Want a quick walkthrough for BG2 to make it more enjoyable? First roll any character you want. And do the starting dungeon.
1. Once you finish, watch the epic battle between your captor, some thieves and party crashing mages.
2. Go talk to Mira who is a merchant a bit to the east of your starting location to sell any loot you do not want.
2.5 (optional) do the circus tent quest (since you already discovered it in another playthrough)
3. Head north east through the large opening and get to the edge of the map. You'll notice your cursor will change. Once you gather your party and head forth there is only one map available The Slums, click it.
4. Once arriving there will be a "cut scene" between you and a guy that goes Gaelan Bayle. You'll be teleported to his house. He wants you to bring him money. After talking to him leave and head to the Copper Cornet which is the large bar in the middle of the slums map.
5. Go inside. Talk to Nalia. She'll tell you of a problem she is having at her estate. Get her to join your party (keeping minsc, jaheira, and yoshimo) as well as Anomen who is sulking in the corner.
6. Talk to Lord Jierdan and his problems (he's the guy that keeps saying I have a quest for you over his head)
7. Leave the bar and then leave the area. You'll notice the rest of the city is now open to be explored. Don't! Head straight to City Gates, and then straight to De'Arnise Hold.
8. You maybe waylaid (attacked in between going to the city gates and then to the Hold. It is up to you to do any of the quests that are given to you at these times)
I'm a bit surprised that you would advise a beginner to do the Windspear Hills quest so early in the game. Admittedly, I've never done it so soon, but I would think that is too difficult until you've gained some more levels. Not saying that it can't be done (obviously, since I've never tried myself), but there are so many other quests that I would deem easier, and closer to "home", for instance the slaver's quest in the Copper Coronet.
Still, I might have to try the above, just to check how it goes.
You don't like RPGs, you like Action-RPGs and MMOs. Diablo, the Elder Scrolls, Dragon's Dogma games, Dark Souls are action-rpgs. WoW, Eve, DDO and whatever, are MMOs. The only exception are the Final Fantasy games though those have two MMOs, 13 kind of sucked and 12 had mmo elements.
Real RPGs? Baldur's Gate, Planescape Torment, Arcanum, Temple of Elemental Evil, Neverwinter Nights 2 (NwN1 was basically a step over Diablo), Vampire the Masquerade: Bloodlines, Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic etc.
@deltrago Well, i see that i did everything right until number 7... then i went to tal to everyone in the city, looking for directions and the exit...
Also, the only quest i tried was windspear hills, wich i couldnt... maybe it is really too soon as @victory_rose said...
So, i see that i did a lot of things wrong:
- i thought it was a NWN like game - i skiped BG1 - i played solo - i used an ipad - i talk to every person in the game - i tried windspear hills at level 8, solo.
And thanks to everyone that instead of criticize me (because i did not like the beloved game) helped me and did some very good analysis.
i forgot to mention something... i let all my party die in the circus because they annoy me and i wanted to be alone. I am pretty sure that when i come to know the game better i will understand the tragedy in this...
i forgot to mention something... i let all my party die in the circus because they annoy me and i wanted to be alone. I am pretty sure that when i come to know the game better i will understand the tragedy in this...
Canonically, your character just murdered their foster mother and a mentally disabled man who has been nothing but loyal. And possibly a hamster.
So, I guess good job if you're playing it really Evil?
You don't like RPGs, you like Action-RPGs and MMOs. Diablo, the Elder Scrolls, DrPablo s Dogma games, Dark Souls are action-rpgs. WoW, Eve, DDO and whatever, are MMOs. The only exception are the Final Fantasy games though those have two MMOs, 13 kind of sucked and 12 had mmo elements.
Real RPGs? Baldur's Gate, Planescape Torment, Arcanum, Temple of Elemental Evil, Neverwinter Nights 2 (NwN1 was basically a step over Diablo), Vampire the Masquerade: Bloodlines, Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic etc.
