What are the basic differences between BG1 & BG2?

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In terms of like the stlye of play, any additional options, spells etc. I need to know so i was just wondering if you guys could help me a i do want to but BGII (Yes i still havn't got it)

 

Well.. for one thing, BG2 has a lot more items than BG. There are more spells(go up to level 9 for once). Um... there are kits for classes, EX: Archer is a kit for Ranger. But the plot for BG is better than the plot of BG2. Um.. I'm sure there are more differences but I'm sure other SP members could supply more differences.

 

You're capped at level 9 (I think) on BG1, and something like level 19 on Bg2. But the first really major issue you'll notice is on Bg1, you cannot pause while looking at the inventory screen. Bg2 will let you tinker around with everything but your armour in combat, paused.

Spells, items, +4 +5 loot. Romances. Dialogue options per conversation. Resolution. Eye-candy on spells/weapons/effects.

 

The major differences between BG-1 and BG-2 are:
-refined thieving abilities: change of stealth to separate hide in shadows and move silent. New thief skills: detect illusions and set traps, both very helpful and interesting abilities.
-very much improved magic: tons of new higher level spells - supportive, protective and offensive - that considerably improve the fun and challenge playing a mage
-refined combat system: Including weapon styles that additionally improve combat and help to make your char like you weant him.
-kits (subclasses with special abilities and weaknesses) and new classes: the most interesting here IMO are the paladin kit cavalier, the fighter kits kensai and berserker, the thief kit assassin and swashbuckler and the new classes barbarian, sorcerer and monk.

Additionally BG-2 features a lot of new monsters, including deadly dragons, liches, evil vampires, ferocious beholders and the formidable mindflayers. Your opponents will very likely use magic increasing dificulty in combat. The game is notably longer than BG-1.
Finally: When you liked BG-1 you'll be happy with BG-2

[This message has been edited by Ragusa (edited December 24, 2001).]

 

It's all like BG but on a lower level, less hit points, less hard enemies, less mage and priest spells, less good weapons.... and a better story.

And most important, you can walk free in the Wilderness instead of only be able to visit places that are really necessary to visit (like it is in BG2)

 

So you mean like, i can't decide one day, to just abandon the main quest and go frollicking in the wilderness hoping to pick up on side quests?

 

Well, you can't just leave the road anywhere and explore the wilds, which is a pity.

But there are a whole lot of side quests, which are usually much larger than those of BG1, and you'll likely find them whether you want or not (well, maybe not all of them). If you actually want to do them is up to you, though.

 

BG1:

- Open wilderness areas
- Better plot IMHO
- 'Lesser scale': XP, monsters, character power

BG2:

- Char kits: interesting ones like Fighter-->Kensai, Thief-->Swashbuckler, and Paladin-->Inquisitor
- Entire new classes - barbarian, monk, sorcerer
- 'Higher scale' of things
- New 'buff-breach' styles of magic which add an entire new dimension to magical battles
- Graphics and interface changes ie higher resolutions

I am soloing a Multiclassed Ranger/Cleric through the series now, starting with BG1. BG1 is a great game - definitely give it a whirl!