Baldurs Gate 1 vs Baldurs Gate 2

[EdwardTeach]

I picked up all the old D&D games a few weeks ago and I am planning to get stuck into Baldurs Gate (never played the before).

I have heard that there are mods that allow you to play BG1 through the BG2 engine. I was wondering if someone could explain why I would want to do this?

I have heard that the interface is better etc Could you please explain what is perceived to be wrong with BG1 and how this is improved in BG2.

I am a bit of a purist with old games, and tend to play them un-modded. I find it interesting to see what the game was like as originally designed. Hence the reason for the questions!

 

[Tepic]

As far as I remember BG1 will only run in "low" res. BG2 has high res modes.

To my shame I have had these games from their release, and not played more than a couple of hours!

 

[arc@css]

I tried the first several times but just could not get into it.

 

[Pighardia]

These will give you an idea of the interface changes between the two, post I made in the mod thread.
If you can find Big World Project, it is definitely worth doing imo. Just pick the version that lets you play BG2 in BG2 engine and don't worry about the other options.

http://forums.overclockers.co.uk/showpost.php?p=19775638&postcount=227
http://forums.overclockers.co.uk/showpost.php?p=19776052&postcount=228

 

[Alexrose1uk]

The simple explanation is that the engine was expanded for Baldur's Gate 2, to incorporate 'more' of the Forgotten Realms D&D ruleset. What this means, is that there are new classes for example that you couldnt originally start as in BG1. Stuff like higher res and better spell effects are the other bonuses. The most popular way to do so was with the BG1Tutu mod; BigWorldMod which Pighardia mentioned is an even bigger insane collection of mods, addons and other bits (I think someone mentioned it even merged the two games with a new explanation cutscene in the middle);

I think this MIGHT be the Tutu official site, but not sure:
http://www.pocketplane.net/mambo/index.php?option=content&task=blogcategory&id=143&Itemid=98

This is what it has to say:

BG1Tutu is a project which brings the content from Baldur's Gate (or Tales of the Sword Coast) into the Baldur's Gate II engine. This allows BG1 to enjoy all the benefits of BG2 such as higher resolution, new races, classes and kits, dual-wielding, and much more!

As it just includes a 'bigger' framework engine, the mod is arguably in keeping with the pure version of the game, just with...more options.

 

[arknor]

As far as I remember BG1 will only run in "low" res. BG2 has high res modes.

To my shame I have had these games from their release, and not played more than a couple of hours!

i had bladurs gate 2 i think it was but died to some wolves outside of a small town area and gave up

 

[fendi]

I'm playing BG2 @ 1920x1080

Looks great.