You claim the elder scrolls are not real rpgs? I have played every game on your real rpg list and skyrim is real and great rpg. Just because new games are different than old does not make them non rpg.
no problem man i just wish every person in every community could be the same as we are (mostly, ignoring the whole hexxat fiasco) but seeing as your not a fan if you want to try and get into it playing BG2 is better to start with as you have some levels behind you, BG1 is ruthless when you don't know what your doing / first time into this genre. for example my friend paddy never played any baldur's gate his first RPG was mass effect 1, he bought it on the steam sale (i suggested it to him to buy then as A: hes a student so he is poor and B: if he didn't like it it wouldn't have been a big loss) and he played a fighter and some how, i don't know how....he died to the first wolf he came across after candlekeep.
but if you don't like it feel free to stay and join in the other conversations we have on these forums
Solo is more or less the last thing i would try even at easy difficulty on my first play trough on this game,.. In BG 1 the first Wolf would moste likely kill you. (maybe i died 3-4 times on this Wolf,... not so proud) And the difficulty will stay hard with 3(0)-4(0) certaint death Encounters and more or less hundrets of "you survive when you are good prepared AND LUCKY! -> if you run for your life,.."
--- @mlnevese A recipe for either Monkey Balls, Amnish Dragon Soup, Baldur's Delight ? What do you want?
You don't like RPGs, you like Action-RPGs and MMOs. Diablo, the Elder Scrolls, Dragon's Dogma games, Dark Souls are action-rpgs. WoW, Eve, DDO and whatever, are MMOs. The only exception are the Final Fantasy games though those have two MMOs, 13 kind of sucked and 12 had mmo elements.
Real RPGs? Baldur's Gate, Planescape Torment, Arcanum, Temple of Elemental Evil, Neverwinter Nights 2 (NwN1 was basically a step over Diablo), Vampire the Masquerade: Bloodlines, Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic etc.
I think you mixed a little bit too much.
EvE Online is a open world game (sandbox). There is literally no restriction in chosing your path. The players make the storys, form alliances and fight about space. Questing and grinding for NPC's is a minor part of this game like an option you can chose. You don't need to do it. For some players this is the ultimate rpg and i can totally understand why.
World of Warcraft, SWTOR, Rift, GW1/2, TSW, Tera is no sandbox at all and players are more or less gathered in raids to grind some nice gear. Kill 5 pigs to get some gold.. i think this is the best description for these games.
Diablo, Sacred, Hellsing, Titan Quest are action packed rpg's. It is hack&slay grind.
Vampire the Masquerade 1 and 2 are the same style of game like Dishonored, Morrowind, Oblivion and Skyrim. Vampire is based on an P&P RPG System but the style of game is exactly the same.
BG/BG2, IWD, Planescape Torment, Arcanum, Realms of Arkania are strategic RPGs with a strong focus in writing and story.
Vampire the Masquerade 1 and 2 are the same style of game like Dishonored, Morrowind, Oblivion and Skyrim. Vampire is based on an P&P RPG System but the style of game is exactly the same.
BG/BG2, IWD, Planescape Torment, Arcanum, Realms of Arkania are strategic RPGs with a strong focus in writing and story.
Vampire:Bloodlines is the game he's talking about, I dunno which games you're talking about but Bloodlines has a lot more in common with Torment than it does Skyrim. And it doesn't have a sequel either. (mores the pity)
I don't think you really understand what a RPG is. It's not just about wandering around killing things and picking up loot. That's a hack and slash game, not an RPG. An RPG is all about immersing yourself in the game environment, pretending that you're actually in the world the game takes place in. As far as that goes, Baldur's Gate 2 is one of the best RPGs out there.
I think there's just too much RPG elitism right there, mate. What you described is just one way of enjoying an RPG game. But there are other ways too. For example, when I play BG2EE, I 'relate' to that person rather than pretending to be that person. It allows me to enjoy both good and evil playing styles.
Most hack and slash games are generally considered RPG games. They fall into the action RPG category which is a sub genre of RPG games. I've played games like diablo2 for years and I can tell you that social interactions come in abundance in these games, through gear hunting/trading in channels, boss runs with friends and pvp.
Speaking of role-playing, the BG and BG2EE might fit the purpose of tabletop role players perfectly well but I've seen people do this equally well in MMORPGs such as Ultima online and WOW. Both games are perfectly fine medium for role playing purposes.
Therefore I can not agree with your elitism attitude towards what you consider are 'RPG' games. I like fanboyism but not the blind XBOX vs PS3 types. But I agree that BG2EE is one of the best RPG games ever made due to good writing and nostalgic reasons.
To OP. If you like the D&D game mechanics of BG but prefer a game with less descriptive, I recommend Icewind dale 1 and 2 from GOG. Both are fantastic games.
