Isometric crpgs have come a long way since Baldur's Gate 1 pioneered the genre 2 decades back and its a wonder that it still holds up in the Enhanced Edition re-release.
A design priority that sets BG apart from the rest of the genre is the focus in free form exploration and roleplaying over a strong narrative hook. Being story light, it might turn away some players but at the same time it give greater freedom to craft your own own story. There are numerous optional areas to explore and companions to find, something that offsets the companion death mechanic. Doesn't help the lack of character depth in companions though.
Is it as good as modern crpgs? In terms of narrative absolutely not, but the gameplay still works if you can get into the old D&D rules.
P.S. fans remade this game into the Neverwinter Nights 2 engine and I'd recommend playing that since I personally like the gameplay there more.
A design priority that sets BG apart from the rest of the genre is the focus in free form exploration and roleplaying over a strong narrative hook. Being story light, it might turn away some players but at the same time it give greater freedom to craft your own own story. There are numerous optional areas to explore and companions to find, something that offsets the companion death mechanic. Doesn't help the lack of character depth in companions though.
Is it as good as modern crpgs? In terms of narrative absolutely not, but the gameplay still works if you can get into the old D&D rules.
P.S. fans remade this game into the Neverwinter Nights 2 engine and I'd recommend playing that since I personally like the gameplay there more.