Pillars of Eternity

 PC
User Score
8.3

Generally favorable reviews- based on 2683 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 2,104 out of 2683
  2. Mixed: 308 out of 2683
  3. Negative: 271 out of 2683
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  1. Keron_Heruman
    Aug 24, 2023
    9
    New world, new lore, new game mechanics... with all the essence of the Baldur's gate saga. Very well rounded cRPG plenty of options with a deep history and an immense quantity of (very well written) text. Some punctual strange decisions, as some illogical relation attributes/abilities or the stronghold management, impede the 10/10
  2. apokalipto
    Aug 23, 2023
    9
    Very good game. I enjoyed playing this game a lot. I strongly recommend this.
  3. gracjanski
    Aug 16, 2023
    10
    Many good improvements to the already great Baldurs Gate & Co. gameplay. So yes, here you can build up many characters, not just one and yes, it is complex :) Finally the inventory is big enough and the graphic looks well. Only the manual should have been bigger (definitive edition)
    The story is good, especially there are a lot of details to discover, for example the story of the world.    Many good improvements to the already great Baldurs Gate & Co. gameplay. So yes, here you can build up many characters, not just one and yes, it is complex :) Finally the inventory is big enough and the graphic looks well. Only the manual should have been bigger (definitive edition)
    The story is good, especially there are a lot of details to discover, for example the story of the world. Sound/Music are perfect.

    But there should be less text to read. And some cinematics to improve the presentation of the story could be great also.    … Expand
  4. bigbigtimeboy
    Jul 18, 2023
    10
    These guys had a VISION. Awesome birds eye isometric RPG - cool story in a world rich with lore and side quests - all kinds of NPCs to interact with and impact your decisions/endings. Great character customization, some crafting and base building tossed in. And the UI for the combat/spell system is super easy to learn. Just the right amount of depth!! I played The White March pt 1 andThese guys had a VISION. Awesome birds eye isometric RPG - cool story in a world rich with lore and side quests - all kinds of NPCs to interact with and impact your decisions/endings. Great character customization, some crafting and base building tossed in. And the UI for the combat/spell system is super easy to learn. Just the right amount of depth!! I played The White March pt 1 and 2 (both add-ons) and they really added to the storyline.… Expand
  5. Magical_Viktor
    Apr 30, 2023
    9
    Существуют просто Зло и Большое Зло, а за ними обоими в тени прячется Очень Большое Зло. Очень Большое Зло, Геральт, это такое, которого ты и представить себе не можешь, даже если думаешь, будто уже ничто не в состоянии тебя удивить. И знаешь, Геральт, порой бывает так, что Очень Большое Зло схватит тебя за горло и скажет: «Выбирай, братец, либо я, либо то, которое чуточку поменьше»Существуют просто Зло и Большое Зло, а за ними обоими в тени прячется Очень Большое Зло. Очень Большое Зло, Геральт, это такое, которого ты и представить себе не можешь, даже если думаешь, будто уже ничто не в состоянии тебя удивить. И знаешь, Геральт, порой бывает так, что Очень Большое Зло схватит тебя за горло и скажет: «Выбирай, братец, либо я, либо то, которое чуточку поменьше»
  6. Hyperfailure
    Apr 29, 2023
    8
    A well made tRPG with a gripping story and characters (most anyway). Combat felt fair and interesting, character classes well balanced and certain builds kicking arse hard.
  7. TianLong1
    Mar 31, 2023
    9
    My first time playing a Baldur's gate-like game, and it made me fall in love with the genre, making me hungry for more games like this. Lots of customization and the possibility to create your own characters to join your party. Great RPG game.
  8. Pmstz
    Jan 25, 2023
    8
    Just an excellent RPG video game.
    +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
  9. Elkedacion
    Nov 22, 2022
    9
    Za mne skvělé RPG. Taková klasika.
    Navic se dá do hry stáhnout čeština.
    STEAM + GoG verze - 9/10
    EPIC-Store verze - 1/10 ODPAD!
    Důvod je ten, že Epic úmyslně poškodil soubory hry, aby nemohly být použity modifikace a čeština.
  10. Onemoreartem
    Nov 14, 2022
    9
    Первая CRPG, которую я прошел до конца залпом и не снижая сложность под финал.
  11. DankNemes
    Jul 25, 2022
    10
    I've read the story of the game in Blood, Sweat and Pixels (great book that you should definitely read) and it shows that the hard work that the developers went through with crafting this game has paid off, good game.
  12. JasonBaro
    Jul 25, 2022
    8
    Love the game and the gameplay, graphics and story. It is a bit difficult when you start, if you don't know the RPG system from before. Once you break the code, you can create some epic characters that will be almost invincible (paired with the right team-mates).
  13. Tomplexthis
    Jul 7, 2022
    9
    A generally flawless RPG game that has more depth than any single bethesda garbage you will ever chew up and spit back out. Mods keep those games alive, but Pillars of Eternity, stands on its own two feet. especially if you like Baldurs Gate, or any other CRPG, this is pretty much the best one ive played
  14. RedDragonSchool
    Apr 9, 2022
    10
    Pillars of Eternity is a rightful successor of Baldur's Gate and Icewind Dale series, with fantastic nostalgy vibes (and with some less fantastic oversized lore dumps but that's totally forgivable, considering the overall high quality and amount of quality content in the game). The music - absolutely beautiful - is a perfect marriage of Icewind Dale and Baldur's Gate themes.
  15. Odal
    Jan 4, 2022
    8
    I think it was a great game in many aspects. I really loved the atmosphere especially, like the endless path with it's music and mystery (even though you thought it would never end).

    The idea with the castle was really fun. But sadly it falls short since it didn't really matter how much you built. So why build at all? It could have been a really fun aspect of the game though with    I think it was a great game in many aspects. I really loved the atmosphere especially, like the endless path with it's music and mystery (even though you thought it would never end).

    The idea with the castle was really fun. But sadly it falls short since it didn't really matter how much you built. So why build at all? It could have been a really fun aspect of the game though with improvments.

    The story and setting was also intriguing to me. However, the first part was better than the second part of the game. A few characters were really good, I liked Kana, Eder and Aloth for example. But generally I do think the game would have needed more interesting characters to choose from. The sidequests were really good sometimes, to take an example I stumbled upon a dungeon and there I found a temple with worshippers of revenge in the name of Skaen. Very unexpected and cool.

    The area where the game really falls short to me and made me not want to play it was the combat. The live-combat mess was just pure annoyance to me, not fun. Usually lacked tactics as well. Either you completely stomped the enemy and then it didn't matter much what you did, or you got stomped yourself and then it felt the same. I much prefer the Divinity way of doing things with turn based combat. Yes I know, you can turn it on, but a game which is not made for it in the first place is just not as good in turn based as Divinity for example.

    Personally I do not like that you cannot turn the camera as well, it gives you less freedom. I know this mimics the games of old, like Baldur's gate. But it's more annoying than adding anything to the gameplay.

    Pillars of Eternity 1 was a lot better than Deadfire, in my opinion at least.. especially when it comes to setting and story. But also the whole aesthetics of Deadfire with African italians in European clothes with weird accents just felt off to me.

    Anyway. It's worth 7.5 or 8/10. Worth playing once at least, for sure.. for any RPG fan.

    +
    Music
    Setting
    Mainstory
    World
    The idea of castle building

    -
    Too few good characters
    Combat
    Castle building not having any impact    … Expand
  16. ylnylmn
    Nov 12, 2021
    9
    It took me 98 hours to finish the game. What an adventure it was. An awesome story. Each character has their own story and they are very good. Although it doesn't impress me as much as Baldur's Gate, it's just as good a game. The world is wide and there are many things to do. Side quests, dungeons are nice. You have your own stronghold and it added fun to the game. I did all bounty quests.It took me 98 hours to finish the game. What an adventure it was. An awesome story. Each character has their own story and they are very good. Although it doesn't impress me as much as Baldur's Gate, it's just as good a game. The world is wide and there are many things to do. Side quests, dungeons are nice. You have your own stronghold and it added fun to the game. I did all bounty quests. The variety of items is nice, the abilities we use are many. In some battles, we may need to play more strategically, which makes the game more enjoyable. Except for the final boss and the Endless Path Boss, the gameplay wasn't difficult. Of course, I finished it on normal difficulty. But if you are confident in yourself, I say play harder. It will be more enjoyable. It was a great game in general, and so was the music. I definitely recommend.… Expand
  17. Bioreactor1987
    Oct 19, 2021
    8
    Вроде ничего так, но на середине задолбала.
    Много спорных моментов, да и количество мобов на кв.м. раздражает.
  18. RafaelgFaria
    Sep 23, 2021
    10
    It's a great game, with so many contents, a rich story, and a beautiful world. It's a dense game in terms of dialogue and quests, so, the lovers of an enjoyable reading will enjoy the game and its contents.
  19. IloveCookies
    Sep 6, 2021
    10
    One of my favourite games! Especially with the White March DLC. Love the characters, especially Aloth, Eder and Kana. So happy I backed it on Kickstarter.
  20. seriousboris
    Aug 13, 2021
    10
    One of the greatest rpg's of all time! Honestly, every rpg lover must play this if he didnt yet!
  21. jani7
    Jul 20, 2021
    10
    This is how RPG should look like. After 5 years still the top! Many studios could learn from this one how to make a storylines and whole living world. Good job guys!
  22. razorwind
    Mar 29, 2021
    10
    I'd say it's too difficult for the casual player, but the writing is unparalleled. Josh Sawyer is a legend of storytelling, and it shows. The plot is rich with nuance, detail, horror, and grief - but not without a faint ray of hope. I hope this genre will become more popular in the future, and Obisidan will continue to make games like this one.
  23. Gorlumov
    Feb 8, 2021
    9
    Настоящее возвращение в мир классических изометрических CRPG! Хорошо знакомые любителям такой классики как Baldur's Gate и Icewind Dale стилистика и интерфейс. Но самое главное потрясающий загадочный мир полный мистики и тайн, уводящих в глубь мироздания этой вселенной.Настоящее возвращение в мир классических изометрических CRPG! Хорошо знакомые любителям такой классики как Baldur's Gate и Icewind Dale стилистика и интерфейс. Но самое главное потрясающий загадочный мир полный мистики и тайн, уводящих в глубь мироздания этой вселенной.
  24. Geralt123
    Dec 29, 2020
    8
    I enjoyed this game overall. I would say it is a solid 8/10. I enjoyed it, but sometimes it was a bit boring with all the political stuff going on.