I'm sorry, but people calling Morrowind not a true-RPG are wrong. In my opinion, sure, but totally wrong. Call Skyrim and Oblivion what you will- I consider them action-RPGs, myself (and enjoy action RPGs... I love the Mass Effect series for instance, despite it's many faults), but Morrowind it's talk, talk, talk, talk, talk, stand in front of a mudcrab and swing your sword for five hours, talk, talk, talk, talk, wander a wide open world with nothing but a vague idea of what you should be doing, talk some more, run from a cliffracer becaue they're too boring to kill, then some talking on top of it.
Morrowind is a good game, and deserves it's place with RPG's like Baldur's Gate and Torment.
And, meh, everyone's taste differs. Personally, I liked Torment's overwhelming amout of text and story, and sometimes wish BG was more talking, less killing trash mobs.
I think the OP is looking for something more like Icewind Dale then Baldur's Gate, honestly, though I agree with the suggestion that he (I think he?) should try Baldur's Gate 1 first.
Vampire the Masquerade 1 and 2 are the same style of game like Dishonored, Morrowind, Oblivion and Skyrim. Vampire is based on an P&P RPG System but the style of game is exactly the same.
BG/BG2, IWD, Planescape Torment, Arcanum, Realms of Arkania are strategic RPGs with a strong focus in writing and story.
Vampire:Bloodlines is the game he's talking about, I dunno which games you're talking about but Bloodlines has a lot more in common with Torment than it does Skyrim. And it doesn't have a sequel either. (mores the pity)
Vampire Redemption = Vampire the Masquerade 1 Vampire Bloodlines = Vampire the Masquerade 2
(both are based on Vampire the Masquerade not WoD)
Vampire Bloodlines has the same art of storytelling and the same art of advancing like the other games i mentioned in the category. The only difference is that Vampire Bloodlines is based on a given setting but in my opinion you don't need this background to make a good rpg.
There are many (MANY) different subgenres of RPGs. In this separate thread, we've named Action-RPGs, Computer-RPGs, Japanese RPGs, MMORPGs, and one that the original poster left out, Tactical-RPGs!
Some RPGs are very set in their writing and make you follow a distinct character through the story, much like any novel would. JRPGs are famous for this--you are not Lloyd Irving, you are following Lloyd Irving's story. The major critique of this type of storytelling is that it's very linear and offers the players very little choice, but the writing is usually the strongest.
Others are purely built on customization and rely heavily on the player's imagination and the game's lore to make the character and world come to life. Skyrim, and many MMORPGs rely heavily on this; the character can be anyone with any sort of personality the player gives him or her, but because of this, the writing in the story is sometimes vague, lacking, or weak. Or, in the case of MMORPGs, a grindfest.
Then there's games like Baldur's Gate that reach a middle-ground--all of the customization you want from Skyrim with a well-written story that offers choice to flesh out your character. But not every dialogue option you have in Baldur's Gate is going to reflect exactly what you imagine for your character. That is the risk that's run with a hybrid; you may try to please everyone, but you just can't.
Okay, so you tried Baldur's Gate 2, and didn't like it. That's okay; that's great even. It doesn't mean you "don't know what an RPG is" or "your favorite games aren't real RPGs." It just means you didn't like a certain game. And no, I don't think you did anything "wrong" either. Honestly, I think a lot of it stems from not being a native speaker; some of the dialogue can be a bit archaic, even for an english-speaker.
I'll second some of the earlier advice and recommend Icewind Dale and Icewind Dale 2. It's very similar gameplay to Baldur's Gate, but much lighter on the talking and story. Less details to sort out, more monsters to kill. And really, no matter what game it is, everyone likes monster-killing.
Vampire Redemption = Vampire the Masquerade 1 Vampire Bloodlines = Vampire the Masquerade 2
(both are based on Vampire the Masquerade not WoD)
Vampire Bloodlines has the same art of storytelling and the same art of advancing like the other games i mentioned in the category. The only difference is that Vampire Bloodlines is based on a given setting but in my opinion you don't need this background to make a good rpg.
Vampire the Masquerade is part of the World of Darkness. You mean they're not based on WoD2, which is Vampire the Requiem.
I would say the first half of Bloodlines is fairly much like an average RPG- lots of talking, your skills matter, your choices make differences in the world, your background makes differences in the world, you have the option to go at your own pace and do side quests rather then following a rail...
...But then you hit the last quarter of the game, which is pure hack and slash with really no roleplaying at all save for the very last decision. So I'm not sure where I would put it in the is it an rpg or is it an action-rpg squares.
