Music is very powerful in this regard and could help a lot.
One of the big challenges for this game, in terms of feeling like a Baldur's Gate game, is the transition to 3D. The series has completly lost it's visual identity. I appreciate the little touches I've sees this far, like the spell icons resembling the ones from the Infinity Engine games. My humble opinion is that other areas will need to carry the nostalgic burden. Like you said. Music is powerful in this regard.
This certainly works much better than what we have. And I say that with respect for the new music. I like it. It's nice. It just does not give me the vibes of a BG game.
I actually think the main menu theme should be a rehash of the old theme (at least it should incorporate certain phrases), because it's played at the start every time players start up the game. If it puts you in the BG mindset, it actually helps quite a lot towards feeling like a BG game.
I bet a lot of what ties this story into the series will be revealed in the chapters we have not seen yet, tough a few more nods in the beginning would be nice. Maybe have someone from the old games be locked up on the ship in the intro? As clunky as the character creation screen was back then, maybe something that resembles that more? Perhaps Bhaal's symbol on the main menu? Dreams was a big part of the earlier games. Maybe add one during the blackout from the crashed ship?
Again. I like what I've seen so far. It's a strong start for a D&D game, early access and all. Just a bit light on the BG side.