    This game is very long if you do all the quests and DLCs (about 200 hours). The first 10-20 hours (until you get to the big hub city) are a bit boring but once you reach this city, your questlog will explode and you will fight a lot! So    I enjoyed this game overall. I would say it is a solid 8/10. I enjoyed it, but sometimes it was a bit boring with all the political stuff going on.

    This game is very long if you do all the quests and DLCs (about 200 hours).

    The first 10-20 hours (until you get to the big hub city) are a bit boring but once you reach this city, your questlog will explode and you will fight a lot! So have a little patience.

    Pros
    -------------------
    - Dark setting felt good to me, also the cozy atmosphere with the old houses and the bonfires
    - Dialogues are good
    - Complex, deep story
    - Good interaction of companions
    - Combat ist so much fun with many different spells as a Wizard
    - Graphics are made with love and attention to detail
    - Likeable companions in party
    - Complex biographies of companions, complex personalities
    - Day and Night cycle

    Neutral
    -------------------
    - Story is a bit boring at times with all the gods and animancer stuff. There is very much political and religious stuff going on.
    - The reading is a bit dry sometimes

    Cons
    -------------------
    - Loading screens every time you enter a house, enter a map or go to another floor in a dungeon. This is the worst part of the game!
    - Combat has some smaller problems like pathfinding problems and no transparency in fights what is actually going on. But it's not that bad.
    - Not all dialogues are voiced. For example, the first two lines might be voiced and the next lines not. Only mainstory voiced.
    - Insane amount of reading (soul texts etc.)
    - Per Rest system for Wizard spells: Your spells are not refilled per fight but per rest. Bad thing about this is that you can only rest with Camping Supplies of which you can carry only 4. But for many dungeons, you will need more than 4.
    So you will be using your Camping stuff in the Dungeon and then travel back to the inn in order to rest. This can be very annoying.

    I would recommend this on sale for max. 10 Euros / Dollars.

    Compared to other games I would say: Divinity 2 > POE > Patfhinder: Kingmaker    … Expand
  25. CaptainChaos
    Oct 18, 2020
    9
    If you miss the old Baldurs Gate, I find this game to be substantially the same more or less, in many ways except for the "city management." Great very old school mechanics, wonderful rich lore, decent writing, very little voice acting but it's excellent. I am only in Chapter 1 but apparently have 120 hours (on hard difficulty) so no complaints at all really.

    Combat sometimes is both    If you miss the old Baldurs Gate, I find this game to be substantially the same more or less, in many ways except for the "city management." Great very old school mechanics, wonderful rich lore, decent writing, very little voice acting but it's excellent. I am only in Chapter 1 but apparently have 120 hours (on hard difficulty) so no complaints at all really.

    Combat sometimes is both too hard and way too easy on Normal, so I'm not sure what to say. I suspect when I'm in areas I belong with the correct party, pausing every 2 seconds and well rested, it goes to the way easier side. When I'm not (I went too far into the keep for my level but I didn't know that) it was difficult even untenable. I wish there was some way to gauge this or maybe I just haven't figured it out.

    The resting system is very old school, and I thought I would really miss that, but I have to say, all it does is force me to go all the way home instead. They fix this with camping supplies which are ... cheap or expensive depending on how you spend your coin on other things, but you can only carry a limited supply I don't understand the point of that. I think better would be to significantly (1) increase the price of camping supplies (2) take the limit off (3) making resting elsewhere more risky to go back or something or expensive. Despite all this blah blah it's really not a big deal. Doesn't detract from the game that much, and for 1980s, 1990s fans, may enhance it.

    The Keep ... is ... interesting but I find certain aspects frustrating. I have absolutely no idea how much security I need, or how many if anyone I should hire - they are expensive. Some are very expensive. I prefer the party combat and rpg side, but I don't mind some of the activities and story around the keep. Some people might be very turned off by it though. It does act as a huge money sink though for now.

    (SAVE GAME ORDER) DEVELOPERS: THE ONLY REAL CRITICISM I HAVE, is that the top save game in the list is frequently NOT the most current. You have to painstakingly look through your manual saves, quick saves and auto saves to determine which has the correct time stamp. WHAT? Please fix this. It's awful, and inexcusable 30 years into this.

    Done Well: Combat speed and steal controls. Hot keyed properly you can go in and out of that with ease, managing the whole party or individuals very nicely.

    So far, I totally recommend, particularly for those Jonsing for an old school BG adventure, but keep the comments above in mind.    … Expand
  26. Stryker_777
    Sep 11, 2020
    8
    This game is quite underrated. For someone like me who can't stand modern games for how linear and easy they are, Pillars of Eternity is highly relieving and satisfying because it is built on an old-school formula that made games deeper and more open-ended. I especially like to customize my party with custom portraits and unique characters that I designed. So in a way, I get to participateThis game is quite underrated. For someone like me who can't stand modern games for how linear and easy they are, Pillars of Eternity is highly relieving and satisfying because it is built on an old-school formula that made games deeper and more open-ended. I especially like to customize my party with custom portraits and unique characters that I designed. So in a way, I get to participate in the storytelling.
    The combat is much better than Baldur's Gate IMO. On Path of the Damned it is challenging enough without being frustrating. There are myriad ways to solve battles and the creativity strategizing in combat is one of the richest aspects of the game. They've done it well.
    I wish there were more types of enemies, some of them are reused too much. There's weird moments like looting an item that you can't equip because it went straight into your stash, but you can't access your stash until you campfire. So basically it prevents you from equipping an item you just found! That is a totally unnecessary mechanic.
    The itemization is fine to me. Some people complained about it but I don't see a problem. There are enough unique items and finds along the way. The loot is similar to Baldur's Gate, it 's somewhat sparse and not the main focus of the game. This ain't Diablo. You can also upgrade any of your favorite items so none of them become obselete, which adds a nice element of gear customization that didn't exist in Baldur's Gate.
    The game doesn't constantly reward you, sometimes you'll just waste your time or do a dungeon only to discover a very mediocre item in the end. Unlike modern games it doesn't pander, there is no such thing as an "Achievement" (which I've always thought were pointless) and it won't string you long with shiny rewards. You have to roleplay a lot and become immersed, and what did it for me was having my own unique 6-character party and imagining their personalities as I went along. The stronghold also adds to the roleplaying giving your character a home in the world and getting to roleplay as a Lord sitting in his throne, hearing petitioners and while the events are inconsequential, it still adds a lot of roleplaying & immersion.
    The setting is unique and really has its own flavor, it is somewhat reminiscent of Planescape: Torment. Some have called it trite but I disagree, it is perfectly dark for me and while I never read any of the in-game books or know much about the overall lore, I still enjoy what I've absorbed as I played through.
    This is the ultimate evolution of Baldur's Gate, a highly refined game and a true RPG so don't listen to the critics and give it an honest attempt! You might fall in love.    … Expand
  27. almax
    Jul 19, 2020
    10
    Wonderful classic rpg with interesting story, huge world and enjoyable combat.
    Do not miss it
  28. WeNeedAliens
    Jul 19, 2020
    9
    A very solid RPG. Had a lot of fun with it, would recommend to anyone that enjoys these type of games.
  29. bucefalo33
    Jul 2, 2020
    8
    My rating:
    Sound 8/10
    Graphic* 9/10
    Gameplay 9/10
    Replay value 7/10
    Story 8/10

    Total 8/10**

    * Graphic rating has to be contextualized for the year of the release.
    ** Total is a weighted average rounded up where the weight for every element is:
    Sound 1
    Graphic 2
    Gameplay 3
    Replay Value 1
    Story 3
  30. skdursh
    Jun 28, 2020
    8
    Do you like Infinity Engine games? Do you miss the golden era of CRPGs? Then buy this. 8.5/10 game that carries the torch and proudly pays homage to some of the greatest games ever made.
  31. theirrelephants
    May 20, 2020
    8
    Great RPG but combat started being a boring drag when I was over halfway done with the game. Glad it had a 'story mode' (even though I make fun of them) because I was sick of dealing with random mob of fish people # 531 where I knew I was never going to lose but boy it was going to take half an hour to clear them out of cave # 13.

    Weird how they gave one of the dragons autism though.
  32. Filmanwalt
    Apr 16, 2020
    9
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. This is a top classic RPG with modern techniques combined.

    Story

    The Story is very interesting and has a dark tone in it. Its well written and the dialogues are just beautiful made. With that comes a very good score in the background.

    Gameplay

    Its a classic RPG but it has some clever modern mechanics. First of the Partymember system and Skillsystem is very well made. Only the crafting part wasnt my favourite. Besides that the game gives you an own fortress, where you can do quests or decide about proposals off supplicants. The degree of difficulty is very challenging and you have to think about the fights.

    Graphics/Bugs

    Graphics are good but could be better and I had some glitches or little bugs here in there, just save the game often.

