The original Baldur's Gate is excellent, it has some kind of dark age atmosphere (perhaps due to the "low" level campaign and the chiseled stone interface, heh). Baldur's Gate II is on a different level. Everything the first one did is there, and then some. Better, more cohesive narrative. More intricate plot and subplots. Much more elaborate NPC's, affecting party stability and opening up dialogue/quests. The combat is even more exciting and dynamic, I'd say, perhaps due to the higher level mage spells.
One drawback of BGII is perhaps that high level D&D campaigns are usually over the top. You're basically walking around with a party of mythical heroes. But if you get past that little detail, it is a satisfying, well rounded computer RPG.
For me, BGII sets the standard for all other cRPG's. Planescape: Torment may have better narrative and reactivity, and others may have less fantasy stereotypes. But BGII features ALL desirable cRPG elements and implements them very well, fantastically in many cases.
One drawback of BGII is perhaps that high level D&D campaigns are usually over the top. You're basically walking around with a party of mythical heroes. But if you get past that little detail, it is a satisfying, well rounded computer RPG.
For me, BGII sets the standard for all other cRPG's. Planescape: Torment may have better narrative and reactivity, and others may have less fantasy stereotypes. But BGII features ALL desirable cRPG elements and implements them very well, fantastically in many cases.