Every CRPG since BG2 is unworthy in comparison to BG2. That doesn't mean those games are bad.
BG 1 was better than BG 2. Arcanum, Fallout 1 and 2, PoE 1, DAO, Pathfinder Kingmaker and WORT, BG3 are all better than BG 2. People obsess about BG 2 because of nostalgia, but it was very generic. Lots of content, but the plot was bland and boring honestly. An evil megalomaniac wizard who wants to be god and solves every problem with MAGIC is just bad writing. Sarevok had finesse, he actually used brains and his Iron Crisis intrigue was quite nicely written. Irenicus just used his magical powers to do stuff. The only reason he got so far is because he had so much plot armor every faction that managed to subdue him didn't kill him, but let him live and overpower them with MAGIC later.
I'll say it again.
Not one CRPG on this planet lives up to BG2.
All the reasons you gave are not the valid reasons why.
1) Class / multiclass diversity.
2) Level Cap
3) Multitude of spells
4) The combat
What good is playing yet another 'visual novel' if the gameplay is lacking? People that primarily focus on the story are the reason why 99% of Western RPGs nowadays are trash, because developers don't need to bother working on the combat or anything else. If all you want from a game is a story, there are thousands of anime visual novel games you can buy on steam, or you know you could read a book.
Talking about generic, BG3 is the most generic DnD game ever to have been made, hardly any class customization, everything is dumbed down, most feats and class skills are automatically given.
OFC this makes the game a lot more popular - its easier for the masses and you dont need to sit down with spreadsheets and rules open on a second monitor to enjoy the game.
I literally dont give the slightest crap about lore or story in any video game ever. If the gameplay is garbage I wouldn't be playing it to even get though whatever lame story yet another typical RPG has with 'kill the demon, save the princess' or whatever garbage they come up with next.
I play BG2 with full custom party or custom solo and it remains the only game I have played through as many times as I have. I skip all dialogue options and don't read anything, and I'm actually currently doing that for most of the pointless lame 'waste 50 hours chatting to your companions' BS in BG3 as well. Like sheesh idgaf about Wyll's daddy issues already, just pull out your cock which he still hasn't.
Talking and story is the most boring part of every game period.
Actually I can think of a game that does live up to and match BG2 - Tales of Maj Eyal. No story all combat. Endless Dumgeon, combat combat combat. Amazing strategic turn based RPG combat.
I don't enjoy chess as well because it has any story.