    Summary

    Modern classic RPG with a beautiful story and writing 9/10.    … Expand
  33. vdanja
    Apr 14, 2020
    8
    Although I've started to play with it in 2017, finished in 2020, spent 50 hours, although I won the game before I could complete some major quests. I cannot say, it is absolutely my game, but I still loved it. I will definitely try out Winter's March I, II and POEII. I wonder if there is any relationship to our history (e.g. from multi-gods to single-god or no-god?). Loved the graphics too.
  34. awolcz
    Mar 2, 2020
    9
    I grew up on games like Baldur's Gate or Icewind Dale. Pillars of Eternity is not only great nostalgia, but also en epic journey. i'm love this game!
  35. laertan
    Feb 5, 2020
    8
    Awesome game with deep story, great dialogues, interesting companions (Devil of Caroc is best of them) with huge personal quests, management of the keep, enormous amount of content. Battles are a little bit too hard for my taste.
  36. Prometheus1241
    Jan 19, 2020
    9
    Pillars of Eternity( i will call it just POE) is the second game of "returned classic"( the first one was Divinity: Original Sin). POE brings back everything we liked in CRPG- good plot, party managing, interesting side quests and more. But yet, i can't recommend this game to anyone. Firstly, it is very hard for the newcomers to get along with the CRPG( i recommend to start from DivinityPillars of Eternity( i will call it just POE) is the second game of "returned classic"( the first one was Divinity: Original Sin). POE brings back everything we liked in CRPG- good plot, party managing, interesting side quests and more. But yet, i can't recommend this game to anyone. Firstly, it is very hard for the newcomers to get along with the CRPG( i recommend to start from Divinity or Dragon Age) and secondly, it is consisted of way to much texts, which somebody mind find boring. But if you are not afraid of big amount of word and have played some CRPGs, POE is your choice.… Expand
  37. bskierys
    Dec 17, 2019
    9
    This review is based on playing the game with all the DLC's installed s few of my comments may not apply to the base game.
    The score says a lot. The game is amazing, huge and full of content. It took me 110 hours to complete it - almost 5 months and I don't regret spending my evenings with it. Some people sais that PoE is the worthy successor of the Baldur's Gate and other isometric    This review is based on playing the game with all the DLC's installed s few of my comments may not apply to the base game.
    The score says a lot. The game is amazing, huge and full of content. It took me 110 hours to complete it - almost 5 months and I don't regret spending my evenings with it. Some people sais that PoE is the worthy successor of the Baldur's Gate and other isometric RPG's. In my opinion, this game in many aspects is much better than the classic ones. I just loved the mechanics for storytelling - dialogue mechanics, little paragraph games, possibility to look into people souls and even just that you can click on some objects not to interact with them but just to get a basic description. Basic game mechanics has also improved compared to BG games. All of it seems just more intuitive and less annoying to use. I also loved the story, both in main and side quests. It is all connected to the lore of the world. It is nothing surprising but the length of the game and how the story is told just adds a lot to it. And one of the best things in the game - companions. Each of them has its own character, attitude, story and side quest. I loved the fact that they were commenting on events in the story - both in main and side quests. They were talking to you, with each other and with people they met. And it just not the base game characters. I was surprised that the final boss spoke to one of the characters from the DLC directly mentioning her own, personal story.
    The graphics and sound are amazing. This is what I expect from an evolution of isometric RPG formula. After so many hours of gameplay, the music gets a little repetitive but nothing you can't handle.
    Now let's talk about what is wrong with this game - the combat mechanics. At the beginning of the game, I was overwhelmed by all the statistics and modifiers. The game does nothing to ease the pain, so I studied what does what from the game wiki. When I finally learned it (at least a little) the game started to make more sense. But then after about 30 hours, I got tired of it. The combat becomes boring and felt like a painful duty. Same goes for leveling characters - it felt like a punishment rather than a reward. And there is a lot of fighting in the game - especially in DLC's - and there is no possibility to skip it.
    I mentioned that I loved storytelling. The game presents the story great with various mechanics, but the language it speaks is sometimes too confusing and too convoluted to handle. Sometimes I had to look to the journal and to the game wiki just to know what the vision I just saw meant. I would prefer to be told some things directly.
    To sum it up - great game with amazing story and characters but with a combat system that got me tired. I will play a sequel for sure, but I need to rest from the first part for a bit.    … Expand
  38. Aeryx
    Dec 3, 2019
    10
    When a game allows you to murder people in town and betray quest givers, you know you are playing a great game. My most memorable moment in Baldur's Gate 2 is when you do a mass murder rampage in town and the guards are sent after you. If you are powerful and skilled enough, you can kill them all. Eventually, the game will send the Magisters, which are the boss of the guards, and they'llWhen a game allows you to murder people in town and betray quest givers, you know you are playing a great game. My most memorable moment in Baldur's Gate 2 is when you do a mass murder rampage in town and the guards are sent after you. If you are powerful and skilled enough, you can kill them all. Eventually, the game will send the Magisters, which are the boss of the guards, and they'll tell you how great they are and then you'll fight, if you kill them, you'll get some really good loot and no more guards will come after you even if you commit crimes. It's really awesome when a game accommodates evil players. PoE allows for such actions, because why not? And you'll know it from the start as the game features some really creative choices, writing and dialog. It will introduce its seriousness by killing off most of your party early on. Funny how games nowadays don't have the cajones to do that. With over 40 hours of fun, I've experimented with builds and even respeced my characters. I love that the game allows this. I like the dark themes and the Stronghold. But the best part I find, is that ALL ITEMS DO NOT HAVE STAT OR LEVEL REQUIREMENTS. This means you can wear the best items in the game right from the start if you know where to find them. This is truly brilliant and makes me wonder why and how so many games missed this important and very immersive attribute of RPG games. The story is also deep and great and complex from a lore perspective. Levelling up is a slow process but meaningful. And if like me, you intend to play Path of the Damned difficulty, you better learn how to min/max stats or your are finished. Real-time with pause gameplay means you have to this fast and have a strategy for enemies. Party formation is critical to your survival and you act like an idiot in PoTD difficulty, you will be dead in seconds. Pillars of Eternity is hardcore CRPG at its finest. But like all great games, it has issues. Some of them include certain types of weapons not having or having very few legendaries while some others have several. The Stronghold doesn't give you too much control over events, such as when bandits attack you even when your party is at the stronghold, they just do damage while you are sleeping and you can't stop them with your party. This isn't a game for people with short attention spans. Despite these issues, PoE is a true winner and the successor of the long lost art of CRPGs.… Expand
  39. Solarka
    Jul 19, 2019
    9
    This was my first isometric RPG of that kind. If I didn't play this game, I wouldn't be able to experience Baldur's Gate and Planescape: Torment.
    Pillars of Eternity is accessible to modern players - it is simpler, more forgiving to newbies, doesn't seem as alien as Baldur's Gate for someone who didn't play game older than 2010. However, it gives you the same feeling the classic games    This was my first isometric RPG of that kind. If I didn't play this game, I wouldn't be able to experience Baldur's Gate and Planescape: Torment.
    Pillars of Eternity is accessible to modern players - it is simpler, more forgiving to newbies, doesn't seem as alien as Baldur's Gate for someone who didn't play game older than 2010. However, it gives you the same feeling the classic games gave. No other modern game, not even the genius Divinity games, can do that.
    The only problems of the game are probably the weird armor system, a weird health system (not such a problem, just weird), you don't make as much choices as you could (nonetheless, there are choices, and powerful ones). The plot and general writing are great. Combat is probably the best thing you saw in the genre (turn-based Divinity combat doesn't count). Locations are interesting to explore, NPCs are fun to talk to, enemies are fun to beat up. Plus you have a personal fortress you can build.
    All in all, it is a definite must-play for both people who love classic PRGs, and for those who just want to get into them.    … Expand
  40. Shmelke
    Jun 15, 2019
    9
    Best Baldurs Gate clone in recent years. Second only to first Dragon Age. Both in my opinion are better than the original. Great fun that lasts for many hours.
  41. MicLes
    Apr 13, 2019
    10
    I have just recently finished my first play-through, with both DLCs, and really took my time to explore and do everything. After over 300 hours, a part of me wanted to end, but I also did not want it to end. The moral depths of the story and characters are touching and memorable and this game is really one of those rare few that I will always remember. Hats down to the story writers andI have just recently finished my first play-through, with both DLCs, and really took my time to explore and do everything. After over 300 hours, a part of me wanted to end, but I also did not want it to end. The moral depths of the story and characters are touching and memorable and this game is really one of those rare few that I will always remember. Hats down to the story writers and also to the voice actors. Of course, the whole crew at Obsidian deserves my thanks, but my point is to convey that this game has soul. Long live Obsidian.

    NOTE for new players :

    * Read the preferences/settings and select pauses if you want to play it as an almost turn-based game (I took my time).

    * Story and character feel is the strong point of the game. There is plenty of combat, but if you dislike role-play (RPG) or reading a book, you will not like it as much as I did.

    * I will contradict myself here : with so many classes, weapon choices, trying solo or with a small party (1 to 5 companions at a given time in a party)), difficulty settings (you can change some of it midway), hardcore Steam achievements, etc., some people enjoy the combat challenges you can face. Personally, my party was overpowered near the end (you know, level 16 party, after over 300 hours :P), so I just never rested to make it a bit challenging on the last sprint.

    nb: I am also watching the documentary The Road to Eternity about the development of the game.    … Expand
  42. Nimbus1701
    Mar 22, 2019
    8
    Good game. Especially enjoyable if you are a fan of Baldur's Gate (and the like). Good artwork, music and writing. Treats the player with a level of respect, and expect you to apply intelligence in return.
  43. Nemo888
    Feb 27, 2019
    8
    Update, They finally fixed it so I came back to give it that 8.
    .I would give this game a solid 8 if it was close to finished. As it is I got 75% through before my save games were too corrupted to play. Comparing it to Baldur's Gate it is not as good. The graphics are better than BG of course, but everything else seems unfinished. The story is good, but secondary characters and plots are    Update, They finally fixed it so I came back to give it that 8.
    .I would give this game a solid 8 if it was close to finished. As it is I got 75% through before my save games were too corrupted to play. Comparing it to Baldur's Gate it is not as good. The graphics are better than BG of course, but everything else seems unfinished. The story is good, but secondary characters and plots are not finished. Voice overs are incomplete. There are not enough variety of weapons and armour. Wizards are crap and have horrible spells. There is no character AI so you have to micromanage six characters. They even deliberately waste your time by only letting you rest 4 times before you have to return to a town an buy more supplies. Padding a mediocre unfinished game. That says it all. This is not a quality crafted game. It's greedy devs trying to cash in on nostalgia.    … Expand
  44. Kunray
    Feb 17, 2019
    10
    It's a great game, a long game though! Took 90+ hours to complete! One of the best RPGS i have played.
  45. frank2046
    Jan 18, 2019
    8
    really appreciate all the effort went into the world building (mainly the polytheism deities.) Very rich dialogues, an overwhelming number of spells. However, I don't appreciate the choices where you feel like you're missing something no matter what decision you make, and some of the quests are too covert to complete without relying on a guide.
  46. Alexyaaay
    Oct 23, 2018
    10
    Great game. So much to depth to this game to explore whether it be the combat, character builds, lore or even just play the story which is FANTASTIC! This is really a game i can draw the curtains for and just sink into its world for a couple of hours. Can't wait to get home and play through again!!!!
  47. Ivan9173
    Oct 23, 2018
    10
    Hello from Russian fan! Прекрасная игра, низкий поклон перед разработчиками, вы лучшие!
  48. evesea
    May 17, 2018
    8
    TL;DR A solid game - needs work. (PoE2 is that improvement)

    I absolutely love the setting & the story (after reading lore for a couple hours). The problem is accessibility, the writing is FAR more pretentious than it needs be, which causes more eyerolls than engagement - and the combat isn't exactly intuitive. Chances are half the game will be trying to like it, and the other half    TL;DR A solid game - needs work. (PoE2 is that improvement)

    I absolutely love the setting & the story (after reading lore for a couple hours). The problem is accessibility, the writing is FAR more pretentious than it needs be, which causes more eyerolls than engagement - and the combat isn't exactly intuitive.

