Minsc

{{About|the Forgotten Realms character|the capital of Belarus|Minsk}}

{{Infobox character

| name = Minsc

| image = Baldur's Gate 3 Minsc.png

| image_upright = 0.85

| caption = Minsc as he appears in Baldur's Gate 3

| firstgame = Baldur's Gate (1998)

| voice = Jim Cummings{{cite book |title=Contemporary Theatre, Film, and Television |last=Gale Research Company |year=2001 |publisher=Gale Research Co. |location=University of Michigan |isbn=0-7876-5108-7 |page=100}}
Matthew Mercer (Baldur's Gate 3){{cite web | url=https://www.polygon.com/platform/amp/23509876/baldurs-gate-3-critical-role-matt-mercer-voice-cast | title=Baldur's Gate 3 adds Critical Role's Matt Mercer in 'critical role' | website=Polygon | date=14 December 2022 }}

| class = Ranger

| alignment = Neutral Good (Baldur's Gate)
Chaotic Good (Baldur's Gate II)

| home = Rashemen

}}

Minsc {{IPAc-en|ˈ|m|ɪ|n|s|k}} is a fictional character in the Baldur's Gate series of Dungeons & Dragons role-playing video games developed by BioWare and Larian Studios. He originated from the pen-and-paper Dungeons & Dragons sessions held by the lead designer of Baldur's Gate, James Ohlen, and was expanded upon by the game's lead writer, Lukas Kristjanson. His video game debut was in Baldur's Gate as 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 game Baldur's Gate: Siege of Dragonspear, the 2023 game Baldur's Gate 3, as well as in promotions relating to the titles. Minsc is voiced by Jim Cummings in his original video game appearances, and by Matt Mercer in Baldur's Gate 3.

In the storyline, Minsc is a ranger, originally tasked with serving as a bodyguard to the witch Dynaheir 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 mage Jon Irenicus, Minsc teams with the player in the pursuit of justice. A berserker, 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 possibly insane. 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 the Baldur's Gate games because of his demeanor and attachment to Boo, according to reviewers from IGN, GameSpot, and Eurogamer. Other reviewers from publications 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 added 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

File:Minsc Character Sheet from Cameron Tofer pen&paper game.jpg

Minsc and Boo originated in pen and paper Dungeons & Dragons sessions held by the lead designer of Baldur's Gate, James Ohlen.{{cite web |url=https://www.newsweek.com/baldurs-gate-20-year-anniversary-enhanced-edition-beamdog-cameron-tofer-1465774|title='BALDUR'S GATE' 20 YEARS LATER: BEAMDOG DESCRIBE CLASSIC RPG'S JOURNEY, FROM HIGH SCHOOL TO NINTENDO SWITCH|author=Andrew Whelan|date=October 16, 2019|website=Newsweek|access-date=March 7, 2020}} 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, Lukas Kristjanson, expanded upon the character and created dialogue intended to make Minsc funny and memorable to the general audience.{{cite web |author=Staff |date=December 24, 1999 |url=http://pc.ign.com/articles/073/073533p1.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20020217224545/http://pc.ign.com/articles/073/073533p1.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=February 17, 2002 |title=Developer Journal: Baldur's Gate II pt. 3 |website=IGN |access-date=January 10, 2009}} During development, some of the character's lines were rewritten based on the voice actor's readings.{{cite web |author=Staff |date=April 7, 2000 |url=http://pc.ign.com/articles/077/077730p1.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20020222101356/http://pc.ign.com/articles/077/077730p1.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=February 22, 2002 |title=Developer Journal: Baldur's Gate II, pt. 9 |website=IGN |access-date=January 10, 2009}} 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.{{cite web |last=Lafferty |first=Michael |date=July 3, 2001 |url=http://www.gamezone.com/news/07_03_01_11_11AM.htm |title=GZ Interview BioWare on BGII: Throne of Bhall |publisher=GameZone |access-date=January 12, 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081014075425/http://www.gamezone.com/news/07_03_01_11_11AM.htm |archive-date=October 14, 2008 |url-status=dead |df=mdy-all }} In a 2001 interview, BioWare co-founder Ray Muzyka has stated that among the titles the company has completed, Minsc was his favorite character.{{cite web |author=Staff |date=August 9, 2001 |url=http://www.playerofgames.com/articles/index.php?id=10 |title=An Interview with Ray Muzyka |publisher=Player of Games. |access-date=January 30, 2009 |archive-url=http://wayback.vefsafn.is/wayback/20070903031624/http%3A//www%2Eplayerofgames%2Ecom/articles/index%2Ephp?id%3D10 |archive-date= September 3, 2007 }}

