Remember, BGI was released only about two years after Doom. - Edit 1
Before modification by Joel at 13/09/2012 12:09:24 AM
so it's basically tutu+
Have they updated the graphics? I have talked to a few contemporary gamers unimpressed with BG because the graphics are so outdated (even though they were state of the art at the time.)
BG was never acclaimed for its graphics. it was about the storyline, the scope of the world, the successful implementation of AD&D rules, the customisation, replayability, the immersion...don't think i can wait another 6 days!
essentially it was only paper dolls characters with limited movements. the spells were visually good and the background art was fantastic.
The need to depict huge swathes of map made characters a bit small, but there is simply no comparison between Dooms graphics (which were quite important for spotting secrets and appreciating gibs) and BGs. Either computer graphics in general got MUCH better than even that in 2-3 years, or BG had top of the line graphics.
Not that I dispute your assessment of its strengths and appeal, but it hardly skimped on graphics quality even if it did not exploit them much.