Anarchist_Peasant: On NWN1 I've heard a lot about the Prophet Modules and HOTU expansion are really good. But as much as I like going back to old school games I just get the feeling that NWN1 will be really rough in its mechanics or something. If I really like 2 I'll try out the first.
I have both NWN1 and NWN2. I have probably played
10x as much NWN1. There are pros/cons to each.
The reason I played so much more NWN1 is that there are LOT more great 3rd party modules. The prophet series is one of my favorites of all time.
I actually prefer the mechanics of NWN1 to NWN2, the graphics of NWN2 are better. IMO:
NWN1 pros:
More connected animations. Just walking around it feels like the characters better connect with the ground (they are more disconnected in NWN2, feel like gliding, moonwalking sometimes), there is similar feel for combat animations.
Camera control is more direct and proportional.
DND systems. I prefer DND 3.0 to the DND 3.5 used in NWN2. The system in NWN2 feels over the top and silly in comparison.
Weapon crafting is also over the top in NWN2. If you take full advantage of crafting, it's more the weapon than the wielder that counts.
Map Pins: Simple feature removed from NWN2, but I really miss it.
NWN 2 Pros:
Better looking graphics (though over the top weapons effects are annoying, likely to distract from poor combat animation).
Better party control.
I would play NWN1 first if going back to simpler graphics is hard for you.