Minsc classifies Boo a "miniature giant space hamster", a creature first mentioned in the Dungeons & Dragons Spelljammer campaign setting which 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.{{cite book |title=Monstrous Compendium: Spelljammer Appendix |author-link=John Terr|last1=Terra|first1=John |author-link2=Scott E. Davis|first2=Scott E.|last2=Davis |author-link3=Newton Ewell|first3=Newton|last3=Ewell |year=1991 |publisher=TSR, Inc.|isbn=1-56076-071-0 |pages=83–84}} Senior designer David Gaider noted that regardless of what Boo was called, Boo had no powers or abilities beyond those of a regular hamster.{{cite web |url=http://www.sorcerers.net/newspro/arc3-2001.html |title=Black Isle Studios Forum Updates |publisher=Sorcerer's Place |access-date=January 30, 2009 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081122082558/http://www.sorcerers.net/newspro/arc3-2001.html |archive-date=November 22, 2008 }} 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.{{cite web |url=http://www.planetbaldursgate.com/news/index.asp?month=5&day=24&year=2000 |title=On the BG2 Boards |publisher=GameSpy |access-date=January 30, 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090630015733/http://www.planetbaldursgate.com/news/index.asp?month=5&day=24&year=2000|archive-date=June 30, 2009}} 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".

Appearances

=''Baldur's Gate'' video game series=

In Baldur's Gate, Minsc is a bald, purple-tattooed ranger from the Forgotten Realms country of Rashemen. Originally a berserker on his "dajemma", a rite of passage to gain entrance to the Ice Dragon Berserker Lodge, he makes an oath to guard the witch Dynaheir,Baldur's Gate II manual, 2000, p.33. 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 antagonist Sarevok.

At the beginning of Shadows of Amn, the player's party is captured and imprisoned by the mage Jon 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.{{cite web|url=https://sorcerers.net/Games/BG2/Walkthrough2/npcs/minsc.php|title=Baldur's Gate 2 Online Walkthrough - Minsc - Sorcerer's Place|publisher=Sorcerers.net|accessdate=16 November 2022}}{{cite web|url=https://www.gamebanshee.com/baldursgateii/npcs/minsc.php|title=Gamebanshee - Minsc|publisher=Gamebanshee|accessdate=16 November 2022}} In Throne 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.{{cite video game|title=Baldur's Gate II: Throne of Bhaal |developer=BioWare |publisher=Interplay |date=21 June 2001 |platform=PC |level=Epilogue |quote=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.}}

Larian Studios, developers for the 2023 sequel Baldur's Gate 3, have confirmed that Matthew Mercer is the voice of Minsc.{{cite web|url=https://forums.larian.com/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=834831|title=Community Update #17: Holy Knight - Larian Studios forums|publisher=Larian Studios|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221215161940/https://forums.larian.com/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=834831 |accessdate=15 December 2022|archive-date=2022-12-15 }} 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 Gate'' novelization=

Minsc is a supporting character in the 2000 novelization of Baldur's Gate II: Shadows of Amn by Philip 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.{{cite book |title=Baldur's Gate II: Shadows of Amn |last=Athans |first=Philip |author-link=Philip Athans |year=2000 |publisher=Wizards of the Coast |isbn=0-7869-1569-2 |url-access=registration |url=https://archive.org/details/isbn_9780786915699 }}

=''Neverwinter'' MMO=

In February 2015, it was announced that Minsc and Boo will appear in Elemental Evil, a module to the 2013 massively multiplayer online role-playing game Neverwinter. The module was released on March 17, 2015.{{cite web|last1=Ford|first1=Suzie|title=Neverwinter : Minsc & Boo Return - Elemental Evil Release Announced|url=http://www.mmorpg.com/newsroom.cfm/read/33900/Neverwinter-Minsc-Boo-Return-Elemental-Evil-Release-Announced.html|publisher=mmorpg.com|access-date=February 18, 2015|date=February 18, 2015}}

