Cool I just checked out some more info, Bioware's involvement is low-key probably just support with the game engine which stays the same. Bio-Ware and Black Isle work together good anyway (Obisidian has a great deal of talent from Black Isle). Picked up a little more of the plot.
It is five years after the events of KOTOR, the Republic is reeling from the effects of Darth Malak's Sith War and have abandoned many outer rim worlds to protect the more vital core worlds. The Sith are taking advantage of this and are attacking unprotected worlds (since the sith aren't in the core, they are either in the Outer Rim, or Unkown Space; can't remember when one becomes the other.) Many Jedi are falling to chaos and darkness. You play a Jedi who has a mysterious past, lost his/her connection the the force. It pretty much doesn't say much aside from you being pivotal in the history of the galaxy.
I can't really say I agree with you that BG:2 is better than BG. They are both great games and BG:2 does have a grander scheme, and more options. Not to mention better voice talent (Dwight Shultz and David Warner (WCM)). There was just something about BG one that seemed more D&D to me, but that is probably because I don't really like most of the Forgotten Realms fiction, Salvatore is a great auther, but Drizzt Sucks, he is way over the top.
The novels of the books aren't that bad, they are pretty bloody and descriptive, and Bodhi falls for Abdel Adrian (aka official name of the main character, I remember him being one of the pre-created characters, it made me mad cause he started out with a strength of 19).