    Chances are half the game will be trying to like it, and the other half will be actually liking it. My second run through I absolutely adored the game. So I'd cautiously recommend it to any RPG fan, and any isometric fan is bound to find it worth their time.    … Expand
  49. TanSula
    May 14, 2018
    9
    Для меня в РПГ главное сюжет и интересные квесты, а тут в этим всё в порядке. А вот к боёвке и другим техническим аспектам есть вопросы.
  50. ChosenUndead99
    Apr 29, 2018
    9
    An extremely fun RPG that you will easily be able to tell is very similar to games such as Baldur's Gate. There are lots of quests to be found and exploring is always rewarding!
  51. frankielee
    Mar 5, 2018
    9
    Thank god obsidian and inexile are still actively making games that rests on frp tradition.
  52. JavierTaco
    Jan 17, 2018
    9
    This game is excellent. It is my first tabletop RPG, and it got me interested in this style of game. It does practically everything right. I love the music, I love the combat, I love the characters, I love the choices you can make, and I love the presentation. Also, it has that classic Obsidian Entertainment feel to it, so expect tons of dark humor.
  53. DukeBalek
    Jan 7, 2018
    8
    A very good game if you like this type of rpg. for me it is better than the divinity original sins series, the world where you evolve is better done and the music ( really awesome) is perfect. Nonetheless it's true, the fights are better in DOS (it's the main value of the game imo), and they are too confusing and often unreadable in PoE (speed issue), but the game have a spirit and a moodA very good game if you like this type of rpg. for me it is better than the divinity original sins series, the world where you evolve is better done and the music ( really awesome) is perfect. Nonetheless it's true, the fights are better in DOS (it's the main value of the game imo), and they are too confusing and often unreadable in PoE (speed issue), but the game have a spirit and a mood far more immersive, and i prefer that. If you are a rpg fan, you loved the baldur's gate series, you have to do it (with the two add-ons if possible)… Expand
  54. RagingPoet
    Nov 2, 2017
    8
    Pillars of Eternity is amazing but a bit too long in my opinion.
    Difficulty drops significantly in the second half of the game, so you might wanna switch to a higher difficulty level when it happens if you are playing on normal/hard.
  55. zmmby
    Aug 3, 2017
    9
    Lovely game.

    The game can feel abit clunky sometimes, and some of the spells arent really creative. You have three familiar spells with different colours and names. I'd love to see some new creativity on that. Story is good. Nothing special but it's good. Gameplay works fine with pause and tactics. Music can be repetetive sometimes. Especially if you play the game for 8 straight    Lovely game.

    The game can feel abit clunky sometimes, and some of the spells arent really creative. You have three familiar spells with different colours and names. I'd love to see some new creativity on that.

    Story is good. Nothing special but it's good. Gameplay works fine with pause and tactics. Music can be repetetive sometimes. Especially if you play the game for 8 straight hours and get the same fighting music all over again.
    But these are minor picks. It's a great game if you like to read and play CRPG.

    Im already pitching in the Kickstarter for Pillars 2 at 2018.    … Expand
  56. minusfive
    Aug 3, 2017
    10
    As a huge fan of the Infinity Engine games, I must say that Pillars of Eternity is simply amazing in every way. It's a true spiritual successor - not only a faithful tribute to the grand legacy of BIS and BioWare but also a new chapter in the isometric CRPGs evolution, an important milestone for the whole genre.

    Particularly, the character classes are very impressive. To all who    As a huge fan of the Infinity Engine games, I must say that Pillars of Eternity is simply amazing in every way. It's a true spiritual successor - not only a faithful tribute to the grand legacy of BIS and BioWare but also a new chapter in the isometric CRPGs evolution, an important milestone for the whole genre.

    Particularly, the character classes are very impressive. To all who critcize PoE (for whatever reason) I can say this: name any other RTwP CRPG from the past decade featuring eleven distinct classes ("distinct" meaning that each class has its own mechanics and is vastly different from all other classes) or shut up. I'm dead tired of subpar RPGs and their warrior-rogue-mage repertoire.

    The game was already great on release but now with the the White March expansion and improvements brought by patches it's nearly perfect.

    Absolutely 10/10, can't wait for PoE 2.    … Expand
  57. Barnews
    Jun 18, 2017
    8
    It was fun. I really enjoyed Pillars of Eternity but i am also upset a little, because it miss many things that made legendary Baldurs Gate 2 so good. Dont get me wrong. PoE is good game but it is still steps behind BG2. Not in every aspect of game. Some things are better in PoE, but overally there are still a lot of things to be improved.

    PROS - Almost all things in game are good or    It was fun. I really enjoyed Pillars of Eternity but i am also upset a little, because it miss many things that made legendary Baldurs Gate 2 so good. Dont get me wrong. PoE is good game but it is still steps behind BG2. Not in every aspect of game. Some things are better in PoE, but overally there are still a lot of things to be improved.

    PROS
    - Almost all things in game are good or at least mediocre.
    - Graphics are OK. Developers did good job to bring you same old BG2 feel in modern coat.
    - Sounds are mediocre not bad but nothing that will excite you enough.
    - User interface, journal, inventory, world map, character sheet, etc... everything is good with place for improvements. Game tries to provide you with plenty of informations about almost everything, but there are still a lot of basic game machanics that you need to find on internet.
    - Quests have more results, You make a lot of decisions during you gameplay and it does matter. Overally I had very good feelings about this part of game. There are a lot of ways how to solve conversations and various events. Your reputation is based on your conversation and quest decisions.
    - Items, Armors, Weapons, etc..., are good. Weapons have different damage types and armors have different damage reductions.
    - Very nice ending where the game tell you what happend with towns, villages, party members, factions after your victory.

    CONS
    - Stealth system is not as good as i would like it to be. You can sneak around to know where your enemies are and what are they numbers but that all. No sneak attacks no quiet situation solve.
    - Combat system is flat and very straightforward here. In BG2 you had a lot of different ways how to solve different situations. Here it is too, but poorly executed. Is there a room full of fireball traps but no one to detect it and disable it? No problem just cast cast protecting spells on our warrior and let him to trigger it all without harm. In BG2 yes. But not in PoE you cannot cast defensive spells when out of combat :-D.
    - There are a lot of spells for same thing. Its sad because in BG2 were a lot of spells too, but for different situations with various combat changing effects. You will find it here too but very rarely. Here you are just casting some spells on some enemies and in most situations it doesnt matter what spells on what enemies :-D.
    - Although items, armors and weapons are good, their special magical properties are not as interesting and cool as they could be. You can even enchant your items with another stuff you found on your adventures which is nice addition but its same like with spells. A lot of varios magical properties with same effect. It almost doesnt matter what magical properties your items have.
    - No multiplayer. I was shocked when me and my friend bought game expecting to play together (in BG1 and BG2 more than 15 years old game it was possible) So we were forced to play it solo.
    - End game comes quickly. One time you think you are in half of game and several hours later you stand before main boss. And when you defeat him, the game ends (Very nice ending). But you cannot continue in your gameplay. Every unfinished business is lost without warning. And thats very sad because i think it could be done better.
    - Combat pace is very quick by default and it was necessary for me to play in slow combat all the time. The combat and spell effects are also very chaotic and it took some time until i got used to it.

    8 / 10 is maximum i give to PoE. Developers tried hard and did very good job. In some aspects they overcame BG2 but in others they failed.    … Expand
  58. AkumaJack
    May 5, 2017
    9
    This game is amazing for like 95% of the time.
    The graphics are astonishing, the combat system is both challenging and fun when you get used to it and the world design is really good. Every place seems alive with lore on inns, whores and sidequests that are more that simple sidequest most of the time.
    Plus there is the option to focus just on combat with the bounties or the optional mega    This game is amazing for like 95% of the time.
    The graphics are astonishing, the combat system is both challenging and fun when you get used to it and the world design is really good. Every place seems alive with lore on inns, whores and sidequests that are more that simple sidequest most of the time.
    Plus there is the option to focus just on combat with the bounties or the optional mega dungeon if you are tired of reading. Because you will read A LOT playing this game.

    The bad part is the ending boss which is for a level capped party quite too easy imo and some quests that are uninspired. (But thats not a problem because there are a **** of quests and most of them are really good.)

    But this is just a little fraction. Most of the game is enjoyable.    … Expand
  59. ThatUDLegacy
    Apr 27, 2017
    10
    Let's start with, should you buy this game? Yes, it is well worth the price.

    Pros: Dragons Interesting characters, Interesting Stories, Extensive spells(so many that i didn't use all of them), Fort Building, Fun Combat, Friendly Banter, Lot's of Bounties, Lot's of choices, Imprisoning people, Companion Stories & quest lines, An in Depth biography/journal that writes of your    Let's start with, should you buy this game? Yes, it is well worth the price.

    Pros:
    Dragons
    Interesting characters,
    Interesting Stories,
    Extensive spells(so many that i didn't use all of them),
    Fort Building,
    Fun Combat,
    Friendly Banter,
    Lot's of Bounties,
    Lot's of choices,
    Imprisoning people,
    Companion Stories & quest lines,
    An in Depth biography/journal that writes of your deeds,
    Dragons.

    A Few Cons:
    After the Boss fight the game just ends (apparently it autosaves just before you jump)
    Can't change decisions once they are made, for example, you can destroy and object or stop it, yet if you stop it, you cant come back and destroy it later, because.... reasons?
    Need's More Dragons,
    Banter it seems is only limited to 3 lines, maybe rarely 4,
    You can ask your jailor to whip your prisoners but not treat them well? :L & prisoners barely say anything! a person who asked to be put in jail asked to be released, after 1 day!!!
    I feel that companions don't talk enough?
    Important vistors personalies, are often Non- exxistant in your Fort,
    I couldn't find anything to make my screen follow my character, having to constantly click ahead, maybe i missed it.

