GameBanshee Forums

Should I play BG1 before BG2? I would probably know what is going on better, right?

And it doesn't seem like there is too much of a difference between the games (I have not played BG1 yet) just from looking at it. Maybe a couple less classes and spells n such, but pretty much the same mechanics.

What would you suggest?

Story wise, yes.......would give you the sense of wonder and discovery in the plotline of the BG series.
Although I have to admit I had BGII first...

Be sure to check out the stickies in the forums for installation tips and hints..

I would suggest you play BG 1 first but thats just my opinion. I like stories...

i would play BG1 first, it helps you understand the complete story line better and some of the characters.... even though you get the jist of everything if you dont play bg1 first...... but i recomend it.

I agree with the others, indeed there are some aspects of BG1 that I prefer to SoA. I really enjoy seeing the character develop as the game goes on.

Xazev wrote:And it doesn't seem like there is too much of a difference between the games (I have not played BG1 yet) just from looking at it. Maybe a couple less classes and spells n such, but pretty much the same mechanics.

What would you suggest?

I'd suggest you get EasyTutu so you can play BG1 with the BG2 engine. It really helps if you can search for stuff by pressing tab and you get better continuity too.

the story starts in BG1 and there are lots of items that are helpful. you really build up from scratch. there is nothing like the fear of having a 4 HP character having to fight a diseased gibberling, risking their life if hit once!

also - there are tomes which can boost the stats of the characters - if you start in BG1, you can move on to BG2 with better stats than you can start with.

you also meet Dynahir, Kheldorn, Edwin, Tiax and many other NPCs. even Neb.

I had a game crash at the very end of BG1 and couldn't have the final fight - the good thing was that at least I could export the improved stat character to BG2.

Yeah you can improve every stat by 1 and Wisdom by 3 meaning you can have a Half-Orc or Dwarf with 20 Constitution (gives regeneration), a Cleric with 21 Wisdom, etc.

It depends on your psyche.
Some people get paranoia in the game when they don't understand something and and get the "I can't understand anything because I didn't play BG1" mood, even if BG1 knowledge wouldn't have changed anything.
If you belong to those people better play BG1 first, if not you can start with BG2.

BG2 is easier to play for noobs and has a nice tutorial, but if you play BG afterwards you'll have gotten lots of spoilers from the second part.

I whole-heartedly recommend playing BG1/TotSC first, for many reasons:

BG1 starts you out with a level 1 character and beginning-level NPCs, which acquire spells and abilities a little at a time, which allows you to figure them out as you get them. BG2 starts you out with a mid-level character, with joinable mid-level NPCs, which throws a plethora of spells and abilities in your lap right out of the gate. What do they all do, when are they all useful, which ones are obselete by mid-level, ...this may be a bit overwhelming to some new players, to the point of which some players may not use a good many of the spells and abilities that are available.

If you play BG2 first, enjoy it, want more of the good stuff, and play BG1 second, then it'd be like watching The Empire Strikes Back before A New Hope, ...they would both be diminished, somehow.

This is one giant Saga, depicting the journeys of your one main character. The epic ending of BG2:SoA & ToB will be much more satisfying if you were there from the very beginning of BG1.

Also, the beginning-level gameplay in BG1 is nicely complimented by the epic gameplay of BG2. I do NOT think they compliment each other as well if you play them backwards.