I wish to register a complaint!
fkirenicus
Member Posts: 331
But not about a dead parrot. 
So 2.0 is out - far earlier than I thought. I must confess that I've been watching these forums somewhat lazily these few last months as my game has been working perfectly on PC and Android. I was aware of 2.0 being in the works, and had seen the screen shots (which didn't appeal much to me), but no - I had never thought it was just around the corner.
So when I was notified yesterday that there was an update I never thought of version 2.0 at all. I thought it was just a minor update, something needed for SoD perhaps (which I intend to buy at one point, though not now). Much to my dismay I realised when the game started that it was indeed version 2.0. And my fears were soon confirmed: I had got the new UI which I consider un-Baldurlike. Worse, it seems that save game compatibility between 1.3 and 2.0 is broken. That means I cannot transfer save files between PC and Android devices anymore - not until Android also is updated to version 2.0, at any rate.
Patch 2.0 is a huge overtaking that changes much of the game. I really think the patcher should have explicitly stated what was about to happen, not only warning about the override folder being emptied as usual; something like:
"WARNING! The game is about to patched to version 2.0. This will result in new UI and several other fundamental game changes. Also, contents in the override folder will be deleted.
Do you wish to continue?"
I REALLY hope we will be given the option of going back to 1.3 or at least given the choice which UI (elements) we want to use, but I fear that's pretty futile. I do hope Beamdog proves me wrong, though. I also hope that save incompatibility is looked into and fixed, if it is indeed broken and can be fixed.
EDIT:
Actually it seems that save game compatibility is NOT broken, as I had thought after reading about other peoples' problems. Maybe it's because they use mods that are incompatible as of now with version 2.0? I use a modded game, but only override mods created by myself (having created override folders with identical content on my both PC and mobile units), no WeiDU mods or other dialog.tlk changing mods...
So the main issue for me remains the new UI - especially the spell books, character records and shop screens are IMHO not very good looking.
Also, it seems to me that it's not possible to make personal map points anymore? That's a shame if that indeed is the case - I use this a lot in areas like AR3500, which can be pretty difficult for a low-level party...
Also, I use it to mark off houses I haven't looted yet in Beregost, Nashkel and BG City.
So 2.0 is out - far earlier than I thought. I must confess that I've been watching these forums somewhat lazily these few last months as my game has been working perfectly on PC and Android. I was aware of 2.0 being in the works, and had seen the screen shots (which didn't appeal much to me), but no - I had never thought it was just around the corner.
So when I was notified yesterday that there was an update I never thought of version 2.0 at all. I thought it was just a minor update, something needed for SoD perhaps (which I intend to buy at one point, though not now). Much to my dismay I realised when the game started that it was indeed version 2.0. And my fears were soon confirmed: I had got the new UI which I consider un-Baldurlike. Worse, it seems that save game compatibility between 1.3 and 2.0 is broken. That means I cannot transfer save files between PC and Android devices anymore - not until Android also is updated to version 2.0, at any rate.
Patch 2.0 is a huge overtaking that changes much of the game. I really think the patcher should have explicitly stated what was about to happen, not only warning about the override folder being emptied as usual; something like:
"WARNING! The game is about to patched to version 2.0. This will result in new UI and several other fundamental game changes. Also, contents in the override folder will be deleted.
Do you wish to continue?"
I REALLY hope we will be given the option of going back to 1.3 or at least given the choice which UI (elements) we want to use, but I fear that's pretty futile. I do hope Beamdog proves me wrong, though. I also hope that save incompatibility is looked into and fixed, if it is indeed broken and can be fixed.
Actually it seems that save game compatibility is NOT broken, as I had thought after reading about other peoples' problems. Maybe it's because they use mods that are incompatible as of now with version 2.0? I use a modded game, but only override mods created by myself (having created override folders with identical content on my both PC and mobile units), no WeiDU mods or other dialog.tlk changing mods...
So the main issue for me remains the new UI - especially the spell books, character records and shop screens are IMHO not very good looking.
Also, it seems to me that it's not possible to make personal map points anymore? That's a shame if that indeed is the case - I use this a lot in areas like AR3500, which can be pretty difficult for a low-level party...
Also, I use it to mark off houses I haven't looted yet in Beregost, Nashkel and BG City. Post edited by fkirenicus on
5
Comments
But I really loath it! It feels so out of place with the game's original style.
The character records screen seems compact and messy. The spell book seem to utilize space poorly with the memorized spells in the bottom. The journal is now an overlay for whatever reason. I have mixed feelings about that one. The map now does an annoying kind of zooming in and out when you choose it.
With that said, I'm all about the options. I would really like a checkbox for 'use old spellbook ui' or such.
I have the game installed with some mods and am totally happy with the way it plays. Still got lots of mods to try out, I don't want to update anything that changes the version I have.
Also being very nervous about the UI changes that a lot don't seem to like.
If I rebuy the game along with SOD from Beamdog, I was planning to do that as I do want to support the company, will it over write my current installed games, BG and BG2, which I bought from GOG?
Or will the new versions install separately and sit happily alongside the older versions with their own desktop icons which allows me to play either version, old installed version for mods ect., new version for added content?
