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. Raskol
    Mar 28, 2015
    10
    Awsome epic RPG, this works so well even with the old school graphics, played 20 hours and Im still starved for more, this is the kind of game u will binge, so take time from work and friends, get food and refreshment and enjoy. We need to suport game like this, we need more, I want more. Also thank you kickstarter supporters for making this possible.
  2. Brimsurfer
    Mar 28, 2015
    10
    This is one hell of a game. Definitely one of the best RPGs since BG series ended. It totally blows away crappy RPGs like DA:I. This game totally worths it. If you like the older Infinity Engine titles, then you are going to love this.
  3. Munkamunku
    Mar 28, 2015
    3
    I've played Baldur's Gate, Icewind Dale etc and enjoyed them very much. It's a style of game that doesn't get enough attention these days and I was hoping that Pillars of Eternity would reignite the genre. I have to say that I think it misses the mark. Graphically Pillars is fine and I have no major issues with the gameplay. It seems to have all the elements I would want.

    The problem is    I've played Baldur's Gate, Icewind Dale etc and enjoyed them very much. It's a style of game that doesn't get enough attention these days and I was hoping that Pillars of Eternity would reignite the genre. I have to say that I think it misses the mark. Graphically Pillars is fine and I have no major issues with the gameplay. It seems to have all the elements I would want.

    The problem is that the voice acting lets it down badly. I don't think that modern American accents work at all well in a fantasy / medieval setting. They're fine for sci-fi or superhero settings but sound jarring in this type of game.

    I had the same issue with Guild Wars 2 which was also an otherwise good game. I think European accents give these settings an air of authenticity which American one don't. And there are plenty of good American voice actors who can carry it off too. It's a shame, really, as I think this could have been something special.    … Expand
  4. Renzuken
    Mar 28, 2015
    9
    This game has great game play and awesome storytelling. The writing is very deep and engaging, and once you get the feel of the controls in combat and the main story line, you are sucked into the world completely. I have not had this much fun with a isometric RPG since BG2! It's a instant hit and a classic! I wish more publishers would green light studios to create more games like this!
  5. mYiScooTer
    Mar 28, 2015
    10
    This game is literally amazing. The art-design is fantastic, the dialogues are very well written and even on the lowest difficult it requires some thinking before every engagement.

    Congratulations Obsidian to this wonderful game!
  6. amandra
    Mar 28, 2015
    9
    I backed this game in Kickstarter. I was always a fan of the original infinity engine games. I also backed Wasteland 2 which was good, but not great.

    I'm only about an hour in and I can say this is the best game I've played in years. I appreciate having a great story, but I'm generally a skimmer. Not in this game. I paused for a second to read all the text and it's blockbuster novel    I backed this game in Kickstarter. I was always a fan of the original infinity engine games. I also backed Wasteland 2 which was good, but not great.

    I'm only about an hour in and I can say this is the best game I've played in years. I appreciate having a great story, but I'm generally a skimmer. Not in this game. I paused for a second to read all the text and it's blockbuster novel level, it's actually entertaining to read. Additionally there's generally excellent voice acting for the first (or couple) layers of dialogue, which really draws you into the characters. After that it's text only which is a great design decision since I find I read much faster than voice acting and generally skip it after the first layer anyway. A great balance.

    Character:
    Character creation took an hour, but it was an enjoyable well informed hour. Little hoverable highlights explain all the details you usually guess at and end up recreating your hero after learning them in game. So far I'm satisfied with my first shot which is a sign of a great character design section. The customization is incredible (characteristics more so than aesthetics). I went for a cypher, a really unique soulsteal-for-mana crowd control caster.

    Interface:
    The interface is fluent and hasn't felt clunky, save for a multi-monitor mouse bug that they're working on.

    Combat:
    The combat is excellent and quite difficult. I've already died in the game (which I consider good). I've come across enemies that can one-shot me (clearly not linear). The interaction between your allies in combat is critical. The pause mechanic is necessary to execute the strategic dance necessary to defeat enemies and it's implemented very well. The only flaw can be the occasional mistarget when things get clumped which would be hard to remedy in an isometric game.

