I've played every edition of D&D since the original AD&D. The "classic" wizard was basically useless at low levels, resorting to pinging with a crossbow from the back ranks, if anything. But, at higher levels, when fighters were retiring from adventuring to be feudal lords, they had universe-changing power. Over the years, that's gotten more and more flattened � more useful at low levels, much less god-like at the top. Of course, with BG3 only going up to 12th level, that tier doesn't really come into it... but there's another fundamental problem.

In a tabletop game, utility spells and int-based skills can make a big difference and be useful and fun. A CRPG is by nature combat-heavy, and also needs to deliver story information � key points really _can't_ be hidden behind a "a wizard needs to research this". A human DM can adjust based on the party, and can find ways to center a wizard character's abilities.

Also, of course, CRGP combat focus means spell slots go fast, leaving you quickly back to "ping ping ping" with cantrips. Without changing the game a lot, one easy buff would be to introduce wands as a magic item � and make them keyed to Int as the spell ability for saves (and maybe even automatic level-scaling � add your int bonus to the level spell you get from one wand charge?). And, make them recharge on a short rest. (Change the "if you use all charges, and then get a 1 on a d20 roll, the wand crumbles" into "won't recharge until morning".) This wouldn't change the utility aspect, but at least give some differentiated combat options.

Oh, and one little thing that might make some difference: bring back the Identify spell, and use the Variant: More Difficult Identification rule from the DMG": If you prefer magic items to have a greater mystique, consider removing the ability to identify the properties of a magic item during a short rest, and require the identify spell, experimentation, or both to reveal what a magic item does. This is a wizard only spell (or bard). Make it so properties are only revealed (and enabled!) slowly if you don't cast this.

(I haven't actually tried Detect Magic, ever... does it help with looting? Because if it does, that sure would be a godsend!)