The first one is definitely worth playing, but you have to keep in mind that it's very unforgiving - it's completely open and there's nothing stopping you wandering into an area that will get you killed very easily in the early stages of the game.
Early on, ranged weapons are essential, and mages are rubbish (but awesome later on in the game). Mod it up so that you have the BG2 class system available and the higher resolutions, and just have a bit of patience with it.