=Megatokyo=

Boo appears in the webcomic Megatokyo, where he wears strapped-on wings and serves as Largo'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!"{{cite web |url=http://www.megatokyo.com/strip/90 |title=MegaTokyo - [90] go for the beer, boo! |publisher=Megatokyo |access-date=January 30, 2009}} In number 121, Boo leaves Largo but is unable to get his old job back at BioWare.{{cite web |url=http://www.megatokyo.com/strip/121 |title=MegaTokyo - [121] E3 Special: how many times... |publisher=MegaTokyo |access-date=January 30, 2009}}

BioWare's Ray Muzyka praised Boo's appearance in the comic, describing it as an "anime-style" depiction of a favorite character. 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 manufacturing errors.{{cite web |author=Staff |date=December 12, 2005 |url=http://www.megatokyo.com/strip/759#rant712 |title=Boo booboo |publisher=MegaTokyo |access-date=January 30, 2009}}

=''Battle for Baldur's Gate - Dungeon Mayhem'' Expansion Pack=

In September 2019, Dungeon Mayhem, a Dungeons & Dragons inspired card game, released its first expansion pack entitled Battle for Baldur's Gate. The box contains two character card sets, with one featuring Jaheira and the other with Minsc and Boo.{{Cite web|title=Battle for Baldur's Gate|url=https://dnd.wizards.com/products/tabletop-games/rpg-products-board-card-games/battle-baldurs-gate|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200409051436/https://dnd.wizards.com/products/tabletop-games/rpg-products-board-card-games/battle-baldurs-gate|url-status=dead|archive-date=April 9, 2020|access-date=2020-11-28|website=Wizards of the Coast}}

=References in other media=

Minsc and Boo have also been referenced by non-BioWare games and media. In Dragon Age: Origins, the loading screen sometimes displays the advice "If all else fails, go for the eyes".{{Citation needed|date=January 2011}} In Dragon Age Legends, random NPC's use "Go for the eyes!" as a battle cry.{{Citation needed|date=March 2011}} 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 "space hamster" is available for purchase. It gives the player a "knowing smile" when observed. One of the game's non-playable characters, Tali, shouts "Go for the optics!" to her combat drone.{{Citation needed|date=May 2010}} In Mass Effect 3 Citadel DLC, Commander Shepard finds 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|date=April 2013}} In Guild Wars Nightfall, "Go for the eyes!" is the name of a shout command skill used by the Paragon class.{{cite web|url=http://wiki.guildwars.com/wiki/Go_for_the_eyes |title="Go for the Eyes!" | work = Guild Wars Wiki (GWW) |date=2012-06-06 |access-date=2014-03-21}}The Guild Wars wiki entry for "Go for the eyes!" credits the 1981 film Clash of the Titans where Perseus tells flying owl Bubo to "Go for the eye!"

In July 2014, a comic Dungeons & Dragons: Legends of Baldur’s Gate was announced for October 2014 release. It's set generations after Throne of Bhaal and features Minsc as the main character. It's written by Jim Zub and pencilled by Max Dunbar. It's part of the Dungeons & Dragons 40th anniversary celebrations.{{cite web|url=http://www.rockpapershotgun.com/2014/07/18/minsc-boo/|title=Official Baldur's Gate Comic Goes For Your Eyes|last=Meer|first=Alec|date=18 July 2014|publisher=Rock, Paper, Shotgun|access-date=18 July 2014}}

On March 8, 2015 at PAX East in Boston, Massachusetts, Minsc was used as an NPC "intern" of the player characters in the "Acquisitions Incorporated" celebrity Dungeons & Dragons session, to the apparent delight of players Jerry Holkins and Patrick Rothfuss.{{cite web|title=Acquisitions Incorporated 2015 PAX East |url=http://www.twitch.tv/pax/c/6280025?t=52m46s |access-date=March 8, 2015 |date=March 8, 2015 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150402135811/http://www.twitch.tv/pax/c/6280025?t=52m46s |archive-date=April 2, 2015 }}

