As your main concern seems to be the interface, I'd say you should go the other way around: play Pillars of Eternity first and use it to decide if you'd enjoy the classics and their dated interfaces.

If you're set on trying the classics first, I agree with the first answer in this thread: IWD would be the logical choice for someone who comes from the action-RPG genre, then BG and then PS:T.

My 2 cents.

There are 2 parts to this-

If you want a game that is almost completely nonlinear and the main boss fight is easier-then go with baldurs gate 1.


If you want to play a game with a more difficult boss fight but with great movie scenes, dialog and what not-the 2nd game takes the cake.

Baldurs gate 1 has more npcs (45)

Baldurs gate 2 has only (20) or so

I liked the npcs in first game better (They were more humble). The stats in 2nd game were better but the chars I didnt like much except dorn and rasaad.

The main bad guy in 2nd game is a faggot mage (I didnt like him). He's not really a good bad guy. The Movie scenes were cool but ultimately I have played so many games where there is a mage end game boss fight. They were all ghostwise.

The 1st game boss was a badbass with a pair of golden balls

Really? I thought Irenicus was exponentially easier to beat than Serevok. With all the building up Irenicus got, his fight was anti climatic to say the least

I beat Sarevok with 2 melee focused singleclass thieves MChar and Imoen and only used 1 backstab during fight. I just abused potions and buff potions and ran around like crazy. Whenever Sarvok attacked Imoen, I would have her run away and then I would come in from side and get a few or 1 easy hit. With the potions on my assassin he was a good hit and run.

Remember, original post...

The original Icewind Dale if you want a challenging action computer role
role-Playing experience in th D&D universe...
...or Baldur's Gate II: Shadows of Amn...
Less linear, more options & more choices...

:)
...and more smiley faces!

:)

Irenicus was much easier. My main character just did hit and runs with a crossbow while the rest of my party members stayed out the way. Didn't lose a single hit point or use a single potion or spell.

As far as BG 1 vs 2, definitely play number 1 first. Not only do you get the good story and gameplay, some people have trouble going from 2 onto 1 as it is a little more dated as far as resolution and interface go.
I get sad when people skip 1, it is a great game to be played on it's own right.

...or one can choose to play Baldur's Gate II: Shadows of Amn and experience more stories from more interesting characters, and much more dynamic gameplay.

:)

You're turning into a troll, do you know that?

I beg your pardon.
I'm not on your level of online annoyance.

:)


Why don't you try staying on topic?

This much is true, however, Baldur's Gate II: Shadows of Amn is preferable.
:)

By the way, your last remarks is the title of one of my favorite soul classics from a singing group called Faith, Hope & Charity.

:)

To answer the last question in the first post: The enhanced editions are noticeable better in this regard.
I'm currently playing Baldur's Gate Enhanced Edition and positively surprised.