It is still a thing in Solasta at least. I can’t say I really notice the impact of not having to identify items, but I found it to be nice roleplaying feature of older RPGs.
Edit1. Thinking about it though, I think identify has a subtle positive impact on my gameplay experience. In RPGs it is common for me to not know what is in my inventory.
BG1&2 are different. I don't think identify is the sole reason (relatively humble capacity, a good pacing of acquiring items, meaningful progression, unique items that don't blend together) but I think it is a reason. When player acquires an item he needs to invest resources to learn what it is - in per-rest cast, item, or money.
I remember reading about Devil May Cry progression, where the designer said that when player pay for a skill, one or two at the time, they are more likely to see them as valuable and try them out.
I tend to remember items in Baldurs Gate games better then in other RPGs - where I found them, and what they do. I think this is part of it - you pick items which is clearly marked as magical. Then you need to pay to see what it is. After that I read carefully lore and see what I got. I think that paying for reveal makes playera pay more attention and think what they can get out of the investment they just made.
On the other hand, I must admit I don't know BG3 items very well. They just collect dust in my inventory, and even if I equip them I can't tell you what each character is carrying. On the other hand, I know pretty well who in my current BG1 play through is carrying and each item I found so far.
Last edited by Wormerine; 01/01/23 12:03 PM.
