I didn't get into crafting in the last game. It was a bit too opaque. That said, afaik, there was no way to enchant items which is what I think the ultimate goal of crafting should be in a fantasy game. Like, I totally want to be able to make my own uber staff with chances to cast fireballs and whatnot for "leet" damage. If that's not in the game, I don't see much point to crafting. Repairing I can see, but only as an extension of that mechanic.

So, question: could you do that in the first game?