> What are the characteristics of a "Baldur's Gate" title beyond being a CRPG following DnD rules set in the areas around the city?
I wouldn't call it a defining characteristic since neither SoA nor ToB is happening in Baldur's Gate on nearby areas. But "top-down view cRPG heavy on RTwP D&D tactical combat with 6 character party" would be more or less correct, if imprecise, definition. Minsc unfortunately also seems to have become the distinctive characteristic of the series, but what can you do...
I wouldn't call it a defining characteristic since neither SoA nor ToB is happening in Baldur's Gate on nearby areas. But "top-down view cRPG heavy on RTwP D&D tactical combat with 6 character party" would be more or less correct, if imprecise, definition. Minsc unfortunately also seems to have become the distinctive characteristic of the series, but what can you do...