So, here's the deal: I already own Baldur's Gate 1 and 2 on gog.com. I have never played them, though.

But I'm seeing both enhanced editions reasonably cheap here and I am considering getting them and playing through them instead, when I get around to it.

So, what is the best option? Should I just stick with the originals (whenever it is that I'll find time to play them) or should I get the EEs and play through them?

If I stick with the originals, what is the best approach nowadays? What game port will work best?

Lastly, I know there are a load of these threads already in the forum, but I was looking for an updated opinion, considering the EEs and ports have been or may have been patched up a lot since the last time this topic came around.

Ps.: Yes, the USD->BRL conversion rates are still fucked up, but I’m willing to take the plunge this once.

Originals are better. EEs, especially the latest entry full-priced too, are cr@p.

originals, melee non magic :-D

I'd say, if you've never played it before, I'd go the EE route. Especially since you can get them 85% off because you own the originals.

The EE interface is much easier to play with on modern systems. It scales nicer to high resolution displays than the original+widescreen mod does, and there are lots of nice little additions to the interface, like current action overlays on character portraits, and colour coded character indicators. There are additional quickslots and the saving/loading is much, much faster. Even if your not save scumming your way through, the faster load times are very nice once you get to Baldur's Gate proper.

If you use Linux, the EE's are also native Linux games as opposed to the originals being wine-wrapped.

Edit: I completely agree with reaver894, for a first timer, definitely melee over magic. Probably single class too, just so you can level up quicker. BG can be pretty tough on mage's in the early going.

If you aren't going to install mods, I'd say EE is the better way to go. The originals have a user interface that is really showing its age, and unless clunky 90's interfaces are an important part of the experience you're looking for then EE is probably going to be better for you. Given the 85% discount to upgrade to EE right now (I think it ends in a few hours) for people who already own the originals, I'd say it's worth it. At full price, though, the difference isn't enough to merit picking up EE and I'd say just stick with the original and install a few mods to deal with its aging issues.

Edit - and to concur with the others, definitely stick with something more martial. If you really want to be a mage, go with a Fighter/Mage multi-class so you've got strong combat skills to fall back on.

Maybe I'm just cheap, but even on sale it's still 13$. Since you already own the classic editions, I'd play that first, at least for a couple of hours just to see if you like it at all. Then if you feel like you do, but have some issues that you think Enhanced edition might fix, buy it. Seems like a safer way, might save you the 13$ to spend on a game you'll like more.

Originals, but dual into magic after a few levels of melee. Unless you're planning on importing your character into BG2, then multi melee / magic.

I just started playing BG1. I got the original last year in the bundle tower sale (Although I only got it with NWN.) but didn't get very far with it. I got EE today after hearing that it would be 85% off for owners of the original and I am finding it much better because it is higher res and the UI is better and more clear. I would get EE.

Originals with the mod that lets you play BG1 from BG2. Giving access to the classes from 2. Human Kensai or Swashbuckler are great for Dual classing in BG2. If you want to powerplay through BG you can also start a Half-Orc Fighter/Thief and backstab everything. Or you can play the games the "boring" way, using a party.

I played the original and tried the EE but found them too buggy (a while ago...).

But I feel to suggest the EE if they fixed the gaming system bugs and the game behaves as the originals.

I can't comment on UI changes that seemed to upset everyone.

Play the originals while they patch the EE, I think you'll be good for about 2 years or so.

If you are interested in playing Siege of the Dragonsphere, which was just released, you will need the EE edition of Baldur's Gate 1.

I plan to play it sitting down while enjoying a beer.

Give up and play Diablo II instead to avoid internet feminism and cultural appropriation. Kidding! Maybe.

I seriously don't see the appeal of a half-realtime turn-based clusterfuck combat system.

Or why suckers go for graphical remakes/"enhanced" versions when the fanmods are better and "free"... and when these remakes don't sell, they blame bad reviews and their own damn fucking fans(OR maybe they're BIGOTS sponsored by Ben Affleck!!!) who feed them. Fucking modern game devs, man.

I think BG's combat is really good. Real time with pause imho is one of the best ways to do combat.