Redemption, on the other hand, is pure action-rpg... if it's even an action-rpg. It might just qualify as pure hack and slash.
Okay, so you tried Baldur's Gate 2, and didn't like it. That's okay; that's great even. It doesn't mean you "don't know what an RPG is" or "your favorite games aren't real RPGs." It just means you didn't like a certain game. And no, I don't think you did anything "wrong" either. Honestly, I think a lot of it stems from not being a native speaker; some of the dialogue can be a bit archaic, even for an english-speaker.
@Nonnashwriter that thread was about CRPGs, RPGs tend to be P&P. And Skyrim offers no more customization than how do you look, which you can even create custom portraits from BG and beat it.
I would say the first half of Bloodlines is fairly much like an average RPG- lots of talking, your skills matter, your choices make differences in the world, your background makes differences in the world, you have the option to go at your own pace and do side quests rather then following a rail...
...But then you hit the last quarter of the game, which is pure hack and slash with really no roleplaying at all save for the very last decision. So I'm not sure where I would put it in the is it an rpg or is it an action-rpg squares.
Bloodlines is amazing if you can tolerate the combat in the last quarter of the game. It's a worthy purchase just for the Santa Monica part alone (remember the hotel level? I love playing that one late at night). For the last part, well, there's a lot of combat, but it's not *all* hack and slash. There's too much of it for sure, but there's still fun to be had. I also rather like the ending(s).
The game is also full of weird references. Especially Futurama references. Just felt like mentioning this. Must find all the references!
@Nonnashwriter that thread was about CRPGs, RPGs tend to be P&P. And Skyrim offers no more customization than how do you look, which you can even create custom portraits from BG and beat it.
This is true, but with so many different kinds of RPGs out there, it's hard to toss the generic name around and expect other people to know what you're talking about. In this case, P&P RPGs are much, much different from video-game RPGs.
I disagree with you on Skyrim's customization. Of course, it's not as "deep" as Baldur's Gate is, what with all the modding history and endless D&D lore to back it up, but there is more to pick than just your looks. There's your race, your choice of armor, the many enhancements that you can make to said armor, the particular skills you choose to focus in, the different magic combinations you decide to cast, the several weapons and combat styles you can choose from... Okay, so Baldur's Gate lets you make custom portraits while Skyrim does not, but considering that Skyrim doesn't even include a function like "character portraits" (mostly because it doesn't need one), I think that's a moot point.
I suppose if you did pour enough hours into Skyrim and spent enough skill points, every character would look nearly identical (excluding the different races), but that's a lot of time to dedicate to one game... Why waste all those hours when you could be doing something productive, like doing laundry or playing more Baldur's Gate? :P
Comments
I would also argue that the inclusion of Kits in BGEE can lead to some very OP Charnames right from the beginning.
Want a quick walkthrough for BG2 to make it more enjoyable?
First roll any character you want. And do the starting dungeon.
1. Once you finish, watch the epic battle between your captor, some thieves and party crashing mages.
2. Go talk to Mira who is a merchant a bit to the east of your starting location to sell any loot you do not want.
2.5 (optional) do the circus tent quest (since you already discovered it in another playthrough)
3. Head north east through the large opening and get to the edge of the map. You'll notice your cursor
will change. Once you gather your party and head forth there is only one map available The Slums, click it.
4. Once arriving there will be a "cut scene" between you and a guy that goes Gaelan Bayle. You'll be teleported to his house. He wants you to bring him money. After talking to him leave and head to the Copper Cornet which is the large bar in the middle of the slums map.
5. Go inside. Talk to Nalia. She'll tell you of a problem she is having at her estate. Get her to join your party (keeping minsc, jaheira, and yoshimo) as well as Anomen who is sulking in the corner.
6. Talk to Lord Jierdan and his problems (he's the guy that keeps saying I have a quest for you over his head)
7. Leave the bar and then leave the area. You'll notice the rest of the city is now open to be explored. Don't! Head straight to City Gates, and then straight to De'Arnise Hold.
