mrkgnao: I have this problem, you see. It's a bit private, but...
I can't bring myself to play games out of order and since I could not complete Fallout 1, I never began Fallout 2.
Funny thing. I played Fallout 2 first, like 2 times in a row. Then, a couple of years later - once more. Only afterwards I managed to acquire the first one and went through it like Drano. Then 2 again, followed by 3 which was cool, but it's pretty much a different game.
Shame on the other titles, too. I can't speak for BG, but I have a buddy who swears by it. The Witcher is a top-notch game, though. Not sure why, but you are the second person who can't seem to get around to like it and I couldn't let it go until I was done and then some. And I played it like 2-3 months ago, so I can't say it's because it has aged...
But, yeah. You're missing out :) At least consider the witchers, with the next one looking awesome as f*ck and just around the corner.