    It is said people complain more about things they love.    … Expand
  60. lagrie
    Mar 4, 2017
    9
    Obsidian has done a great job of returning the Crpg genre. And have created a beauty of a game.
    I'm glad that obisidian is bringing back the beauty that is Crpg's.
  61. DreamEaglr
    Mar 1, 2017
    8
    Люди хотели классическую RPG наподобие Fallout и Baldur's Gate. Они ее получили, но только лишь от части. Что сразу бросается в глаза, дак это великолепный арт-дизайн, 2д задники с персонажами, сделанными в 3д - идеальное решение для изометрических игр. И в первые 10-15 часов действительно может сложиться впечатление, что это наследник тех самых RPG 90х годов, но чем дольше играешь, темЛюди хотели классическую RPG наподобие Fallout и Baldur's Gate. Они ее получили, но только лишь от части. Что сразу бросается в глаза, дак это великолепный арт-дизайн, 2д задники с персонажами, сделанными в 3д - идеальное решение для изометрических игр. И в первые 10-15 часов действительно может сложиться впечатление, что это наследник тех самых RPG 90х годов, но чем дольше играешь, тем больше понимаешь, что: в игре ужасный баланс, на 3 уровне сложности довольно просто играть, боевка начинает очень быстро надоедать, слишком много текста и диалогов, если в той же Planescape Torment ты на этом не заостряешь внимания, ибо там практически все диалоги были написаны отлично и их было интересно читать, то тут с этом большие проблемы. Короткий сюжет и типичные для Обсидианов баги.
    Много раздражающих моментов компенсируются ощущением, что это та самая игра из 90х со своими недостатками и достоинствами.    … Expand
  62. gloriouspotato
    Feb 13, 2017
    8
    PROS:
    + Good storytelling and writing, with well developed companions and quests.
    + Nice exploration of certain themes such as the role of gods in society, the burden of memory, and of conflicts (both real and personal) arising from faith. + Some nice orchestral soundtracks. + Attributes and skill choices play a significant role, not only in combat, but also in what choices are    PROS:
    + Good storytelling and writing, with well developed companions and quests.
    + Nice exploration of certain themes such as the role of gods in society, the burden of memory, and of conflicts (both real and personal) arising from faith.
    + Some nice orchestral soundtracks.
    + Attributes and skill choices play a significant role, not only in combat, but also in what choices are available to you within dialogues, giving a plethora of role-playing options.
    + Overall, the combat offers a fun and challenging tactical experience that requires synergy between abilities and appropriate positioning in battle.

    CONS:
    - Some combat encounters have lots of visual clutter and obstruction, making it hard to see what's happening on screen.
    - Mediocre framerates in certain areas, even on specs well exceeding the recommended spec.
    - Frequent and relatively long loading screens.
    - XP distribution is a bit skewed, making it very easy to reach the level cap.    … Expand
  63. destinyfan1
    Jan 28, 2017
    9
    maby one of the best rpg's ever , good story,combat , environments it has it all well done
    o and did i already say the caracter customanisation ,well its also awesome
    why aren't you buying it already????
  64. Alaska_Wolf
    Jan 26, 2017
    8
    Pillars of Eternity is a solid, well crafted game. I really enjoyed it tremendously on my first play-through which I played on Path of the Damned. The storyline was fairly good, albeit not extremely well written. The White Marches DLC was also pretty good, but actually take place PRIOR to the endgame and can't be completed after the endgame without reloading a prior endgame save orPillars of Eternity is a solid, well crafted game. I really enjoyed it tremendously on my first play-through which I played on Path of the Damned. The storyline was fairly good, albeit not extremely well written. The White Marches DLC was also pretty good, but actually take place PRIOR to the endgame and can't be completed after the endgame without reloading a prior endgame save or restarting. The inclusion of the DLC into the middle of the game honestly didn't make a lot of sense to me. While some of the Companion quests were a bit hard to trigger or resolve, they were decent enough.

    Overall its a very good and faithful representation of a dying genre that I loved during their heyday. But perhaps my biggest criticism of the game is that I found it to have little replay value. My second playthrough feels rather dull and lackluster, and truthfully I'm having trouble finishing it. This time I'm playing with Custom NPCs that are far stronger the the weak game Companions, but the NPC interactions and storylines just aren't there for me. I have say Grieving Mother and Eder "Can I pet that?" were absolutely my favorite Companions; most of the others just didn't do much for me.

    If you're looking for another Witcher 3, this is not it. It is however a very good game in the classic style and I'm very definitely looking forward to the just announced Pillars of Eternity 2: Deadfire!    … Expand
  65. floredon
    Jan 24, 2017
    10
    I created a Metacritic account in order to write this review. If you are a fan of RPGs that were made in the late 1990s and early 2000s and are interested in playing a game that is a modern adaptation of that experience, you owe it to yourself to play Pillars of Eternity and The White March expansions. This is a game that you need to immerse yourself in to get the most out of, althoughI created a Metacritic account in order to write this review. If you are a fan of RPGs that were made in the late 1990s and early 2000s and are interested in playing a game that is a modern adaptation of that experience, you owe it to yourself to play Pillars of Eternity and The White March expansions. This is a game that you need to immerse yourself in to get the most out of, although there is an alternative way to play that focuses more on the combat gameplay (triple crown solo, no companions, no deaths, hardest difficulty). The lore is inspired by history and it shows. Reading the Cyclopedia and the quests reveals a detailed history that rivals the Elder Scrolls in scope and depth. There is a sequel in development, and since Obsidian owns this IP, expect more content in this series (I'm hoping for a trilogy). I've gone back and played Planescape Torment and Baldur's Gate and while I enjoy those games, Pillars of Eternity has spoiled me to the point where if I am craving a CRPG experience, I come back to this game. I would say that this is my favorite fantasy CRPG. The expansions further enhance the experience, and do not feel like the typical filler DLC that you see in AAA titles these days. The high quality of the game reflects the high quality of the team, and solidifies Obsidian as the master of the CRPG.… Expand
  66. ExpertPL
    Nov 12, 2016
    9
    The lore of this game is incredible. The characters in this game are incredible. Everything in this game is incredible. Then why I won't give a 10? Well, it doesn't have that something special, that would make it one of the kind.

    This game is a great return to Baldur's Gate kind of RPGs, must-have for every RPG fan.
  67. SuperGlare
    Oct 31, 2016
    10
    Body and mind cant handle the amazingness of this game.
    At last obsidian created a true rpg in this dark era of gaming which everything is simplified ****
    The art is spectacular and graphics feels like magic.To hell with 3d nothing can match the 2d art design for enviroments. Music and sound is oldschool and amazing and the voice overs when casting a spell are just superb. There is so    Body and mind cant handle the amazingness of this game.
    At last obsidian created a true rpg in this dark era of gaming which everything is simplified ****
    The art is spectacular and graphics feels like magic.To hell with 3d nothing can match the 2d art design for enviroments.
    Music and sound is oldschool and amazing and the voice overs when casting a spell are just superb.
    There is so much stuff and so many thing to mix and match that you will explode from happiness.
    From an Icewind dale fan this game is superb.It combines baldurs gate and Icewind dale together and its amazing.Not only has the story character that you can hire but you can hire mercenaries as well that you create.I mean how awesome is that.Dont you like the characters that the game gives you?Go make your own party.
    10/10 True oldschool RPG waiting for tyranny and Pillars of eternity 2
    Screw bioware and their simplified piece of trash rpgs    … Expand
  68. Arroyo_man
    Sep 7, 2016
    8
    i've change my mind after some time, thinking this game is better, gave a credit for another go and enjoyed more this time, 8/10 far superior rpg than witcher 3 for example.
  69. Magnethead
    Aug 22, 2016
    8
    Pillars of Eternity helps bring back the group-based, tactical RPG as we knew it in the glory days of Baldur's Gate, Neverwinter Nights and similar games. It does so unapologetically and accurately while also bringing enough new ideas to the table to make the game more than pure nostalgia for nostalgia's sake. The underlying story and fantasy world are meticulously crafted, innovative andPillars of Eternity helps bring back the group-based, tactical RPG as we knew it in the glory days of Baldur's Gate, Neverwinter Nights and similar games. It does so unapologetically and accurately while also bringing enough new ideas to the table to make the game more than pure nostalgia for nostalgia's sake. The underlying story and fantasy world are meticulously crafted, innovative and well written. Overall, the game is hugely successful though there still are minor issues that could be improved.

    PoE doesn't rely on the old D&D rules, they have their own, new RPG rule set that does use classes, spells, resting and the typical party roles we're used to (tank, healer, crowd control, damage) but otherwise has its own ideas of stat-interaction and a few new class ideas. The overall concepts will be recognizable to seasoned RPG veterans while still presenting new challenges to adapt to.

    The story is a major selling point of PoE. The writing is solid, the story deep and the character (especially the eight NPCs) are very well crafted. There's a great deal of freedom in regards to how you approach different quests and even characters in the game, you have almost unconstrained freedom to murder and pillage almost any character in the game, if you so choose, for example. A criticism here could be that perhaps the story doesn't escalate tension particularly well so that when the game ends, it doesn't feel so much like a strong climax as simply a steady unraveling of an intricate plot. The game behaves mostly like the final fight is a formality and the actually interesting question isn't if you win, but what you do after you win. This can make the game seem slightly less memorable than perhaps it should be.

    Arguably, there are some issues with balance that should be addressed too. Between DPS and non-DPS classes, the game becomes very fixed in its roles. Tanks find it hard dealing meaningful damage but retain the ability to tie down enemies through the game's 'engagement' system. This system simply means that if you run away from a character engaging you, that character damages you for free - however since tanks don't do meaningful damage, the AI could actually just run right past them with great advantage. It doesn't do that, luckily, but this lopsidedness arguably makes the game system feel a bit artificial at times. The spell system could also use a bit of rebalancing, certain spells serve no clear purpose in the game as you don't really have the time or the situations where they need to be cast. In most situations, dealing damage outweighs more complicated options. This said, the system actually works really well, it has genuinely intuitive ideas and I hope they continue to work on it.

    All in all, PoE is a successful RPG game and follows Divinity Original Sin in reviving this wonderful genre. The crowd-funding concept definitely worked in this instance. I hope Obsidian stick to this project and release a sequel soon, they needs only address a few issues that exist still in PoE and build on the promising world behind the game.    … Expand
  70. MarcMrine
    Aug 15, 2016
    10
    This review is a continuation of my Baldur’s Gate review, because this is the real Baldur’s Gate 3, sharing its combat system, character development, handmade backgrounds, environment, sound, dialogues and most important, the same developers... proving that “evolution” is not a 1st person adventure, evolution is more of the same wisely improved.
  71. akshaysk
    Aug 10, 2016
    8
    This game is a great callback to the old Infinity Engine RPGs. The powerful factions, each tinged with grey; the stories of betrayal and greed and the dynamic party, filled with personalities that react to everything around them. The game does have flaws (such as pathfinding issues and slightly tedious inventory system) , but overall it is a wonderful throwback and I enjoyed each minute ofThis game is a great callback to the old Infinity Engine RPGs. The powerful factions, each tinged with grey; the stories of betrayal and greed and the dynamic party, filled with personalities that react to everything around them. The game does have flaws (such as pathfinding issues and slightly tedious inventory system) , but overall it is a wonderful throwback and I enjoyed each minute of the 73 hours I spent with the game. When I revisit it (hopefully with all the expansions), I think I will feel as delighted as I did the first time.