Actually, this DOES seem to work... Provided one starts a new game. I cannot get it working in my current playthrough that was started in version 1.3, but if I start a new 2.0 game it works just fine.
Just have to say I fear I may run into several problems about things not appearing to be working after the 2.0 patch in my playthrough, and that I might as well just start a new game instead.
So, I would add this to the warning I mentioned in the opening post:
"Also note that it might be best to start a new game."
@fkirenicus
Thanks for the replies...........now just have to work out how to "back up my installation" just in case.
Talking total moron here, it takes me an age to find the files at the best of times to install a mod.
Why do computers hide things all over the damn place?
I think I need to call on the children for this.
But in no hurry, Beamdog will get my custom eventually and what's a couple of weeks after 18 years.
Will look more into this later today - but it seems save game compatibility may be broken after all.
Rightclick on the game in your library list, choose properties>betas, and on the dropdown list which probably says "NONE", change it to bg_ee_1.3.
Note: I haven't tried this myself, as I'm liking the update. But it should work.
That's not the beta. The beta is what has now become 2.0 (which in my opinion is and was a big improvement, some might disagree). The beta tab is just the menu that Steam uses to allow different versions - it's intended for betas, but old versions can be put on it too. That should give you v1.3, which is what the non-beta people had before the update. Doing this could cause problems with multiplayer (since it isn't the supported version), and you will obviously lose the 2.0 features, like the Shaman class.
I've had other games that got broken by an update. People just do this to revert to before the patch and wait for a hotfix to be released and make it more stable.
Then I shall quadruple backup the old version for future uses. Had I read the forum BEFORE runing the 3.2gb update yesterday I would not have lost so much time with this.
A suggestion for Beamdog? Old classic Interface should be a bullet-point option in the menu (with a restart required most likely) for those of us who just want the classic experience. It should not take you long to make and would make A LOT of ppl like us happy.
I can understand that some people find it annoying, but Im seriously starting to wonder if people have corrupt installations or something, because I've had 0 issues with this version of the game.
I was perfectly happy the way BG:EE was before... I was happy with what I paid for and wasn't really asking for more. The extra new characters and their story where all awesome and a nice touch of freshness in my 10h-11th run thru the game. Looking thru Quill18's YouTube series it had appeared as tho the version he was running (as of Dec'2015) was even MORE beautiful and nice than the one I was playing in 2013. It was a severe case of W-T-F moment when I got to play the game last Friday and not being able to get the graphics to that level (anymore).
I've tried to get 2 more times into the game today... I really just cannot stand this new interface.
Hence my suggestion to BeamDog about giving a choice as to which graphics/UI you want to use in the menu. It makes so much sense, especially since a lot of folks appear to not mind the ugly new character model (maybe I'm that much of a stickler to the old graphics?).
It's very annoying not to be able to douse the itch and play the game the way I remember it.
I hope I get an answer (and my steam key) sooner than later...
/end rant
The offending posts have been removed from this thread; carry on and be excellent to each other.
Clearly, accusing people of "whining" and declaring their views invalid are within site rules, whereas replying in kind isn't. Not even simply saying such people do not decide what is a valid complaint appears to be within "site rules", since you decided to delete that post as well.
Very well. I - we all - get the picture.
Beamdog, what the hell have you done to my game??
The new look is atrocious, and the interfaces childish and patronising. This looks more like some online knock-off than Baldur's Gate now.
Over the last few months, I have become seriously disappointed in you, and what you are doing to a classic. I don't recall anyone being consulted about these changes. At the least, I most certainly had no forewarning. There comes a time when you have to step back and ask yourself "do I really need to do this pointless thing?"
Unbelievable.
Addendum: Dee, you are already unpopular enough with your 'moderation', as shown by the backlash against fkirenicus. You are supposed to remain neutral in this, not virtue-signal and shut down anyone who challenges you.
The OP is concentrated on the new UI from 2.0 version and a chance (or a lack of it) to return to the UI from 1.3 version.
While it indeed may be disappointing for some players, you still have to try to offer constuctive critique, so that the developers knew what exactly you would like to see/to be changed.
Ever since 2.0 version went into the public beta, players have been sharing their opinions and views on new features, and UI among them. It has been stated in the patch notes that the UI is a subject of further tweaking.
As Dee pointed out in this thread, you can create Redmine tickets, or you can express you views on the forum, but it would help everyone if while doing so you give more than just talking about your attitude towards the developers.
But, to pay respect in kind - didn't you previously say people must read things carefully? Why is it such a bother for you to scroll through "a giant info section"
Calm down, dude.
And no, the new UI is NOT the reason I'm less than satisfied (though I disagree that it's intuitive) - my main complaint is that save game compatibility is broken, and won't be fixed until the Android version gets the upgrade. For one who eagerly plays the (same) game(s) at both PC and mobile devices (and thus have spent a fair amount of money on the games), that's simply disastrous. Fortunately I found I could use the (legit) 1.3 version installed on my work computer also on my private computer. So all my problems are solved for now, but I won't update at least until Android and PC versions match again.