    Graphics:
    I'm playing at max 2560x1600 and I don't know why people complain about the graphics. It's absolutely gorgeous at this level. The prerendered maps look great and really draw you into their world.

    Currently I'd rate this a 9.5 if I could. I think there is room for very minor improvements in their next iteration, but they very nearly delivered a perfect game here so far. I'll update as I approach the end-game.    … Expand
  7. zublits
    Mar 28, 2015
    10
    This is a true return to form for Obsidian. It's everything I hoped for from an isometric CRPG in 2015. The writing is excellent, the combat is challenging and surprisingly deep (even on normal), and the presentation is lush and alluring. This is the best game I've played in years.
  8. Falendor
    Mar 28, 2015
    10
    PoE is a great example of a game with strong gameplay and storytelling features. Its challenging and complex, but the tooltips and well organized journal will get you through it.
    There are bugs, most are just annoying but you will have to deal with them. Still only about half as buggy as you would expect from a kickstarter game.
  9. user5667
    Mar 27, 2015
    10
    Divinity looks better but lacks the writing, both are my most recent favorite RPGs in recent memory. This will go down as the game that brought back a genre long lost and forgotten almost. EA needs to pay attention before they release garbage like DA:3 again, this is how you build a RPG, you can see and feel the attention to detail and writing throughout the game that Josh and Team putDivinity looks better but lacks the writing, both are my most recent favorite RPGs in recent memory. This will go down as the game that brought back a genre long lost and forgotten almost. EA needs to pay attention before they release garbage like DA:3 again, this is how you build a RPG, you can see and feel the attention to detail and writing throughout the game that Josh and Team put into it, yeah it's not the flashiest game but the entire package is a 10. Party management is top notch too, a frequently missed part of newer RPGs. Buy it now if you love this genre, it will fully satisfy for long hours ahead.… Expand
  10. Dmitro
    Mar 27, 2015
    9
    In Pillars of Eternity has everything she needed to resemble a classic, but it almost got rid of atavism Infinity-rolevok and went to his level. In her more freedom, more factors beyond the control of, and less cliché.

    It's not perfect. We would like to teammates played in the history of a more active role. That in the last hours of the game was more than life itself. To personal    In Pillars of Eternity has everything she needed to resemble a classic, but it almost got rid of atavism Infinity-rolevok and went to his level. In her more freedom, more factors beyond the control of, and less cliché.

    It's not perfect. We would like to teammates played in the history of a more active role. That in the last hours of the game was more than life itself. To personal fortress (as we have here is a personal fortress) gave the gameplay is something else besides linked to the timer settings and missions. I would like a lot. And it does not matter.

    Largely Pillars of Eternity feels like pen test ... but still very successful. We need more such games, now for sure.    … Expand
  11. hips
    Mar 27, 2015
    10
    BG/IWD lovers will feel right at home. This is exactly what BG3 should be like, if not better. One of the best things it polishes is the pop-up text box that explains any rules or technical terms(from attributes to DR, etc) in great detail so the players will not be as confused as when they faced the AD&D rules 15 years ago. The rules are even more polished, for example there areBG/IWD lovers will feel right at home. This is exactly what BG3 should be like, if not better. One of the best things it polishes is the pop-up text box that explains any rules or technical terms(from attributes to DR, etc) in great detail so the players will not be as confused as when they faced the AD&D rules 15 years ago. The rules are even more polished, for example there are disengagement penalties, making each encounter more unique depending on the initial position. The dialog is now PS:T style, which embeds descriptive sentences between conversations. There are still other improvements over the original BG2. PoE successfully revives a genre that has laid dormant for 15 years, and will be remembered in gaming history for generations to come.… Expand
  12. Anastasi
    Mar 27, 2015
    10
    THIS IS SO AWESOME!!! i can't really describe my feelings...that's like orgasm for an old school player!! that is a must have game, you can.t miss it.
  13. BrockSamsonV
    Mar 27, 2015
    10
    You know how you loved things as a kid, and usually when you go back and revisit them you realize how they were not as great as you remembered?

