I agree with you on cinematography, I think it's very awkward how the main character strikes itself into all these poses for us and how much camera time he gets. I think it's a big problem with modern RPG that the MC is supposed to be fully voice acted and part of the world instead of being your own tool of self-expression within that world. I also think that the writing could be much better, but a good story can really work on the basic concepts.
However I really don't understand your gripe with the companion characters and I would be happy to understand why you don't like them?
I only like Shadowheart and the vampire guy and I even agree that all of the characters are narcissistic and totally self-involved egomaniacs.
Of all companions Astarion seems to be the most appealing because he is obviously trying to manipulate you and he is only with you in order to survive. He doesn't actually care about you one bit and if it comes down to it he will kill you without a second thought. However there is obviously more to the guy then simply being an evil asshole and I just want to peel back his layers and figure it out for myself. Ofcourse, this would require good writing, and as you said, that is not a strong point of RPG.
I would love to know why you hate the characters, because you mentioned something about melodrama, but then you also criticized them for not being emotionally broken up over being raped.
