IwubCheeze: IWD story: Save the spine of the world from some demon guy
BG story: Save the sword coast from some Bhaal spawn guy
BG2 story: Save yourself from some wacko elf guy
Neither game's story is particularly inspiring. I seriously want to know why IWD gets flak for this yet BG doesn't.
Ragnarblackmane: Both BG games offer more interaction and especially with the companion storylines you get a deeper experience. The BG games are built around the story, IWD games are built around combat. Have you played all of them?
Indeed I have. I've had 3 play throughs of BG 1 and 2, over 10 play throughs of IWD (lost count) and maybe about 8 playthroughs of IWD2.
I do know the BG experience is built around the story but the blatant over use of standard DnD tropes (among a lot of other things i mentioned in a BG vs IWD thread) ruined it somewhat for me, it only got worse with subsequent playthoughs. IWD has the same issues but they didn't bother me as much because IWD was never about the story anyways. The story is ridden with standard DnD cliches and rolepaying is whittled down to playing as altruistic do gooder or evil stupid asshole, not much of a choice there (unless you consider character levels and gear all that's required for a complete RP experience). I can enjoy BG more if I don't think of it as a story oriented roleplaying game because the game is weak on both fronts. Well, except for BG1, the story, while cliche, unfolded much better than the sequel. We need to rescue Imoen, but no rush, let's do lots of side quests for experience and loot first, hur dur hur dur. Yes Johnny boy, help me unlock my power because I'm a god child and I deserve it!! (There was too many stupid dialog options like this). Oh, and don't get me started on the horrors of TOB.