This is a well done fantasy adventure crpg game. Apparently, its based on a more recent version of Dungeons and Dragons (version 5).
It feels more as though you need to explore every nook and cranny of the various areas, esp. for side quests. Although I haven't beaten the game just yet, I am close to finishing it (as far as I can tell-am nearly at Level 9). Side quests really should be more INVITING, never feeling as though you are "compelled" to do it, diversionary and relaxing, novel, imaginative, quirky, fun, suspenseful, hair raising, intense, whimsical, humorous, etc., and there is a fairly high level of difficulty regarding the obscurity of these side quests at times... The puzzle/obstacle aspect of this game is more medium-ish difficulty. Thankfully, there are no inane, "go fetch this item" quests, so to speak, or if there are, they are always combined with lore, combat, puzzles, obstacles, etc.
I would have liked to have had more areas, but yeah, I suppose everything I play I compare with Baldur's Gate in that respect. The variety of scenery is fairly substantial, as well as the kinds of monsters and villains you fight.
This first time through, I am playing on a medium difficulty level, with no cleric. So, its fairly tough, and there has been a lot to learn, regarding the mechanics of the game, but I'm picking it up, bit by bit.