I own the original BG1 and played it for a few hours years ago, but eventually quit.

Now I want to try again. I've seen the fixed topic explaining how to mod BG1 to use BG2 interface, so I'm considering buying BG2 to mod BG1. However, I could buy BGEE instead.

Considering I'll probably never have to time to play BG2, and considering I'm mostly interested in improving BG1 graphics and interface, should I mod BG1+BG2 or should I get BGEE? Is there any advantage to BG1+BG2 modding instead of using BGEE?

Thanks guys!

Sadly, it is impossible to buy BG2 now. You can get it if you buy BG2:EE or ask from someone who has a spare key. Technically, BG2 original version is no longer available in the GOG store.

I finished BG1 in all kinds. BG:T is an amazing experience which I finished 5 times. BG1:EE is generally inferior to it but also has some advantages. Like you can now put 2 handed sword or a bow while having sword and shield. Or that thing that shows every item on the floor was very useful. However, it is still heavily bugged. There were over a thousand unsolved bugs for BG1:EE last time I checked their official bug center.

I already own physical versions of the original games but a question regardless: If you buy those "Enhanced Editions", do you have to install them to play the original or can you just install the original?

No, you don't have to install the enhanced editions. The whole purpose of BG1, BG2 & IWD being removed from sale is to force people to buy the Beamdog versions -- the scummiest move of all time, especially since both Baldur's Gates were always at the top of the best sellers list. Where are they now? Yes. The enhanced editions keep breaking mods -- most mods don't work on the current patch. They have never been mod friendly, even though Beamdog would have you believe that they are; they are not.

At least that is something good. Wouldn't have want to install a version just to be able to play a different, better one. And yep, it's a scummy move for sure. I really don't care about "HD" or "Enhanced Versions", I just want to play the original. So them pulling versions is generally "meh" but as long as you can still only install the original without any unwanted stuff installed on the side (and without paying more), it's tolerable.

You have to pay more now. Classics were 10$ and often went on 80% sale. EE's are 20$ so you pay extra 10$.

Hm, meh. Don't really want to support such practices, regardless of price. Is there any way to get the original editions on GoG at this point?

Only by buying the 'enhanced' (*sneer*) editions. You cannot buy the originals (digitally) anywhere, let alone GOG. Your only other option, physical, you already have covered.

Mod the originals. Don't give those slimers over at Beamdog a dime.

Thanks for your comments, guys!

I would either go with the original game (with a widescreen mod) or the Enhanced Edition since it has some really nice improvements if you think the original experience is a bit dated.

BG1Tutu (the mod that allows you to play Baldur's Gate with Baldur's Gate II's interface) doesn't have nearly as much improvements so it still feels pretty archaic and it doesn't feel any more authentic to the original gameplay than the Enhanced Edition.

Regardless of what experience I look for when I replay Baldur's Gate, I find that BG1Tutu offers me neither.

Yeah, I'll get the Enhanced Edition!

[url=http://res.cloudinary.com/lmn/image/upload/e_sharpen:150,f_auto,fl_lossy,q_80/v1/gameskinnyc/2/0/1/20160330203605-4d695.jpg]http://res.cloudinary.com/lmn/image/upload/e_sharpen:150,f_auto,fl_lossy,q_80/v1/gameskinnyc/2/0/1/20160330203605-4d695.jpg[/url]


Here is what the EE version looks like now. Hardly an improvement.

You have been had by a Beamdog apologist.

Smoothing and character outlines can be turned off.