I agree that BG2 is the longer game, and has a nicer feel & look to it and stuff. However, I don't really like the story in BG2. You just have this ONE main bad guy who, for some reason, has been
thrown out of his own community.
We don't really get a take ion why this has happened or what is motivations are for doing what he is doing --- besides the he is 'evil' comment.
(iirc).
On the other hand, the original baldur's gate, especially with its add-in, Tales of The Sword Coast, is a very very great game (imo).
The story is much deeper, much more dark & sinister and even has a few political twists and turns. There are reasons behind why the characters in the game do what they do;
they do what they do for power etc. - not just
because they are teh evil....
I agree that the first 1/4 of the game may seem a bit boring at times, when it comes to the story.
However, the combat really eases you out ot this.
And the combat in the first INN was really, really hard. I had to try 4-6 times (or more) to defeat
the guy. I had a real feel of accomplishment, as I did when I finally got my high level spells (like spelsl
for level 3 or 4 or maybe 5, I think).
The narrative structure in BG1 also is very good:
Aas disocver more & more of the plot, you also discover more and more on your background
(in the game, of course
):
That's why BG1 is worth getting, as are all BG games...