I hear you. I would prefer a camp that reflected the changing environment (and a day/night cycle). But seems like Larian is set against it. Teleportation to a pocket dimension/specific place is the only thing I could think of that could explain a static camp system. Pocket dimensions for camping is a D&D staple, from Rope Trick to Magnificent Mansion, and Dimension Door style teleport would be a nice homage to the original BG (something the game really needs more of if it is to live up to the namesake).
Even a scripted camp system would be better than the current system in my mind. This would work and be immersive given the linear nature of the game. Add slow regeneration to passive tadpole powers to overcome the need to rest just for full health (scrap Larian cheesy food items) prior to hard encounters. Expandable magic assets would be enough to carry the party through to victory even when low on spells (good thing with cantrips being so strong in 5e).
That's an interesting point about the pocket dimension, I hadn't realised it's a staple art of the lore. I guess I am a little (over) fond of the idea of adventurers resting where they travel, battling the elements, etc. It makes finding an inn in a settlement that much sweeter.
I think the rest system in today's game market probably does need to be different from 20 years ago to be honest. Modern culture has moved into a very impatient meta where instant gratification and short attention span are the default. That doesn't mean you have to let everyone do everything RIGHT NOW though. I think they have the framework of a decent system that with a little cosmetic work could address the story and immersion issues without necessarily going down the full day/night route they are unlikely to pick up at this point.
That's very insightful re: modern culture and instant gratification. I would loved to have seen the response in feedback if a more traditional BG resting system had been implemented from the outset, just to see what newcomers would have made of it.
I entirely condone a fast travel system, it just feels more immersive to me when it implies going on foot (or other forms of travel), rather than zipping around everywhere through magical portals that apparently nobody else in the game world has noticed or uses, especially when the party is at such low levels.
