also bg1 had lots of mostly or entirely self-contained maps. you really got to feel like you were stumbing into random shit happening in the world, instead of the curated "this is your x adventure" feel that bg2 had.
To me, it's the triple whammy of BG2 feeling more like a theme park than a world, BG2 being more railroady (ie being stuck in the Underdark), and me preferring Sarevok as a hammy villain than Irenicus.
also bg1 had lots of mostly or entirely self-contained maps. you really got to feel like you were stumbing into random shit happening in the world, instead of the curated "this is your x adventure" feel that bg2 had.
To me, it's the triple whammy of BG2 feeling more like a theme park than a world, BG2 being more railroady (ie being stuck in the Underdark), and me preferring Sarevok as a hammy villain than Irenicus.
it's a city + some countryside sidequests. bg1 starts you in the boonies and you gradually work your way up to The City. it just works better.