BG1 gets a lot of nostalgia shoutouts but BG2 had significantly better storytelling with a lot more actual choices to make and much more in-depth character interaction. Also, the voice lines weren't quite as repetitive or obnoxious.
Also the plot of 1 and the way it presented itself was just... janky.
Personally I thought the overall plot from 1 was better because it kept you guessing "what is really going on" till close to the end where 2 basically told you what was happening in the opening sequence.
BG1 gets a lot of nostalgia shoutouts but BG2 had significantly better storytelling with a lot more actual choices to make and much more in-depth character interaction. Also, the voice lines weren't quite as repetitive or obnoxious.
Also the plot of 1 and the way it presented itself was just... janky.
big upgrade in the visuals from BG1 to BG2
Personally I thought the overall plot from 1 was better because it kept you guessing "what is really going on" till close to the end where 2 basically told you what was happening in the opening sequence.
That's fine, though for me, I personally don't directly measure my story enjoyment by how much I am surprised by something.