Rather too many people here getting frothy over changes from core 5e rules. Larian do their own version of 5e rules. Elemental surfaces are fun, make the map layout and positioning absolutely crucial, and allow for much more tactical play. Some people get hung up on minute differences from 5e: maybe enjoy the game as it is, if it doesn't work in the game, then critique it in those terms. 5e isn't a bible and it's not useful to be fundamentalist.
Honestly surfaces and area effects aren't a new thing to Baldur's Gate and they notoriously were pretty annoying https://i.imgur.com/EC8OBSz.jpg remember this guy?
I think they need to balance surfaces a little from pure gameplay perspective. Putting down brine or fire can decimate enemies since they have no option but to run through it. Fire also can remove things like grasping vines or grease and basically undermines the use of those spells completely. Also early enemies have way too many alchemist fires, acid vials, fire arrows, and acid arrows too.
