Seems like I'm in the minority--I backed both Project Eternity and Torment: Tides of Numenera despite never having played Baldur's Gate, Icewind Dale, or Planescape Torment. So why did I back two games on Kickstarter that are throwbacks to something I never tried? Well for one, I love RPGs and can't get enough good ones. And the descriptions seemed to highlight the aspects of them I like the most: a great story full of interesting characters; a world that reacts to who you are and what you do; lots of character creation options that can really vary the gameplay. And after having to fight EA several times for various reasons, I was happy to support a developer staying more independent rather than going the way of Bioware. Finally I also like the idea of Linux growing as a platform for games, and both offered Linux support (at least as a stretch goal).
So how am I liking it? So far so good. There are definitely some things that are taking some getting used to. I'm not sure I'll ever think that having characters sit around until you explicitly tell them what to do is the best way to make things work (Say what you want about Dragon Age, but the tactics system--while far from perfect--is a nice balance between dumb auto attack and requiring micro management while still allowing you to do either of those if you prefer). Also the per-rest system (for abilities! health! fatigue!) terrifies me. When will I get to rest again?! What if I run into someone on my way and I need that ability?! BETTER USE NOTHING NOW! The amount of reading is also interesting, but I'm getting used to that and it's well done enough that it's actually kind of cool. I'm totally loving the breadth of classes and races (subraces!) available. Honestly if the game ended when you got to Gilded Vale, I might still be happy to just create characters and run them through the intro. So much more interesting than the Warrior/Mage/Rogue options most games give you. Also more interesting than where the class is just the selection of common skills you're good at.
So we'll see. Maybe I will get frustrated with having to read and micromanage everything. But as for now I'm totally loving this game.