    Because, PoE has an enduring quality. I could come back to it (and indeed, I did) after a few days of not thinking about it at all and find myself as immersed as I was when I left. Few other games (I would dare to say any work of fiction) have this quality. Brilliant job overall. Obsidian, my hat's off.    … Expand
  72. Harpasa
    Jul 19, 2016
    9
    If you enjoyed Baldur's Gate, Icewind Dale etc. , you dont want to miss this game.Only problem i had with the game is npc dialogues can get a little boring from time to time. Still one of the best RPGs i played in years and a must-play game.
  73. roachtbp
    Jul 15, 2016
    10
    Feels like you are playing an old school, classic RPG like Baldur's Gate or Icewind Dale, minus the D&D rules, plus modern conveniences and better graphics. Great party-based, tactical combat reminiscent of Baldur's Gate, with characters and a story that also is pretty good and well-written. I welcome an RPG such as this that harkens back to the masterpieces of old. I love this game inFeels like you are playing an old school, classic RPG like Baldur's Gate or Icewind Dale, minus the D&D rules, plus modern conveniences and better graphics. Great party-based, tactical combat reminiscent of Baldur's Gate, with characters and a story that also is pretty good and well-written. I welcome an RPG such as this that harkens back to the masterpieces of old. I love this game in every way.… Expand
  74. Robobob
    Jul 7, 2016
    10
    It's like the developers took everything that fans loved about old school RPG like Balder's Gate and Icewind Dale and actually made it BETTER! The combat system is much more intuitive than the old silly 2nd edition rules that those older games used. They slimmed down and trimmed the fat off the skill system. Added many cool feats and abilities, some you can use every fight (encounter)It's like the developers took everything that fans loved about old school RPG like Balder's Gate and Icewind Dale and actually made it BETTER! The combat system is much more intuitive than the old silly 2nd edition rules that those older games used. They slimmed down and trimmed the fat off the skill system. Added many cool feats and abilities, some you can use every fight (encounter) and some every day (rest). This is nice as some spellcasters don't necessarily become useless the second they run out of spells. Everything is so similar to D&D, yet tweaked and renamed to make it something original. Deflection instead of Armor Class. Accuracy instead of Attack, etc. There are some cool new classes like Chanter and Cipher that play different than any other class you've seen. Then there are genius additions to the game like you can create your own hirelings for your party if you aren't satisfied with the companion characters. And building your own stronghold is fun. I've been playing on average difficulty and while few of the fights are too easy, the boss fight are just the right perfect challenge.. you have to use a full party's potential to win,as it should be. I could ramble on forever about all the cool changes to the old formula and I literally have nothing negative to say about this game 40hrs in. Perfect. 10/10… Expand
  75. night4
    Jul 2, 2016
    9
    Wow.

    If you liked Baldur's Gate and Baldur's Gate II and you cried when it was announced that there would never be a Baldur's Gate III, then this game is for you. It's got EVERYTHING going for it with a couple minor cons that keep it from being a 10. Pros: Music, graphics, original story, combat. I want to emphasize how rare it is to see a game with a good, original story these    Wow.

    If you liked Baldur's Gate and Baldur's Gate II and you cried when it was announced that there would never be a Baldur's Gate III, then this game is for you.

    It's got EVERYTHING going for it with a couple minor cons that keep it from being a 10.

    Pros: Music, graphics, original story, combat. I want to emphasize how rare it is to see a game with a good, original story these days.

    Cons: Generated characters have experience penalty, wildly changing classes each time they patch (especially chiphers), and retarded AI. These things are fairly minor overall.    … Expand
  76. RMDsilva
    May 7, 2016
    8
    great story, great old school RPG that is dark and full of choices.
    very addictive, clocked some 100h just running back and forth.
    bad points: a bit slow and combat isn't GREAT (hard to feel tactics are that rewarding over spamming paralysis and so on)
  77. Ljungman
    Apr 1, 2016
    9
    I like nearly everything in this game. The storytelling is probably one of my favorite aspects of this game, where it is told nearly like a book. Pillars of Eternity has one of the best writing I've ever seen in a game and it's wonderfully executed, both in dialogue and in storytelling. It's an amazingly well-written story throughout the game. You'll also meet other characters in yourI like nearly everything in this game. The storytelling is probably one of my favorite aspects of this game, where it is told nearly like a book. Pillars of Eternity has one of the best writing I've ever seen in a game and it's wonderfully executed, both in dialogue and in storytelling. It's an amazingly well-written story throughout the game. You'll also meet other characters in your travels, with interesting backgrounds and side-quests, also with an amazing dialogue.

    Graphically it reminds me of Baldur's Gate, with new-end graphics. I love how the game looks, it's truly a beautiful game, where the world looks like something from a painting. Character customisation is quite bad, but it's just a small part of the game.

    Sidequesting in Pillars was actually really fun! It wasn't those fetch missions, it was of the same quality as the main quest, with choices and consequences. Most of the sidequest had moral choices for your character that would build up what type of character he/she is, which makes you able to decide if you're a hero or a villain. Interesting all the way through. The party you choose to have with you is also affected by what you decide to do during this moral choices and might dislike you for it, and even leave you.

    I loved the combat. It's challenging and fun. Depending on what moves you do, where you place your characters and what spells you use to certain enemies you might die or win. If you play on the higher difficulties, side questing is a must to be able to continue. You even might meet a powerful enemy you can't defeat at the moment, but after doing more quest you can return to and defeat, and it feels really good in doing so. Looting for gear was one of the things I found quite lacking, often I got bad gear from a hard enemy, but the semi-hard bosses gave me gear I used for the most part of the game. It was not much gear changing.

    And oh yeah, THE MUSIC IS SO GOOD! It feels like a classic RPG from start to end!    … Expand
  78. AnTi_HeRo2100
    Mar 2, 2016
    9
    Pillars of Eternity

    If you are like me and a little hesitant to try this game out a bit I'm hoping to put your mind at ease a bit. I have never played Baldur's Gate so I honestly have nothing to compare this game to by the way of previous installments by the company however that means I'm not jaded by having a prior favorite in the series, so here goes my review. I wont get into    Pillars of Eternity

    If you are like me and a little hesitant to try this game out a bit I'm hoping to put your mind at ease a bit.

    I have never played Baldur's Gate so I honestly have nothing to compare this game to by the way of previous installments by the company however that means I'm not jaded by having a prior favorite in the series, so here goes my review.

    I wont get into character creation just gameplay, like I said above I had never played a previous installment by this company so I didn't know what to expect however, what I got was a truly great game from the environment to the characters to the music this game was made great and while there are some difficulties picking up some aspects to the game its nothing that you cant easily learn with time and a little practice. the atmosphere that the creators manage to create at each part of this game with the music, environment, and enemies is amazing I love to break out my Turtle Beach's when I play this game just for the immersion factor.

    I hope you enjoy reading because if you highly dislike it DO NOT get this game, it helps portray the story as you progress by allowing you to read and imagine the reactions that you want through descriptions that are equal to if you were reading an actual book and for those of us who don't mind reading it makes the story being told that much better in every way.

    (Summary) this game is a slow paced, story based, dungeon crawler that will grip you and keep you playing while enjoying the music and environment that has been created. I give it a solid 9/10 the only reason its not a 10/10 is that sometimes it can be a little to slow for my personal taste and sometimes the amount of constant reading can get a little annoying, great game none the less.    … Expand
  79. Ignatius_Reilly
    Feb 23, 2016
    8
    This is a sort of re-review, somewhat after the fact. I originally gave the game a 10, which was probably premature, like most reviews on this site. While I like all the modern updates, and find the game overall very satisfying in terms of combat, exploration, and characters, the game is bogged down by a serious lack of editing.

    It's not that I don't like reading or reams of text (I    This is a sort of re-review, somewhat after the fact. I originally gave the game a 10, which was probably premature, like most reviews on this site. While I like all the modern updates, and find the game overall very satisfying in terms of combat, exploration, and characters, the game is bogged down by a serious lack of editing.

    It's not that I don't like reading or reams of text (I just recently finished a 500 page novel in a few days) but I feel that a lot of dialogue is repetitious, often consisting of a character telling you the same thing in many different ways. For example, when you meet a character named Maerwald, he goes through so many throwaway lines that don't tell you anything concrete other than to reiterate he is crazy, which after a point you're like, "I GET IT!" Too many characters do this!

    The writing isn't bad, it's just a lot of it could be cut without taking anything away from the game. This is my biggest hurdle with fully immersing myself, knowing that in playing I'll have a long-drawn out dialogue to get through. A lot of it is all info-dumpy, and so not as compelling as it could be. The worst offender being the two women at Twin Elms, Oh God, which is presented as an egregious information dump.

    I had hoped for writing more like New Vegas, which, while wordy, has a lot of instances for player agency, so you're able to stay involved even through long conversations.
    Of course, I could skip all the dialogue, but I feel that removes from the enjoyment, I want to know the story, and get into the characters, but the writers use so many words to say so little! Argh!    … Expand
  80. MR67
    Feb 15, 2016
    8
    An enjoyable CRPG that can honestly be called a true RPG in the vein of Baldur's Gate, Planescape or Icewind Dale and not yet another console-crowd-pleasing faux RPG mishmash of MMO and FPS. It's really refreshing to see a proper CRPG up there in the PC sales charts again. If you enjoyed the Infinity Engine based games like the Baldur's Gate series then it's 99.9% certain you'll enjoy thisAn enjoyable CRPG that can honestly be called a true RPG in the vein of Baldur's Gate, Planescape or Icewind Dale and not yet another console-crowd-pleasing faux RPG mishmash of MMO and FPS. It's really refreshing to see a proper CRPG up there in the PC sales charts again. If you enjoyed the Infinity Engine based games like the Baldur's Gate series then it's 99.9% certain you'll enjoy this one.

    Pros:
    6 person party with full management of characters and all their gear? Check.
    Traditional dungeon exploration with the party having to sneak around and watch out for genuinely lethal traps? Check.
    Interesting companions and party banter? Check.
    Additional party hirelings you can create yourself? Check.
    Your own stronghold? Check.
    Nice in-game options like trial of iron mode (one saved game only which is deleted upon party death) or expert mode (all in-game feedback disabled)? Check.

