. 
25. ^ Yans, Cindy (16 March 2000). "Baldur's Gate II: Shadows of Amn Preview". Computer Games Magazine. 
26. ^ Staff (May 2, 2009). "200 Reasons to Love PC Gaming". CVG. http://www.computerandvideogames.com/article.php?id=213997. Retrieved July 8, 2009. 
27. ^ "Ten of Video Games' Most Lovable Lummoxes". GameDaily. AOL. http://www.gamedaily.com/articles/galleries/ten-of-video-games-most-loveable-lummoxes/?page=3. Retrieved January 28, 2009. 

External links

• GameSpy interview with Minsc
• MegaTokyo Boo plush toy