    Not the case here even slightly. Every fond memory of AD&D, BG, Icewind Dale, have been lived up to and then some.

    Perfect immerse fantasy RPG.
  14. yyh5118
    Mar 27, 2015
    10
    If you are a true fan of simple design (though artistic), flawless deep storyline, and lots of interactions between characters, then BUY THIS. I have played BG1 and BG2 and some other D&D games, but I can assure you this will be the best among them, and history will remember that way. I was personally very surprised that the company made this game so awesome. I doubted them at first. (IfIf you are a true fan of simple design (though artistic), flawless deep storyline, and lots of interactions between characters, then BUY THIS. I have played BG1 and BG2 and some other D&D games, but I can assure you this will be the best among them, and history will remember that way. I was personally very surprised that the company made this game so awesome. I doubted them at first. (If you are first comer to this genre, you might have to take some time...like 3-4 hours to get used to it.)… Expand
  15. socokid
    Mar 27, 2015
    10
    An incredibly fun game, great story, interesting characters and it screams Baldur's Gate 3 2015.

    I will let dorklies discuss how it deserves a zero because they feel the need to change each character's choices every second. (Your companions obviously DO come with AI, no one is actually changing what each of their companions is doing each blow... that would be insane). People can talk    An incredibly fun game, great story, interesting characters and it screams Baldur's Gate 3 2015.

    I will let dorklies discuss how it deserves a zero because they feel the need to change each character's choices every second. (Your companions obviously DO come with AI, no one is actually changing what each of their companions is doing each blow... that would be insane).

    People can talk about kickstarter games and not enough "studio" to produce a AAA monoliths with every bell and whistle, but as far as having fun... the literal point, games like PoE grab you by the heart and do not let go.

    For newcomers to this sort of game... Take it slow, save OFTEN. Relax! You are going to find things you will have to come back to, puzzles that you cannot currently solve, weirdness you will not immediately understand... etc... There is no linear hand holding here. A great thing.

    Enjoy!    … Expand
  16. skyrage
    Mar 27, 2015
    10
    First of all, the game is awesome! Its almost everything I had hoped for if there was a BG3. Now, I wanted to comment about some of the bad reviews...a few of them were valid, but alot of them seems to be complaining that PoE is lacking elements of modern RPGs, like Dragon Age. Seriously? The whole premise of the kickstarter project for Obsidian was to go back to its roots and recreate theFirst of all, the game is awesome! Its almost everything I had hoped for if there was a BG3. Now, I wanted to comment about some of the bad reviews...a few of them were valid, but alot of them seems to be complaining that PoE is lacking elements of modern RPGs, like Dragon Age. Seriously? The whole premise of the kickstarter project for Obsidian was to go back to its roots and recreate the classic RPG magic in games like BG that we know and love. They told you this, countless times. And you are giving PoE a bad review cause its too much like BG and not enough like Dragon Age?! WTH, this is like you knowingly walked into a burger joint, order a burger, ate it, then proceed to complain and give the burger joint a bad review cause their burger didnt taste like the pizza you wanted...seriously wth.… Expand
  17. JonnyBigBoss
    Mar 27, 2015
    7
    As someone with little to no cRPG experience I felt I should make the jump with this game. Lesson learned. I got very little from my experience. Though, if you know you're a fan of cRPGs, especially Baldur's Gate, I suspect that you'll love it.
  18. Dix
    Mar 27, 2015
    10
    Dear Baldur's Gate fans, welcome home! I gathered my party. I ventured forth!

