Am I the only person missing narrated sequences such as these?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J6hPHtzrfCQ
They were used to emulate the Pen and Paper experience, with the narrator substituting the Gamemaster.
The aim was to let our imagination work, and I must say it worked rather brilliantly. This technique was used very effectively by Obsidian in MotB (much better VA certainly enhanced the feeling) :
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-huTFB57yEc
Most importantly, such method is fairly cheap and quick. Hence why it was used in the older titles, but I believe it's a viable artistic choice.
On that note, bring back Rodger Bumpass back!