funny this thread came up. I just started a playthrough of Icewind Dale and the difference is striking. You create a group of adventurers, hear a very well done voiced intro over a book showing some history of the area. Very relaxing, but it adds some intrigue to the story. And then you're in a tavern relaxing, and someone approaches you with an opportunity. Straight out of a D&D adventure book. It was like putting on a well worn hoodie lol. So comfortable. Meanwhile my latest BG3 playthrough is just this chaotic blur of action, DRAGONS, MINDFLAYERS, GITH everywhere. So much more over the top. Bombastic as you said.