8. You maybe waylaid (attacked in between going to the city gates and then to the Hold. It is up to you to do any of the quests that are given to you at these times)
9. Go do the De'Arnise hold. If you need a walkthrough to bypass the dialog try: http://www.sorcerers.net/Games/BG2/Walkthrough/dearnise.php
10. After helping Nalia, go do the Windspear Hills. walkthrough http://www.sorcerers.net/Games/BG2/Walkthrough/wspear.php
11. Doing those two dungeons will give you enough loot, xp and money to pay off Gaelan Bayle
12. From there the game can be very linear. Just keep doing the quests given to you until you are on a boat
I'm a bit surprised that you would advise a beginner to do the Windspear Hills quest so early in the game. Admittedly, I've never done it so soon, but I would think that is too difficult until you've gained some more levels. Not saying that it can't be done (obviously, since I've never tried myself), but there are so many other quests that I would deem easier, and closer to "home", for instance the slaver's quest in the Copper Coronet.
Still, I might have to try the above, just to check how it goes.
Diablo, the Elder Scrolls, Dragon's Dogma games, Dark Souls are action-rpgs.
WoW, Eve, DDO and whatever, are MMOs.
The only exception are the Final Fantasy games though those have two MMOs, 13 kind of sucked and 12 had mmo elements.
Real RPGs? Baldur's Gate, Planescape Torment, Arcanum, Temple of Elemental Evil, Neverwinter Nights 2 (NwN1 was basically a step over Diablo), Vampire the Masquerade: Bloodlines, Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic etc.
Well, i see that i did everything right until number 7... then i went to tal to everyone in the city, looking for directions and the exit...
Also, the only quest i tried was windspear hills, wich i couldnt... maybe it is really too soon as @victory_rose said...
So, i see that i did a lot of things wrong:
- i thought it was a NWN like game
- i skiped BG1
- i played solo
- i used an ipad
- i talk to every person in the game
- i tried windspear hills at level 8, solo.
And thanks to everyone that instead of criticize me (because i did not like the beloved game) helped me and did some very good analysis.
@fvmedeiros I hope you get the chance to try these games on a real desktop and really immerse yourself. I'm sure you'll grow to love it.
Praise be to Helm!
Yeah... and the beginning of BG 2 SoA is pretty shocking if u used the canon party in BG 1.
So, I guess good job if you're playing it really Evil?
no problem man i just wish every person in every community could be the same as we are (mostly, ignoring the whole hexxat fiasco) but seeing as your not a fan if you want to try and get into it playing BG2 is better to start with as you have some levels behind you, BG1 is ruthless when you don't know what your doing / first time into this genre. for example my friend paddy never played any baldur's gate his first RPG was mass effect 1, he bought it on the steam sale (i suggested it to him to buy then as A: hes a student so he is poor and B: if he didn't like it it wouldn't have been a big loss) and he played a fighter and some how, i don't know how....he died to the first wolf he came across after candlekeep.
but if you don't like it feel free to stay and join in the other conversations we have on these forums
In BG 1 the first Wolf would moste likely kill you. (maybe i died 3-4 times on this Wolf,... not so proud)
And the difficulty will stay hard with 3(0)-4(0) certaint death Encounters and more or less hundrets of "you survive when you are good prepared AND LUCKY! -> if you run for your life,.."
---
@mlnevese
A recipe for either Monkey Balls, Amnish Dragon Soup, Baldur's Delight ?
What do you want?
EvE Online is a open world game (sandbox). There is literally no restriction in chosing your path. The players make the storys, form alliances and fight about space. Questing and grinding for NPC's is a minor part of this game like an option you can chose. You don't need to do it. For some players this is the ultimate rpg and i can totally understand why.
World of Warcraft, SWTOR, Rift, GW1/2, TSW, Tera is no sandbox at all and players are more or less gathered in raids to grind some nice gear. Kill 5 pigs to get some gold.. i think this is the best description for these games.
Diablo, Sacred, Hellsing, Titan Quest are action packed rpg's. It is hack&slay grind.
Vampire the Masquerade 1 and 2 are the same style of game like Dishonored, Morrowind, Oblivion and Skyrim. Vampire is based on an P&P RPG System but the style of game is exactly the same.
BG/BG2, IWD, Planescape Torment, Arcanum, Realms of Arkania are strategic RPGs with a strong focus in writing and story.
And it doesn't have a sequel either. (mores the pity)
Most hack and slash games are generally considered RPG games. They fall into the action RPG category which is a sub genre of RPG games. I've played games like diablo2 for years and I can tell you that social interactions come in abundance in these games, through gear hunting/trading in channels, boss runs with friends and pvp.
