whats the difference?

[Samaron]

so currently baldurs gate 1 and 2 is on sale on gog. wondering whats the big difference in enhanced edition? is it just graphics update or enhanced has new features added the old versions didnt have?

[Desert Kitsune MarlFox]

Zoom feature, modern resolution support, bug fixes, an arena game mode thing that i havent really played, some other things i cant think of

[ÄmJii]

Some new companions (with personal quests), items and some new banters.

As for improvements, game engine has been considerably optimized (original BG2 usually stuttered during dragon fights, or when there were lots of spell effects on screen... this happened on multiple computers) and saving & loading times have also improved notably.

If you don't have BG -games already, might as well grab EE versions. I have both originals and Enhanced Editions, haven't regretted buying EE's even once.

[kaiyl_kariashi]

there's also a lot of new resources that have been opened up to modders that weren't do-able in the older versions, so a lot of the modding groups are coming back and expanding their mods to take advantage of the new freedoms.

[Larry]

It's basically better in every single way over the originals. They literally have enhanced the game without taking away from the original experience plus you don't have to mess with mods or downloads in order to tweek the game for modern use. Graphics are the same except for updated visuals and there's a lot of additions which actually add to the game and can be totally optional.

All new characters are optional and can be dropped or ignored but they're useful and fully voice acted. In the case of BG1 one of the new companions actually serves as a romantic option which you didn't really have in the original. There's also some new areas specific to new characters added to the game.

If you're at all into RPGs and don't mind the graphics and are aware of how unforgiving the combat can be I would totally suggest the EE over the original. It does it justice and it's really giving a new life to the old Infinity Engine.

Oh, it should also be noted that Beamdog are going to release an expansion for Baldur's Gate: Enhanced Edition which will fill the gap between BG1 and BG2. It's not standalone so you will need the Enhanced Edition of BG1 to play it.

[Soft Lockpick]

Some very subpar content in terms of new companions and quests (and voice acting) added to the game. And some great overall features like never having to install Tutu again for BG1.

If you have neither, buy the EEs. Just read a guide that tells you which companions were in the EE and avoid them. They pretty much suck (in terms of content. Mechanically they're some of the better ones in terms of raw power).

If you already have the originals, BG1EE is worth it for that engine upgrade alone. 2EE is... eh. I'd want it for continuity. In theory if I ever made a Shadowdancer or one of the monk kits in BG1 it'd be nice to play them all the way through the series, so I consider it worth buying even then.

Just don't go in expecting marvelous new stories, interesting characters, or really anything from any of the new content and you'll have made a good choice. It's great for mechanical upgrades and keeping up with the modding scene. But if you go in expecting the world from Beamdog, thinking they might be able to hold a candle to the original content, you're going to be disappointed.

[Chavinchi]

Let's not forget the cut-scene butchering
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KIVsIEt4u5g

[happy]

Originally posted by Stratos:

Some very subpar content in terms of new companions and quests (and voice acting) added to the game. And some great overall features like never having to install Tutu again for BG1.

If you have neither, buy the EEs. Just read a guide that tells you which companions were in the EE and avoid them. They pretty much suck (in terms of content. Mechanically they're some of the better ones in terms of raw power).

If you already have the originals, BG1EE is worth it for that engine upgrade alone. 2EE is... eh. I'd want it for continuity. In theory if I ever made a Shadowdancer or one of the monk kits in BG1 it'd be nice to play them all the way through the series, so I consider it worth buying even then.

Just don't go in expecting marvelous new stories, interesting characters, or really anything from any of the new content and you'll have made a good choice. It's great for mechanical upgrades and keeping up with the modding scene. But if you go in expecting the world from Beamdog, thinking they might be able to hold a candle to the original content, you're going to be disappointed.

this and cut-scene butchering is a fair review

[SteveOhhh89]

I prefer EE to the original. Plenty of bug fixes, large res, and more areas sounded good to me lol