I completely agree that they attack slow, but the spells are more powerful, and they are much better imo. I did find some of the branches of magic in the newer game to be a little more fun.

I did really like the first one because you were a Gray Warden, a force to be reckoned with. In the second game, you are nothing more than a nobles nephew. The games is about investigating problems within the city, and gaining back your fortune. I also did not like that the when the second game ended, it was over. There was nothing else to do.
-----
When you upgraded Alistar, where did you put his skill points? I poured every point he got into strength, and I gave him the special edition armor. He was just a power house.