Speaking of role-playing, the BG and BG2EE might fit the purpose of tabletop role players perfectly well but I've seen people do this equally well in MMORPGs such as Ultima online and WOW. Both games are perfectly fine medium for role playing purposes.
Therefore I can not agree with your elitism attitude towards what you consider are 'RPG' games. I like fanboyism but not the blind XBOX vs PS3 types. But I agree that BG2EE is one of the best RPG games ever made due to good writing and nostalgic reasons.
To OP. If you like the D&D game mechanics of BG but prefer a game with less descriptive, I recommend Icewind dale 1 and 2 from GOG. Both are fantastic games.
Morrowind is a good game, and deserves it's place with RPG's like Baldur's Gate and Torment.
And, meh, everyone's taste differs. Personally, I liked Torment's overwhelming amout of text and story, and sometimes wish BG was more talking, less killing trash mobs.
I think the OP is looking for something more like Icewind Dale then Baldur's Gate, honestly, though I agree with the suggestion that he (I think he?) should try Baldur's Gate 1 first.
Vampire Bloodlines = Vampire the Masquerade 2
(both are based on Vampire the Masquerade not WoD)
Vampire Bloodlines has the same art of storytelling and the same art of advancing like the other games i mentioned in the category. The only difference is that Vampire Bloodlines is based on a given setting but in my opinion you don't need this background to make a good rpg.
Some RPGs are very set in their writing and make you follow a distinct character through the story, much like any novel would. JRPGs are famous for this--you are not Lloyd Irving, you are following Lloyd Irving's story. The major critique of this type of storytelling is that it's very linear and offers the players very little choice, but the writing is usually the strongest.
Others are purely built on customization and rely heavily on the player's imagination and the game's lore to make the character and world come to life. Skyrim, and many MMORPGs rely heavily on this; the character can be anyone with any sort of personality the player gives him or her, but because of this, the writing in the story is sometimes vague, lacking, or weak. Or, in the case of MMORPGs, a grindfest.
Then there's games like Baldur's Gate that reach a middle-ground--all of the customization you want from Skyrim with a well-written story that offers choice to flesh out your character. But not every dialogue option you have in Baldur's Gate is going to reflect exactly what you imagine for your character. That is the risk that's run with a hybrid; you may try to please everyone, but you just can't.
Okay, so you tried Baldur's Gate 2, and didn't like it. That's okay; that's great even. It doesn't mean you "don't know what an RPG is" or "your favorite games aren't real RPGs." It just means you didn't like a certain game. And no, I don't think you did anything "wrong" either. Honestly, I think a lot of it stems from not being a native speaker; some of the dialogue can be a bit archaic, even for an english-speaker.
I'll second some of the earlier advice and recommend Icewind Dale and Icewind Dale 2. It's very similar gameplay to Baldur's Gate, but much lighter on the talking and story. Less details to sort out, more monsters to kill. And really, no matter what game it is, everyone likes monster-killing.
I would say the first half of Bloodlines is fairly much like an average RPG- lots of talking, your skills matter, your choices make differences in the world, your background makes differences in the world, you have the option to go at your own pace and do side quests rather then following a rail...
...But then you hit the last quarter of the game, which is pure hack and slash with really no roleplaying at all save for the very last decision. So I'm not sure where I would put it in the is it an rpg or is it an action-rpg squares.
Redemption, on the other hand, is pure action-rpg... if it's even an action-rpg. It might just qualify as pure hack and slash.
And Skyrim offers no more customization than how do you look, which you can even create custom portraits from BG and beat it.
The game is also full of weird references. Especially Futurama references. Just felt like mentioning this. Must find all the references!
I disagree with you on Skyrim's customization. Of course, it's not as "deep" as Baldur's Gate is, what with all the modding history and endless D&D lore to back it up, but there is more to pick than just your looks. There's your race, your choice of armor, the many enhancements that you can make to said armor, the particular skills you choose to focus in, the different magic combinations you decide to cast, the several weapons and combat styles you can choose from... Okay, so Baldur's Gate lets you make custom portraits while Skyrim does not, but considering that Skyrim doesn't even include a function like "character portraits" (mostly because it doesn't need one), I think that's a moot point.
I suppose if you did pour enough hours into Skyrim and spent enough skill points, every character would look nearly identical (excluding the different races), but that's a lot of time to dedicate to one game... Why waste all those hours when you could be doing something productive, like doing laundry or playing more Baldur's Gate? :P
But if not, your PC could be killed in any encounter.