    It has all the important pieces firmly in place: - Great story - Deep gameplay mechanics - The dialogues are well written and utilize the attributes in a clever and interesting way - The party banter is here (yay) - The world is nicely crafted - Added great additional mechanics (Choose your adventure    Dear Baldur's Gate fans, welcome home! I gathered my party. I ventured forth!

    It has all the important pieces firmly in place:
    - Great story
    - Deep gameplay mechanics
    - The dialogues are well written and utilize the attributes in a clever and interesting way
    - The party banter is here (yay)
    - The world is nicely crafted
    - Added great additional mechanics (Choose your adventure style encounters)
    - Doesn't treat the player like an idiot, gives a solid amount of challenge
    - The graphics, music and the atmosphere are ideal, and unbeatable, especially for the heroic fantasy fans
    - Interesting quests, and amazing writing (i have mentioned that before, but can't stress in enough)    … Expand
  19. jadeia
    Mar 27, 2015
    10
    I've been waiting for this game for over 10 years and Obsidian delivered beyond my expectations. When I realised I'd spent 40 minutes on the character creation screen alone, I knew I had "found my game". Been a long time since that's happened.
  20. Gorion
    Mar 27, 2015
    10
    First time I felt compelled to write a review for a game on Metacritic but this game warrants it. This is the kind of wonderful, painstakingly crafted CRPG that truly does not come around very often. Buy...This...Game. Lastly, anyone that would give this game a 0 just to bring down the score is simply a moron.
  21. leeho730
    Mar 27, 2015
    10
    It is very surprising and interesting that Infinity Engine game mechanics in 1999 (Baldur's Gate series) can still make a game made 16 years later very enjoyable. Suffice to say if you've enjoyed playing Baldur's Gate or Icewind Dale you'll be right at home. I'm glad I've contributed, wish I could have contributed more.
  22. SanctumRevel
    Mar 27, 2015
    6
    to set some things straigt sure for players who know their way around this games is ok for newcomers the lack of quest track enemies level hint or something expierence lack of defeating enemies it s like the game is pushing you to do other things no matter if u want to do it or not the easy dificulty can be frustrating for new commers to this game it s clear that this game was intended forto set some things straigt sure for players who know their way around this games is ok for newcomers the lack of quest track enemies level hint or something expierence lack of defeating enemies it s like the game is pushing you to do other things no matter if u want to do it or not the easy dificulty can be frustrating for new commers to this game it s clear that this game was intended for veterans of D&D and baldurs gate and thats is sad for me… Expand
  23. Damascus
    Mar 27, 2015
    10
    This 10/10 is for the best writing and rpg-presentation of any game in history. Game-mechanics are better than dnd, but still need both refining and further development.
  24. nomemory
    Mar 27, 2015
    9
    This is the type of game I enjoy playing. With all the hyped crap being released lately POE is a breeze of fresh air. I hope publishers and game studios realize that story-rich and complex games can still sell lots of copies and there's no reason to dumb down everything.

    Now let me say something about the game. It is brilliant. The story is way above average, the writing is quite    This is the type of game I enjoy playing. With all the hyped crap being released lately POE is a breeze of fresh air. I hope publishers and game studios realize that story-rich and complex games can still sell lots of copies and there's no reason to dumb down everything.

    Now let me say something about the game. It is brilliant. The story is way above average, the writing is quite qualitative while the combat is very tactical and fun. The game is has a lot of mechanics and careful planning is advised if you don't want to die very often. Did I say the music is great ?

    Now, don't get me wrong POE has some flaws. For example there are no cut-scenes (probably budget issues), there is no voice acting for all the in game dialog. Also I've felt that companions were not well developed and there's no real party interaction (like in Dragon Age).

    All in all, if you are nostalgic about titles like Baldur's Gate and Fallout 2, and you enjoyed the most recent Divinity Original Sin, please buy this game. You will not be dissapointed.

