Me to my friend who also plays: I think I only have like 2 side quests left before the end
My friend: Did you do [insert 5 full side stories I hadn't even started]
Me: ... right, so time to start a new save so I can process that.
This explains so much.
This was half the reason I had a hard time getting into BG2. I felt like I got thrown around like I was a sock in a washing machine. Side quests I was basically stuck in until they were done. Not feeling like I was properly rewarded (other than XP) for my time. If this sounds off base just keep in mind I haven't played it in 10 years.
The other half I didn't care for was the combat. I save scummed that game more than any I've ever played.
As a JRPG fan, playing BG2 was a incredible breath of fresh air. Almost every JRPG at the time railroaded you into a very linear story. Where BG2 was Just wandering, exploring, discovering random side quests. Just pick a direction and go.
I can see it being not so effective today. Open world games fill that itch better these days.
Man I really should play BG2 again. I finished it probably 5 times back in the day. My favourite build was ranger and forging the Shortbow of Gesen asap. Then you could basically just delete people.
The Gesen Bow, and that +4 chainmail you can get from the token machine in Spellhold really give a huge boost.
I'm on my third playthrough and I think I finally have an order for getting the best gear for act 3.
