I do not think following the Bg style in the maps (Maybe in other things, definitely) is a priority for me, to be honest. I loved the first games, but the graphics technology improved a lot in that regard, for good reasons since 2002. It would be wise to apply it.
I mean, i love the hand-made maps of the first games but you can`t even rotate the camera in IE games.
I don't really think the point is about "visual/engine/rotation" but the way you explore the world in wich the game took place.
Everything you talked about could take place in the "BG style".
