#also you were really gross because Bhaal is gross and you should probably feel bad about that

[spawnofbhaal]

I'm realizing that, as good of a game as BG3 is, the lack of narrative cohesion that comes from having a central protagonist and central villain makes it feel more like a collection of D&D side stories than a true successor to BG2. It's like, here's a sprinkle of the Bhaalspawn experience (with Durge) without the slow progression of level 1 to level 30+ where finally throwing off the shackles of Bhaal (one way or another) feels earned and such a relief. Not just because of the way Bhaal's shadow hangs over the player character (also dead!Bhaal is somehow more intimidating than alive!Bhaal, go figure. You'd never catch BG3 Bhaal saying something meaningful like the "life is strength" speech), but because of how much grief other people in the world give your character because of their heritage. People in the world are constantly trying to use your character like a tool, exile them, capture them, torture them, or kill people they love. Being a Bhaalspawn isn't just a personal problem your character has to deal with, it's the source of *all* their problems.

Granted, BG1 and BG2 had the advantage of being two long games (plus expansions) that are really focused on telling a story rather than just one that's torn between telling six/seven stories. Which isn't to say that the overall feeling and experience of playing BG2 can't change a lot depending on what companions/quests you choose, but the overall plot is about one character---yours.

Of course, BG3 does some things incredibly well (or much better than unmodded BG, like giving players way more diverse romance options). And if you *want* the experience of playing through a game as separate characters who have totally different personal quests that are not intertwined with the ultimate big bad (other than the typical "save/rule the world" trope), BG3 is obviously the better game to play. But as someone who loves the whole concept of "Baldur's Gate" because BG1 and BG2 left such a lasting impression on me/literally rewired my brain . . . it doesn't hold up. I love my Durge but she feels like a shallow imitation of my Charname if I compare them.