Quite the contrary, Hickory.

:)

I'd compromise to throw out the term 'open-world' in this debate because it just doesn't apply to this type of game. I would agree that both Baldur's Gate & Baldur's gate II: Shadows of Amn are both linear.

I will, however, agree to disagree that I have a "...skewed idea of the difference between open world and linear gameplay."


I'm with kmonster's recommendation... just pick up 'Pillars of Eternity' which should quell all doubts!
:)

So does your save game look something like this by any chance? :P

You have an in game time of 25000 days, your character class has now changed to "old granny". Axe, sword, mace, whatever proficiencies have been replaced with rolling pin, frying pan and broomstick proficiencies. You have the special ability to cast "nag about the good old days" unlimited times per day which causes enemies to go insane, no saving throw allowed (unless character is under the effect of deafness). You have two tabby cat minions, "Mittens" and "Fluffy" which can also be summoned unlimited times per day. The "boots" slot has been replaced by "wheelchair" and the "cloak" slot has been replaced with "blankets" which you can stack any number of and still get all the bonuses. Only problem with your new class is all your quick slots are permanently occupied with medication.

Actually, coming to think of it, playing an old granny zooming round the Sword Coast in her wheelchair of speed smiting gnolls and orcs with a frying pan does sound kinda fun :)

Seriously though, you could do exactly the same thing by playing BG2:TOB normally, no need to grind random encounters. :P

No, you're wrong. In the case of BG2, yes, but in the case of BG1 you are utterly and completely... wrong. There is not an rpg anywhere that has a more open world than BG1. I'm sorry that you don't see that, but that is fact.

Okay...


Prove it.

:)

I personally didn't have problems with playing Icewind Dale as my first game of this genre, though I certainly had to use a guide for the initial character creation process.

I don't need to prove anything, but if you insist:

BG1: approximately 36 (THIRTY SIX) distinct world map areas to *freely* explore from the word go, not including dungeons and separate town areas.

BG2: Only 1 (ONE) area to explore from the word go (Athkatla), until you are railroaded by Gaelan Bayle. After that, 5 token world map areas with quests.

I can't put it any clearer than that.

Okay...


I concede your point.

:)

Enjoy your day!

It's simple :) Just after you leave Candlekeep, you can basically go *ANYWHERE*, (even Durlag's Tower) except for Cloackwood and Baldur's Gate itself.

In BG2, and even more so in IWD1, 2 and PS:T, you HAVE to go to do things in a certain order. Obviously, you will need to do specific things to advance the story, even in Baldur's Gate 1 (Go to Nashkel, go to the mines.... etc). It is, possible however, in BG1, to roam around the world, gathering XP, and only get to Nashkel when you are level 3 already. You know, it's even possible to do ALL quests south of Cloackwood before you even hit Nashkel (except Durlag's Tower: you're not strong enough).

In BG2, and certainly not in the other IE games, such freedom is not possible.

The discussion regarding the original Baldur's Gate compared to Baldur's Gate II: Shadows of Amn had ended.

Plus, I don't agree w/you.

:)

I have absolutely no intention of ever playing the original Baldur's Gate anytime soon, or ever again. The original was a fun introduction to a new kind of computer role-playing game, however, the disc swapping turned the gameplay into a chore. Baldur's Gate II: Shadows of Amn improves that technical discrepancy immensely; the game still needs to use a disc to launch the game but it's more preferable than disc swapping.

:)

...and to reiterate, both the original Baldur's Gate & Baldur's Gate II: Shadows of Amn guides the player through chapters I to chapter X in a linear fashion, however, the sequel offers the player far more choices & options than the original over the course of the entire journey, which may be overwhelming to beginners so I'd recommend the original but for me...?
--- nah!
:D
Baldur's Gate II: Shadows of Amn is head and shoulders above & beyond the original, if not the entire genre itself.
...and I'm going to give you a plus point for your reply!

:)

You are just reiterating utter nonsense, and making a fool out of yourself at the same time. Nice job. You're not very good at sarcasm, either.

I believe you've already filled that position, virtual friend.

Anything else?

...and no, I don't wanna install TuTu or anything Baldur's Gate related!

:)

Take your false assumptions and smile elsewhere.

*sniff sniff* This smells like flame bait, but I'm not gonna bite.................

ANYWAYS!!!!

Wonder if the OP has decided where to start yet..............