I like that we are instantly thrust into a world with real danger we can learn to navigate to stay alive. I would hate a game that started in a beginner region where nothing can really hurt you. There should be threats and encounters that show you you are weak and not yet ready.
And realistically I think this opening (an escaped prisoner freed during a 3rd party attack on our captor) is virtually the same as BG2, so claiming it isn't in line with the franchise seems dubious. Are you really saying you want LESS Dragons in your Dungeon and Dragons?