    Cons:
    - In-game Kickstarter backer content - as ShinsFortress mentioned below, backer content gets foisted upon you in the game and it does break immersion a little, even if you choose to completely ignore it. Almost half the NPCs standing around in any given town or tavern are backer creations who serve absolutely no purpose in the game other than to relate a completely meaningless short story to you if you click on them. And then there are the numerous gravestones scattered around the game with real-world backer names on them.
    - Graphics and voice acting could be better, though this is a minor gripe as the game is a Kickstarter funded game that delivers a lot of quality and gameplay considering it was produced using probably less than 10% of the budget of certain other games in this 'genre'. Voices occasionally don't speak their lines or start midway through the text paragraph currently displayed on the screen.
    - Lack of balance between some classes. The chanter has to be hands down the worst class in the game while the druid seems a bit overpowered.
    - Combat would have been better if it had been turn based. It can be a bit overwhelming to keep track of things when your party is fighting many opponents at the same time and your party members can hit the turf before you know it.
    - AI and pathfinding not the greatest. Can sometimes be a chore trying to move your squishier party members away from the front of combat while moving your tanks forward as they have this wonderful knack of trying their utmost to run into one another instead of around one another. Archers can sometimes just toodle off completely by themselves if they can't get at their target and may end up just wandering into a second group of monsters far away from the rest of the party.
    - Selling lots of loot in your stash can be a pain in the butt as you have to individually click on each item to sell it. An adjustable "sell all" option would have been nice.
    - No romance options in the game. Collapse    … Expand
  81. Xenofex
    Jan 30, 2016
    8
    This game does feel like the return of Baldur's Gate. The story is great so far and the game system is worth your time to study. The graphics is also great, which is a huge improvement over Baldur's Gate series.

    However considering it was released 201x decade, I do expect and prefer something even better, like what I found in The Witcher 3: great story with astonishing graphics and    This game does feel like the return of Baldur's Gate. The story is great so far and the game system is worth your time to study. The graphics is also great, which is a huge improvement over Baldur's Gate series.

    However considering it was released 201x decade, I do expect and prefer something even better, like what I found in The Witcher 3: great story with astonishing graphics and action, where not only you can read but also you can witness that fantastic world.

    And for the system, I feel it could be better: maybe just a better guidance for the new players. In Baldur's Gate, people love the complexity of the system because it's an experience that can be carried over with you here and there. The system of Pillars of Eternity feels a lot like D&D. Probably it's on purpose to create the old feeling with out patent issues.

    On the other hand, Dragon Age took another path. In DA:O the system was not simple, but not working very well, at least in my opinion. Not too many builds for a class, and the tank-nuker-healer triangle just feels tedious and unrealistic. In DA2 the system was simplified and in DA:I it was polished over DA2. I kind of like what they did in DA:I for the balance between simplicity and flexibility. Complex combat system is for a lot of builds. And if the developer is not able to make a lot of sensible builds, why not leaving the system simple? There a tons of elements to improve to improve the overall experience for a cRPG.    … Expand
  82. iseeall
    Dec 18, 2015
    10
    A great remake of Baldur's Gate 2, I can only agree on everything with other reviewers who gave 10/10. If you like top-down party-based RPGs with huge non-linear worlds, multitudes of spells/abilities and complex character building - buy this game.
  83. thermoplastics
    Dec 9, 2015
    9
    PRO: Rich storytelling
    One of the main highlights of Pillars of Eternity is the rich and deeply involved story telling. The minutia to be found in game is almost exasperating. Every aspect of the world and the characters within have a very involved background with many different reactions to the players chosen character (race, class, etc.). On top of this there is often very well done    PRO: Rich storytelling
    One of the main highlights of Pillars of Eternity is the rich and deeply involved story telling. The minutia to be found in game is almost exasperating. Every aspect of the world and the characters within have a very involved background with many different reactions to the players chosen character (race, class, etc.). On top of this there is often very well done voice acting to accompany these scenarios, giving even more life to the game.

    PRO: Deep character creation
    The character creation menu in Pillars of Eternity are highly detailed. The player can choose from six different races that have eleven playable classes. There is also an assortment of sub races for each of the six races. Making for a pretty wide selection of choices that allows the player to create very individualized avatars.

    PRO: Combat requires forethought
    The combat in Pillars of Eternity usually requires a good bit of planning. Depending on the monsters one is facing the scenario shifts on how one needs to react. Fighting a couple of bandits will call for a complete different reaction than fighting a large dragon. Players have to adapt constantly, which creates an exciting atmosphere and a good bit of tension. The use of the space bar (or having a setting that auto pauses) to pause the game is key in planning how to react to each scenario which thankfully gives the player plenty of time to plan their future actions.

    PRO: Fantastic throwback to the isometric RPGs of old
    For fans of games like Baldur's Gate or Icewind Dale, Pillars of Eternity truly succeeds in bringing the CRPG genre into the modern era without compromising any of the old mechanics. The isometric view of the game gives a familiar feel but the new engine and addition of many modern effects gives the game a look all its own that fits in with any modern offerings on PC.

    PRO: Movie quality music
    The quality of the soundtrack is comparable to some of the best CRPGs out there as well as films like Lord of the Rings. At times there are looping soundtracks but luckily the sound design was done in such a way that there is also moments of ambient music and sounds to break up the monotony.

    PRO: Long gameplay
    With a play time of up to 70 hours, Pillars of Eternity will last any player for a good amount of time.

    PRO: Large selection of companions
    A player can have up to five different companions accompany them along their quest. Many of these companions have their own storylines, making for a feeling of connection. There is also the option of hiring your own user created companions at an inn, but of course this may not be as exciting as using the game created ones.

    PRO: Crafting system
    Players can collects items in the world to use for crafting. Crafting allows for creation of potions and scrolls as well as equipable items or enchantments for equipable items such as weapons, shields and armor.

    Unlike some crafting systems, crafting in Pillars of Eternity is a mechanic and not a skill, so there is no need to level up any crafting experience in order to craft.

    PRO: Three editions available that offer extra out of game content
    There are three different digital retail editions available for Pillars of Eternity, Hero Edition ($44.99), Champion Edition ($59.99) and Royal Edition ($89.99). The Hero edition is the base game with no extras. The Champion Edition offers the purchaser extra digital content such as a soundtrack and HD map. The Royal Edition offers everything the Champion Edition does with even more extra digital content such as Ringtones, eBooks and a strategy guide.

    There is zero in game content missing from any of these editions as Obsidian made it a point to make sure all the extras are just that, extras. Some may say what is on offer for the extra editions is not comparable to the price, really it is just a way for fans to give more money to a studio that bothered to create a genre of game that is often overlooked, a way to show appreciation.

    CON: A lot of reading
    The amount of text in game may turn some people off as much of the time spent in game will be spent reading.

    CON: Single player only
    There are no online or co-op modes.

    Full comparison found here: http://www.slant.co/topics/2220/viewpoints/5/~what-are-the-best-crpgs-on-pc~pillars-of-eternity    … Expand
  84. mishkoff
    Nov 14, 2015
    10
    Excellent game if you like games like BG or Icewind Dale. Main strengths are: dialogues, story and beautiful locations. It is a proof a good game does not need a massive budget and all that 3D graphics to be a good game.
  85. Hohum
    Nov 12, 2015
    9
    I was skeptical at first, I admit. Back when the original Baldur's Gate bandwagon rolled on through town, I was too busy wrapped up in the glorious world of Ultima Online to take much notice. Only much later, in modern times, did I labor through the BG franchise. While the story and game world were both great, you really get a sense for how far we've come in 15+ years since, in terms ofI was skeptical at first, I admit. Back when the original Baldur's Gate bandwagon rolled on through town, I was too busy wrapped up in the glorious world of Ultima Online to take much notice. Only much later, in modern times, did I labor through the BG franchise. While the story and game world were both great, you really get a sense for how far we've come in 15+ years since, in terms of designing games which are actually enjoyable to control and play.

    Pillars, then, is the epitome of what can be achieved when classic RPG-craft and top-notch storytelling meet a more modernized game design philosophy. The result is a spectacular triumph.

    From the outset, you're struck with the "right" balance of nostalgia and playability, which continues on throughout the game. Controlling your party is a streamlined affair, and combat moves at a decent pace without ever feeling too fast or too slow. The variable game play speeds work wonders, meaning you don't have to pause every 2 seconds to issue a new command if you don't want to. It's the little things.

    The graphics, soundtrack, voice acting - everything is fantastic in my eyes (and ears). The quests are numerous and interesting. There's a rich lore to wrap yourself up in like a cozy blanket, but not so much that it feels like opening your favorite novel each time you launch the game.

    My only reservation is a technical complaint - the game runs horribly on my Core i7, 16GB RAM, Nvidia 960M 2GB laptop. I rarely get above 20FPS on low settings. On my desktop machine with GTX 980 graphics, it runs just fine. Little disappointing, but it doesn't detract too much from the overall experience.

    If you enjoy CRPG games, especially those of old, then you owe it to yourself to play this game. Roll on the next one.    … Expand
  86. Soujirop
    Nov 9, 2015
    8
    This is a very good RPG, sure, it hooks and I enjoyed it despite the huge amount of dialogue that sometimes is out of place or ridiculously redundant and tiresome. Now, is the game in the same level as Baldur's Gate? Not even close... But anyway, I thank Obsidian for reviving the genre.
  87. suneater
    Oct 25, 2015
    8
    Pillars of Eternity is a good CRPG that feels held back by a bland story and combat that gets easier and tactically simplier as the game progresses. There is plenty of content to explore (including a personal castle to upgrade and a deep dungeon to explore for fancy loot, room for actual roleplaying with extensive dialogue options, and unique classes that alone are enough to make me wantPillars of Eternity is a good CRPG that feels held back by a bland story and combat that gets easier and tactically simplier as the game progresses. There is plenty of content to explore (including a personal castle to upgrade and a deep dungeon to explore for fancy loot, room for actual roleplaying with extensive dialogue options, and unique classes that alone are enough to make me want to replay the game) but the majority of it is too similar to previous games in the genre to really stand out on its own. While I love Obsidian, this repurposing of old ideas and design choices just doesn't feel like the dream project it was supposed to be.

    PoE gives you plenty of important decisions to make and lets you know every chance it can that these decisions matter. However, one very important sequence of events near the halfway point in the game in particular stood out in breaking that illusion. At one point you reach a crossroads between two factions, one of which you previously sided with. Various speech options let you continue to side with them or roleplay other options. However, the Big Bad shows his face and spits on your decisions, making your previous questing and choices moot. It is very frustrating to play through because you're just stuck there watching it play out with no input on what is happening, only to suffer the consequences later. Something more cryptic happening off-screen during these events would've been better writing and would've had the same effect without being so frustrating to play through.

    The end boss also feels very contrived and added for the sake of having a last boss for a video game. Most of the game you're chasing him and always 2 steps behind him and yet in this last bastion he decides to face you face-to-face. I feel like he was supposed to be an Irenecus clone but he comes off feeling whiny and shoehorned. I would've really preferred pushing him and the "twist" leading up to the final area into a sequel or expansion because it really detracts from the rest of the game.

