Playing Deadfire again, and it hit me...man is that UI gorgeous. It really sucks you into the game. The maps look like maps. The spellbook IS a spell book etc...Wasn't BG1 and BG2 like this too?
Yes, PoE are very deliberately emulating Infinity Engine games. And it is a lovely touch that UI in PoE2 was redesigned to better reflect the setting.
I would praise functionality of the design, over its looks. UI art design is more of a choice, and while I appreciate aesthetic PoEs go for, it’s not a must. It is also not impossible that BG3 UI will get prettier closer to release, as art team will be able to do their magic knowing that the designs are final.
Poor transparency, clarity and functionality of BG3 UI is a bigger issue.
