Baldur's Gate: Enhanced Edition coming to iPad this summer

Baldur's Gate is coming to the iPad thanks to a new Enhanced Edition. Engine upgrades, expansion packs, and all new content are the highlights of the re-release, coming this summer.

Last week, MDK2 HD-developer Overhaul Games teased an upcoming re-release of another BioWare title, this time the classic Baldur's Gate series. Now, the developer – which includes former members of the original Baldur's Gate team – has announced that Baldur's Gate: Enhanced Edition is coming to the iPad in "summer 2012."

Besides the new touch-based platform and digital delivery, what makes the Enhanced Edition so enhanced, you ask? In addition to running "on an upgraded and improved version" of the game's Infinity Engine, Baldur's Gate: Enhanced Edition includes the "Tales of the Sword Coast" expansion pack and "never before seen content including a new adventure and new party member."

If you're wondering how exactly a 13-year-old PC RPG plays on a tablet well ... we're right there with you. IGN got a brief hands-on and reports that while it "runs smoothly" the user interface hasn't been updated yet.

"With the PC version's tiny buttons, very small dialogue selections and incredibly complex menus displayed on an iPad, right now it's tough to effectively play with a touch interface," IGN reports. "Overhaul has promised that revised, touch-friendly menus are in the works."

Though Overhaul isn't mentioning specifics, Baldur's Gate II: Enhanced Edition is also en route to the iPad in addition to the PC in the same "summer 2012" timeframe, a spokesperson tells Vox Games.

Baldur's Gate: Enhanced Edition and Baldur's Gate II: Enhanced Edition will both support the new iPad's Retina Display, the developer tells Vox Games. If you're wondering if there's a chance of a Mac OS release, Overhaul says, "The PC version available on Beamdog.com is confirmed, we'll be announcement more platforms and stores soon."

Update: We just heard back from an Overhaul rep, who says that Baldur's Gate II: Enhanced Edition is also iPad-bound this "summer." We've updated the post.