    While I enjoyed my time with PoE, I find it hard to recommend. Overall, it felt quite bland and dry compared to CRPGs of old with only the few unique classes and the deep character interactions really standing out to me. If you've played CRPGs before and are on the fence about this, try a pillar of the genre such as Baldur's Gate 2 or Icewind Dale before dropping cash on this.    … Expand
  88. XxSoULxMaNxX
    Oct 25, 2015
    10
    Played over 120 hours. Once I finished (with the NPC companions) I played again with an entirely different group of characters (I created myself). The character, skill, enemy and environment variety made the game more than enjoyable. I am hoping for more games like it.
  89. EviltoastSA
    Oct 5, 2015
    8
    Really looked forward to this release. I played all those infinity engine RPG's back in the day, they were my favourite games at the time. And i must say i wasn't disappointed. It has to be said though that this game was specifically made for fans of the previously mentioned games. In other words fans of complex tactical party/team based rpgs will dig this. The graphics were perfect forReally looked forward to this release. I played all those infinity engine RPG's back in the day, they were my favourite games at the time. And i must say i wasn't disappointed. It has to be said though that this game was specifically made for fans of the previously mentioned games. In other words fans of complex tactical party/team based rpgs will dig this. The graphics were perfect for this genre, the music and ambiance was also awesome albeit a bit too similar like the infinity engine games but no biggy tho. The story i really liked and the quest structure was decent too (cant remember too many fetch quests although there were simple "go kill this guy come back tasks"). The gameplay was great too although DND purists wont be too impressed with the depth it still delivers with good tactical combat and complex mechanics true to the original infinity engine games' approach.

    I can nitpick a few things tho, most noticeable is the length of the game. It felt rather short and the end felt abrupt in a way. Played around 50 hours and did virtually everything possible. And compared to the older games its very short but in modern times i guess 50 hours is par. In terms of mechanics Its complex and has room to experiment and enjoys various builds and classes but compared to AD&D it just feels a bit sparse and marginally lacking still decent though. All in all a very good game and might not be for everyone but truly delivers for its target market.    … Expand
  90. SkySlam
    Oct 4, 2015
    10
    Great, immersive and fun RPG experience. It really felt like playing Baldur's Gate for the first time again.
    I enjoyed a good part of the story, the gameplay is smooth and the companions are interesting and definitely feel alive. Did not disappoint the long wait.
  91. Derf3L
    Oct 1, 2015
    9
    Amazing game! A true RPG, incredible story, great combat, really good immersion and a lot of exploration.
    So many good sides..
    I haven't given a 10 because of a few small issues, like slightly outdated graphics and overall interface is not that fresh.
    Good work Obsidian. Totally recommend it.
  92. Cleglaw
    Sep 22, 2015
    8
    it gets boring after a while. spamming same battle startegy takes away the fun.

    BUT for first 80hourish gameplay, i really enjoyed it, it seemed like one of the best games i have ever played in last 10 years.

    final score: 8.

    sorry, but i dont even want to buy expension cause the core mechanics already bored me, i dont crave for more spamming.
  93. toirko13
    Sep 5, 2015
    9
    First of all i want to give thanks to the developers for creating this master piece of a game! and i hope they will add more to this master piece in time such as characters and other wonderful DLC.

    this game is a must buy! so get it!
  94. Barby
    Aug 20, 2015
    10
    Is like play a tale, a beautiful soundtrack accompanied me through the deep character creation and I've learned its mechanics almost without noticing while I play, there are plenty of text well integrated as a book with illustrations and choices based on your character's stats, the best way to narrate great amount of text I've ever played, I really feel comfortable with my choices, alsoIs like play a tale, a beautiful soundtrack accompanied me through the deep character creation and I've learned its mechanics almost without noticing while I play, there are plenty of text well integrated as a book with illustrations and choices based on your character's stats, the best way to narrate great amount of text I've ever played, I really feel comfortable with my choices, also the background is dynamic through dialogues. The combat system is the best in RPGs, like Dragon Age Origins with the possibility to customize your character even in its portrait, including the whole party. Sincerely the best RPG today.… Expand
  95. TheMitherer
    Aug 18, 2015
    8
    A very good game but not an outstanding one. Of course, every true rpg made these days is measured against the BG series (and quite rightly so) and it is perhaps unrealistic to expect any new game to have the same impact. Anyway, this game does a lot of things very well - character creation is great and there are some interesting classes to investigate. Joinable NPCs are good although aA very good game but not an outstanding one. Of course, every true rpg made these days is measured against the BG series (and quite rightly so) and it is perhaps unrealistic to expect any new game to have the same impact. Anyway, this game does a lot of things very well - character creation is great and there are some interesting classes to investigate. Joinable NPCs are good although a rogue would have been nice, game play is generally excellent. I cannot say that I found the powerful weapons and armour to be particularly inspiring but there are some other items that are, well, overpowered to say the least. The loot system is a bit quirky and one extremely useful item hasn't shown up in any of my 6 games so far. Spells are good but there are too many damp squibs in there (and some spells are just too good not to spam). The story is more than adequate and extremely well written in places.
    Overall, very playable (and replayable) and an enjoyable experience. Hopefully they can improve upon it with another effort.    … Expand
  96. Goldenface
    Aug 11, 2015
    10
    Pillars of Eternity is nothing less than a product of those in love with a genre, to be played by like-minded people. No longer will you be aimlessly grinding enemies who barely fit into the context of environment, but instead having unique and memorable encounters that cannot be overcome by simple brute force. No longer will you have to experience patronizingly obvious dialogue trees, butPillars of Eternity is nothing less than a product of those in love with a genre, to be played by like-minded people. No longer will you be aimlessly grinding enemies who barely fit into the context of environment, but instead having unique and memorable encounters that cannot be overcome by simple brute force. No longer will you have to experience patronizingly obvious dialogue trees, but instead ambiguous (yet malleable to be more obvious) and interesting choices that give the player the freedom to role play beyond the stale-cracker "good", "evil", and "uninspired" archetypes. No longer will you be flying through the levels in hopes of level cap with a slew of minuscule passive points to make you feel like you're doing is important along the way; NO! AWAY WITH THAT RUBBISH! Now you hold each level up like a precious, fragile metal that can be wasted as easily as it can be utilized. Wrap these table-top oriented design choices into an intriguing story that gracefully unfolds without dragging you through it against your will and you have one the of the finest crafted titles in the genre that I will recommend for years to come.… Expand
  97. brindle88
    Aug 9, 2015
    8
    I previously reviewed this game low, I think because I was frustrated that the rules and mechanics differed from baldurs gate 2 lol. Having replayed this game and after getting used to the rules and mechanics I am loving it. I would have rated this game a 9 or even a 10 but I didn't because you can tell it has been made on a reduced budget; script cards instead of cinematics, reducedI previously reviewed this game low, I think because I was frustrated that the rules and mechanics differed from baldurs gate 2 lol. Having replayed this game and after getting used to the rules and mechanics I am loving it. I would have rated this game a 9 or even a 10 but I didn't because you can tell it has been made on a reduced budget; script cards instead of cinematics, reduced audio and voiceovers, relatively few areas to explore, lore no where near the level as bg2 and they could have added more hidden areas, items ect...

    I can only prey they make POE2 with a big proper budget. Well done obsidian.    … Expand
  98. Furipe
    Jul 31, 2015
    10
    It's too easy to review this game. It brought back the true face of RPGs of IE and showed how an oldschool game can easily beat the newest ones. In my opinion, it's so far the best RPG of 2015. Those who love genre must buy it; and Baldur's Gate (1 and 2) too.
  99. Ozard
    Jul 22, 2015
    9
    Excellent all round game which, if you are a crpg fan, should keep you occupied for quite some time. But it's not without its faults. Some very interesting classes to experiment with, story is good, combat generally very good. Joinable npcs are interesting, writing is very good and the game is more than a decent length. There is also excellent replayabilty value. All this makes for aExcellent all round game which, if you are a crpg fan, should keep you occupied for quite some time. But it's not without its faults. Some very interesting classes to experiment with, story is good, combat generally very good. Joinable npcs are interesting, writing is very good and the game is more than a decent length. There is also excellent replayabilty value. All this makes for a thoroughly great experience. Ok, now the gripes. After about level 5, my cipher, druid and mage where only casting 2 or 3 spells constantly. In fact, my cipher cast one spell about 90% of the time. It got a little tedious. Some of the druid spells are so much better than the rest it's not even funny (at the same levels). The Stronghold - possibly not worth the money and the time. I got through the game quite easily without any of it. Bounties are a good idea but you can only do 3 before you are 3/4 of the way through the game (and one of them that is required to get the rest probably isn't doable before level 8 anyway). More could have been given earlier with less rewards if necessary. Achievements - seriously, if you are going to dish out achievements like 'triple crown solo' you should make sure that at least most of the classes are able to do it. At the moment only a rogue can (not seen any proof at all that any other class can) and that's by avoiding as many fights as possible and shoving all points into sneak. Just make it a sneak achievement why don't you? The game should be able to be soloed by most classes, not just one.

    Having said all that, I for one will be buying the expansion.    … Expand
  100. Desdicado
    Jul 7, 2015
    10
    Folks I have to say this is genuinely the best game I've played in years, took me back to the days of Baldurs Gate etc.
    Totally gripped me, decent combat, good story, not too text heavy, decent graphics, lovely spell animations, good customisation options and great NPCs, frankly I loved it.
    one of those "just one more mission" games. Spectacular and it was about £15!
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Awards & Rankings

6
#6 Best PC Game of 2015
7
#7 Most Discussed PC Game of 2015
25
#25 Most Shared PC Game of 2015

Critic Reviews

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Metascore
89

Generally favorable reviews - based on 71 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 70 out of 71
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 71
  3. Negative: 0 out of 71
  1. RPGamer
    Jul 7, 2015
    70
    Pillars is a title that should make old-schoolers happy while still offering a solid core game, story, and a rich setting for new-schoolers.
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  2. LevelUp
    May 25, 2015
    93
    Pillars of Eternity stands on its own merits without resorting to nostalgia too much. Truly a CRPG masterpiece, the game offers old school, real-time strategic combat, and a vivid world to explore. Not only do you get an overall well-made experience, but also a challenge you haven't seen since the 90's.
    Read full review
  3. Games Master UK
    May 24, 2015
    82
    A sprawling game in a familiar setting, and a clever tune-up for the cRPG. Just what the backers hoped for. [June 2015, p.74]
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