In March 2015, Wizkids provided a limited edition promotional card and die of Minsc and Boo as part of their Dungeons & Dragons Dice Masters set Battle for Faerûn.{{cite web|url=http://dicemastersdb.com/catalog/dungeons-dragons/battle-for-faer%C3%BBn-promotional/minsc-and-boo/go-for-the-eyes-boo/|title=Dice Masters: Battle for Faerun|publisher=DiceMastersDB|access-date=24 September 2015|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150925135026/http://dicemastersdb.com/catalog/dungeons-dragons/battle-for-faer%C3%BBn-promotional/minsc-and-boo/go-for-the-eyes-boo/|archive-date=25 September 2015}}

In July 2017, Wizkids released 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.{{cite web|url=https://wizkids.com/dd-icons-of-the-realms-toa/|title=Icons of the Realms: Tomb of Annihilation|publisher=Wizkids|access-date=27 July 2017}}

In the 2017 game Torment: 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.[https://numenera.gamepedia.com/Bao Bao], official Numenera wiki.

In July 2021, Minsc was depicted on a Magic: The Gathering trading card in the Dungeons & Dragons themed set Adventures in the Forgotten Realms.{{Cite web|url=https://scryfall.com/card/afr/227/minsc-beloved-ranger|title=Minsc, Beloved Ranger}}

Promotion

In an interview with GameSpy, Lukas Kristjanson acted as Minsc as he gave details about his character background.{{cite web |last=Kristjanson|first=Lukas |url=http://archive.gamespy.com/interviews/october00/minsc/ |title=Interview: Minsc |publisher=GameSpy |access-date=January 10, 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071114171404/http://archive.gamespy.com/interviews/october00/minsc/|archive-date=November 14, 2007}} When asked about the possibility of Minsc and Boo making cameo appearances later BioWare titles, Baldur's Gate II: Throne of Bhaal lead 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."{{cite web|author=Staff |date=June 27, 2001 |url=http://rpgvaultarchive.ign.com/features/chats/bg2chat20010627.shtml |title=Baldur's Gate II: Throne of Bhall Edited Chat Log |website=IGN |access-date=January 30, 2009 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080726174102/http://rpgvaultarchive.ign.com/features/chats/bg2chat20010627.shtml |archive-date=July 26, 2008 }}

Reception

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.{{cite web|author=Staff |date=December 23, 2008 |url=http://rpgvault.ign.com/articles/940/940545p1.html |title=Baldur's Gate Memories |website=IGN |access-date=January 10, 2009 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090113111959/http://rpgvault.ign.com/articles/940/940545p1.html |archive-date=January 13, 2009 }} UGO.com described Minsc as "a beloved game personality",{{cite web|last=Harper |first=Kareem |url=http://www.ugo.com/ugo/html/article/?id=17821 |title=Heavenly Sword Review |work=UGO.com |publisher=UGO Networks |access-date=January 30, 2009 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071212115326/http://www.ugo.com/ugo/html/article/?id=17821 |archive-date=December 12, 2007 }} and lamented the absence of similar characters in later BioWare titles.{{cite web|last=Swiderski |first=Adam |url=http://www.ugo.com/ugo/html/article/?id=15955 |title=Neverwinter Nights 2 review |work=UGO.com |publisher=UGO Networks |access-date=January 30, 2009 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070211045938/http://www.ugo.com/ugo/html/article/?id=15955 |archive-date=February 11, 2007 }} 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?!"{{cite web |author=Staff |date=August 21, 2000 |url=http://pc.ign.com/articles/133/133437p1.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20020621051756/http://pc.ign.com/articles/133/133437p1.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=June 21, 2002 |title=Baldur's Gate II: Shadows of Amn Preview |website=IGN |access-date=January 10, 2009}} 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.{{cite journal |journal=Computer Games Magazine |author=Ryan Hunt, David |date=17 October 2000|title=Baldur's Gate II: A brief guide to crucial NPCs}} Calling him "everyone's favorite lovable oaf",{{cite journal |journal=Computer Games Magazine |author=D'Aprile, Jason |date=1 September 2000|title=Another Look at Baldur's Gate II}} they praised his early presence in the game's sequel.{{cite journal |journal=Computer Games Magazine |author=Yans, Cindy |date=16 March 2000|title=Baldur's Gate II: Shadows of Amn Preview}} Minsc placed seventh in a "Reader's Choice" edition of GameSpot's "Ten Best Sidekicks", which noted that the character's demeanor and attachment to Boo as reasons for his appeal.{{cite web |url=http://www.gamespot.com/features/tenspot_readers_sidekicks/page5.html |title=Reader's Choice: Ten Best Sidekicks |work=GameSpot |archive-date=2000-06-20|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20000620103606/http://www.gamespot.com/features/tenspot_readers_sidekicks/page5.html|url-status=dead}} 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.{{cite web |author=Staff |date=March 26, 2001 |url=http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/a_gg2001_3 |title=Gaming Globes 2001: The Results |website=Eurogamer |access-date=January 11, 2009}}

