Grognard is an insult, because it's entire existence and reasoning is to insult, and belittle others and to state their opinion is stupid, asanine and they can't handle change and auto dislike new things.
Also, it doesnt fit me. I started with basic dnd. I love 2e, really enjoy 3e, and actually mostly like 5e. I started playing crogs with FF and GB games yet really love and enjoy games like FO and BG. I am lpro NWN while many of fellow BGers loathe it. I really like the Pathfinder games, I am pro Solasta, and despite its flaws, am enjoying BG3.
So, even your insult doesnt even fit me.
Anyways,...
Bg 1 and Bg 2 spells are way cooler, more fun, and way more exciting than BG3'S. Instant death spells are great fun and they force the player to adapt. Plus, being to use them to your advantage. Not to mention all those mage battle spells. Defensive spells like stoneskin and improved invisibility are better than theur BG3 counterparts. Summoning spells are superior. Summons like demons where PFE comes into play, or the anti magic ones like the hakeshesar are great whether the player or enemy casts it. The spells that let you quick cast or have instant protections when needed are sweet. So, yeah, spells are vastly superior in BG2.
The magical items are designed with way more love espicially in terms of lore. Carsomyr, the Silver Sword, Llyacore, and more absolutely destroy BG3 items in almost every way.
BG2 has a day/night cycle - a system that can't even be pulled off in the 'modern' BG3. And, it plays a huge role with encounters espicially in terms of vampires. You literally meet a vamp in BG3 on a beach in the middle if the day. Lol Doesn't faze him. I'm.sure later on there's some excuse (I killed/attacked it because it attacked me, no bueno).
The npcs are more varied, and for the game that really solidified joinables in WRPGs decades ago, it's still the legit standard. BG3 doesn't quite live up to that. They are way too try hard. 1 or 2 have an outside chance if making my top 20 not. The foes you face in BG2 are just cooler.
I could go on, but it is very clear.
Bg2 is literally legendary. Bg3 is just not at its level. But, hey, it's better than many games, and is fun, so kudos to that.
