That’s a solid list, though I’m surprised to see Pillars up there. Gave both 1 and 2 really serious tries, tens of hours each, and just couldn’t get through them. Flat characters and uninspired world, I felt. I even like Critical Role but found their performance in PoE2 phoned in.
Both of my playthroughs were completed before that feature was added.
Grimrock and Grimrock II were awesome! Not really CRPGs, though. Dungeon crawlers in the tradition of Eye of the Beholder (apparently the sub-genre is called “blobbers,” I am amused to have just learned. On account of the party moving around as a blob).
Personal taste is always a factor. I’m curious, though - which CRPGs do you consider less tedious/more interesting?
How quickly gear became obsolete in DOS2 is a super valid criticism. No loot, no matter how unique, ever felt special because you knew as soon as you leveled up there’d be better at the merchants.
Since Baldur’s Gate 3 is built on a framework of D&D 5e, however, there should be a lot less shopping - upgrades are rare in 5th edition and almost always found while adventuring instead of bought from stores. Good news for anyone who hates shopping!
Gonna have to wait until after BG3!