Summary
The Game Awards contenders for 2023 are here, andBaldur’s Gate 3leads the pack with an impressive eight nominations. Among these is a nomination for actor Neil Newbon for Best Performance in his role as the vampire spawn rogue Astarion. AlthoughBaldur’s Gate 3has many compelling characters, Newbon - who also won the 2023 Golden Joystick Award for Best Supporting Performance - shines as Astarion. He fully embodies a complex character with a rich backstory, heartfelt romance path, and endless quotable lines. A win for Newbon at The Game Awards would be well-deserved for bringing one of 2023’s most unique and memorable characters to life.
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Confronting Cazador
While Astarion is a delight from the moment he is encountered on the beach beside the crashed Nautiloid, the crowning glory of his character arc comes when the vampire spawn confronts his cruel master,Cazador Szarr. All 200 years of suffering at Cazador’s hands can be heard in Astarion’s voice as he declares “I am so much more than what you made me.” The moment is a sad but quietly beautiful one, as Astarion breaks down in exhausted sobs at the realization that he is finallyfree.
Ascended Astarion
Rather than simply having Astarion kill Cazador, players can allow him to complete the Rite of Ascension and become a powerful vampire lord. After Ascending, Astarion changes dramatically. Gone is the spawn’s hidden heart, his moments of genuine vulnerability.Ascended Astarionis cruel and cutting, reveling in his new power and dreaming of conquering the world and reaching heights Cazador never could. His attitude towards the player becomes possessive, even his words of affection as sharp as his fangs. Essentially, he becomes a completely different Astarion from the one players have come to know - and Newbon’s ability to embody two such distinct sides of the same character is a triumph.
His Snarky Moments
Not all the rogue’s best moments come during climactic cutscenes. His snarky responses to dialogue choices, his witty repartee with other party members, and his humorous asides at camp are equally memorable. Some particularly stand-out Astarion lines include:
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“I Was RIGHT THERE”
This scene is so well-hidden that players might not ever encounter it unless they specifically seek it out. If players choose to steal the holy weaponBlood of Lathanderand kill Astarion in the process, once revived, the vampire will have a hilarious freak-out where he berates the player for taking such reckless actions while he was “RIGHT THERE” and demands that next time, he be the one to wield the all-powerful weapon. Neil Newbon’s exquisite blend of snark and genuine terror in such a small, out-of-the-way moment is the perfect encapsulation of his dedication to the character.
Player: I thought the mind flayer parasite protects you from light?
Astarion: Well, apparently there’s a limit. Somewhere between a nice summer’s day and the full, concentrated power of the sun!
His Confession Of Feelings
Of course, no list of Astarion’s finest moments would be complete without mentioning his potential romantic relationship with the player. If pursued,Astarionstarts out guarded, intending to seduce the player and thus secure their loyalty. Eventually, he begins to genuinely fall for them, and admits his manipulation, expressing that he wants to try for “something real” for the first time in his long life.
All you had to do was fall for it. And all I had to do was not fall for you… Which is where my nice, simple plan fell apart. -Astarion
The scene is a heartwarming one, especially if players choose to give Astarion a hug and hold his hand. With this as the first true affection he’s received in years, he contentedly, almost reverently murmurs “This is nice.” Asuccessfully romanced Astarionshows yet another side of his personality, shyly saying “You are perfect” when kissed by the player. When asked the “what are we” question, he delightedly admits he doesn’t know how to define their relationship yet - but that he actually finds it excitingnot to know and to be building something new together.
Astarion And The Dark Urge
If players choose the amnesiac, tormentedDark Urgecustom origin, it initially seems that heartwarming moments will be few and far between. But Astarion, so used to being seen as a monster, feels a surprising kinship with this haunted soul. Should players embrace the Urge, he’s there at their side, supporting their every dark decision and reveling in the bloodshed. For those who resist their compulsion to violence, Astarion is stubborn and protective, insisting that he will save them from themselves and showing unexpected empathy for a fellow creature of the darkness.
“This Is A Gift”
If any one line could sum up Astarion’s character arc, the way his story resonates with so many fans, and Newbon’s stellar performance, it is this simple but heartfelt meaningful quote. First said should the player choose to let him drink their blood, later repeated after helping him defeat Cazador and convincing him not to perform the Ascension rite, this line was also quoted by Newbon to thank his fans when accepting his Golden Joystick award.
This is a gift, you know. I won’t forget it. -Astarion
There are multiple nominations for the Best Performance category at the2023 Game Awards, including Ben Starr inFinal Fantasy 16and Yuri Lowenthal inMarvel’s Spider-Man 2,but Neil Newbon’s embodiment of a witty, complex character who has captured the hearts of gamers is definitely worthy of the prize. Voting for all Game Awards categories, including Best Performance, is currently open via the official TGA website, with winners to be announced on Thursday, December 7.
