Ok--I did cheat to get through BG1... but BG2 was a much better game for several reasons (many of which I expect because BG2 is a second generation BG1)

1. the game mechanics are much more user freindly (moving characters around each other, moving around in general)

2. summon creatures in BG1 is ridiculous--summoning up 5 hobgoblins then getting to summon 5 more and so on.. gets silly. BG2 lets you summon 1-2 more potent monsters and limits you to 5. makes more sense

3. both had great plots.

4. both had interesting NPC's

5. due to characters being higher level, BG2 allows for MUCH more interesting combat situations. I got so frustrated in BG1 with combat as I had little options. even a pack of xvarts (15 exp a piece) could give me alot of trouble at first.

6. BG2 is much more liberal with exp--and not just in amount. many situations in BG1 that don't give exp DO give exp in BG2---like learning spells and eliminating traps. and special encounters give exp more often--for example, when I brought back that damn girdle from the ogre to the FAI, I didn't get any exp. .. what a crock

7. many much better puzzles in BG2

8. BG1 was almost completely non-linear. BG2 starts as non-linear (chapt 2 and 3) and has a linear interlude (that was actually very welcome). I perferred the BG2 way---I liked being forced to move the plot along. then being allowed to do the 'endgame' at my leisure

9. recruitable NPC quests in 2 were excellent... the ones in bg1 were not so good

10. much more flexability in Bg2 for party makeup

oh.. I could go on and on.. both excellent games.

That are the negative points of BG1... some positive things:

1. Very good story, I think the sotory in BG1 is better then in BG2.

2. The Environment in BG2, it has something that BG2 doesn't have, BG2 is all cities and ruins, in BG1 you're more in the nature. Mountains, Lakes, Desserts, Forests.. I really love that.

[This message has been edited by Headbanger (edited May 13, 2001).]

The sole fact of presence of freely explorable world map makes BG1 better game.

Environment is also much beter in BG1.

Game engine improved and several annoying bugs removed in BG2 as it is a sequel.
Exp cap is just ridiculous in BG1. Major setback.

The best thing in BG1 were those outdoor areas, yes. Too bad I can't recall any 'winter' areas but Icewind Dale makes up for that...

p.s. I doubt you were wandering in any dessert Headbanger :p