i have played the original versions of baldur's gate and icewind dale games (with expansion packs) several times and i enjoy them very much!!

i am toying with the idea of purchasing the enhanced editions of either one or both of these games but i was wondering if anyone could tell me what the differences are?

- new characters

- new portraits

- play the BG2 kits in BG1

- support for multiplayer

- shaman class

- red jewel icon that makes it easier to pick things up from the ground

- The Black Pits (completely unrelated to the original story)

I prefer the Enhanced Editions for the quality of life features. Although I really don't like the new characters (I especially hate Neera).

EEs are a mixed bag. Some like new features, some like new characters, others don't like those additions. I tried it once in the past, but didn't like it - mostly due to it playing too differently than the original, and those changes being not in the direction that I enjoy. I stick to the originals, they're still awesome.

There's also a mod that removes the new companions from the EE's if you prefer not to see them at all too. :)

https://www.gog.com/forum/baldurs_gate_series/here_is_a_mod_to_remove_beamdog_companions

There are also lot of minor changes, like how spells work, spell/item descriptions to match the effects, how much lore-and-such you gain per level, monster stats etc.

From what I remember, BG1's max experience level remains the same, which means your PC will hit the peak a lot faster if you do all of the new NPC quests.

Never played the originals, but really loving the EE, but i don't have anything to compare it to.

I vote for the originals, as I am OCD about playing the original developer's original version of the game.

But that's just me. Whichever one you play, cheers!