The only times I've used or recommended any ersatz tabletop experience is when it's been for/with players that have played with each other in person enough that there's already a well-established group dynamic. As a pickup game with strangers and/or as an introduction to the game there's so much lost that the experience is almost soulless when compared to the original game. However, I've had great success in the past using Neverwinter Nights (with online DM control) as a "gateway drug" to gaming on the tabletop. BTW, in case you hadn't heard, NWN is set to get released on the Xbox (not sure about other consoles) later in 2019. I've already got a PC copy and recently snagged it for my tablet. I'll probably pick up a copy for the XB1 as well. If I get really ambitious I'll set up a persistent world on a barebones PC and let it run 24/7.