CVG listed 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.{{cite magazine|url=http://www.computerandvideogames.com/article.php?id=213997 |title=200 Reasons to Love PC Gaming |magazine=CVG |access-date=July 8, 2009 |date=May 2, 2009 |author=Staff |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090505154826/http://www.computerandvideogames.com/article.php?id=213997 |archive-date=May 5, 2009 }} He was listed by MSN Entertainment as one of the "Gaming's unsung heroes", saying he "provides great comic relief and is a fondly remembered man."{{cite web | url=http://tech.uk.msn.com/features/gallery.aspx?cp-documentid=7457369&imageindex=11 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080208143159/http://tech.uk.msn.com/features/gallery.aspx?cp-documentid=7457369&imageindex=11 | archive-date=February 8, 2008 | title=Gaming's unsung heroes | publisher=MSN Entertainment | access-date=May 5, 2014}} 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."{{cite web |url=http://www.gamedaily.com/articles/galleries/ten-of-video-games-most-loveable-lummoxes/?page=3 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210225083046/http://www.gamedaily.com/articles/galleries/ten-of-video-games-most-loveable-lummoxes/?page=3 |url-status=dead |archive-date=February 25, 2021 |title=Ten of Video Games' Most Lovable Lummoxes |work=GameDaily |publisher=AOL |access-date=January 28, 2009}} 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 the Baldur's Gate series" and that "BioWare will never surpass their creation of Minsc (and Boo!).".{{cite web|url=http://next.gamezone.com/news/2011/09/27/top_ten_bioware_created_squadmates |title=Top Ten BioWare-created Squadmates |author=Dakota Grabowski |date=2010-01-08 |access-date=2014-05-18 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140519040852/http://next.gamezone.com/news/2011/09/27/top_ten_bioware_created_squadmates |archive-date=2014-05-19 }} Kimberley Wallace of Game Informer considered 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."{{cite magazine |url=https://www.gameinformer.com/b/features/archive/2013/08/15/the-best-bioware-characters.aspx?PostPageIndex=1 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130821185229/http://www.gameinformer.com/b/features/archive/2013/08/15/the-best-bioware-characters.aspx?PostPageIndex=1 |url-status=live |archive-date=August 21, 2013 |title=The Best BioWare Characters |author=Kimberley Wallace |date=August 15, 2013 |magazine=Game Informer |access-date=May 16, 2014}} In 2011, Empire ranked 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".{{cite web|url=https://www.empireonline.com/movies/features/50-greatest-video-game-characters/ |title=The 50 Greatest Video Game Characters - 13. Cloud Strife |work=Empire|access-date=August 2, 2013|first1=James |last1=Dyer |first2=David |last2=McComb |first3=Alastair |last3=Plumb |first4=David |last4=Scarborough |date=May 26, 2010}} GamesTM named Minsc one of BioWare's 8 most memorable companion characters.{{cite web |url= http://www.gamestm.co.uk/features/biowares-8-most-memorable-companions/|title=BioWare's 8 most memorable companions|date=June 23, 2015 |work=Gamestm |access-date=October 26, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150623074447/http://www.gamestm.co.uk/features/biowares-8-most-memorable-companions/ |archive-date=June 23, 2015}} Andy Kelly from PC Gamer named 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".{{cite web |url=http://www.pcgamer.com/2014/08/26/the-best-and-worst-bioware-companions |title=The best and worst BioWare companions|author=Andy Kelly |date=November 7, 2018 |publisher=PC Gamer |access-date=March 6, 2020}} In a 2017 article, PC Gamer staff included Minsc in their definitive list of the best RPG squad mates around.{{cite web |url=https://www.pcgamer.com/the-rpg-dream-team|date=June 9, 2017 |title=The RPG dream teams|website=PC Gamer |access-date=February 15, 2020}}