>>61619520Yeah, agreed. I loved the BG1-2 companions because they all felt like people with their own motivations while feeling like they existed in the world rather than serving pure greater plot points while adhering to the rules, outsids the PC for basically being the most succesful Bhaalspawn to survive.
Sarevok's redemption arc also had a lot of really good opportunities to roleplay your character especially in the sense of how you respond to your situation and his, and how wildly different your perspectives can be while potentially garnering his respect or ire. The companion interactions are also far more nuanced and excellent. I also much preferred how hostile the Underdark felt in the OGs. BG3 felt like divinity with a coat of BG/FR fan fiction paint like you said. Also the charm points, like that one lich in ToB being like "Oh shit I heard about you, lemme point you in the right direction I really don't want to die after obtaining immortality to messing with the wrong guy." which was both hilarious and appropriate to your scale of power at this point. Sarevok, Irenicus and Sendai were also much better villains. Sendai getting increasingly nervous at each cutscene as you slaughtered her 1000+ man forces was great too.