    I am giving it a 9/10.    … Expand
  25. dricks
    Mar 27, 2015
    10
    I recently finished the Baldur's gate Enhanced Edition, and then comes Pillars of Eternity.
    It's SO GOOD, i can't believe someone dit it : a game as good as Baldur's gate 2, with a real story and stunning gameplay.
    Thank you Obsidian for making my dream come true !
  26. sean10mm
    Mar 27, 2015
    10
    Do you want a sequel to Baldur's Gate 2, made with better technology, and using a better rule set? Congratulations, this game is EXACTLY that. Seriously, they did an A+ job making Baldur's Gate 3 with a different name and improved mechanics. Unless you just hate all fantasy computer RPGs where you control a party you should buy this game.

    If you read the lower score reviews it's    Do you want a sequel to Baldur's Gate 2, made with better technology, and using a better rule set? Congratulations, this game is EXACTLY that. Seriously, they did an A+ job making Baldur's Gate 3 with a different name and improved mechanics. Unless you just hate all fantasy computer RPGs where you control a party you should buy this game.

    If you read the lower score reviews it's clear that they were pretty much all written by colossal morons. That's a pretty good hint that this is a good game, too.    … Expand
  27. Elisyeas
    Mar 27, 2015
    9
    Will try to make it short, since I'm having one hell of a time from hour 1 purchase. One would think that in times of "amazing graphics with ultra GOGO effects", "one-button-does-all strategies" and "10 second learning curve" there is no place for a game like this. Yet, one would be wrong. The whole idea behind PoE was the sheer belief that there is a certain group of gamers, raised amongWill try to make it short, since I'm having one hell of a time from hour 1 purchase. One would think that in times of "amazing graphics with ultra GOGO effects", "one-button-does-all strategies" and "10 second learning curve" there is no place for a game like this. Yet, one would be wrong. The whole idea behind PoE was the sheer belief that there is a certain group of gamers, raised among post-apocalyptic ruins of Necropolis, burned more than once by the flaming breath of Firekraag and all that while searching for an answer to a question "what can change the nature of a man". Such group exists indeed and although hardly a young bunch, they remain incredibly sentimental when it comes to games that require that "little more" of you.

    PoE is not for everyone, I agree. You will learn the game, you will learn what defines your character, you you will learn combat. You will also get your butt handed to you on a plate more than once. You will learn how your attributes affect certain situations in a way you simply do not expect. You will learn that your companions can die and remain dead, should you perform poorly ;-) So if you expect modern learning curve of 5 minutes, brace yourself. Yet in the end, you'll simply enter that magical time machine which made old-school classics so worty of your time.

    I salute every person who contributed to the project and made it possible, both players and producers. I feel like home again ;-)    … Expand
  28. Veska
    Mar 27, 2015
    9
    Welcome home, my child.

    Baldurs Gate

    If you sometimes play games as Baldurs Gate, you would love it. This game is game for fans! Hard and long play time.
  29. Liberatus
    Mar 27, 2015
    10
    This game is reminiscent of some of my favorite RPG's like Neverwinter Nights, Baldur's Gate and Arcanum. The game can be challenging on even normal difficulty which is something else I appreciate, it is definitely not a walk in the park. The only downfall I can see in this game is there is no multiplayer and no extravagant cut-scenes or graphics. The world does have great art and a hugeThis game is reminiscent of some of my favorite RPG's like Neverwinter Nights, Baldur's Gate and Arcanum. The game can be challenging on even normal difficulty which is something else I appreciate, it is definitely not a walk in the park. The only downfall I can see in this game is there is no multiplayer and no extravagant cut-scenes or graphics. The world does have great art and a huge variety of options. Most quests are not mandatory to move forward and there are many solutions for problems where you can make choices that define your character. One of the few perfect 10's I have played.… Expand
  30. kharnikhal
    Mar 27, 2015
    6
    Its basically a 15 year old game published in 2015. If thats your thing, then by all means bump my score up by 2.

    I played on Normal difficulty, no expert-mode and no trial of iron (permadeath). First things first: The graphics are horrible. Zoom in and it actually looks like a game from 2000. There is no anti-aliasing or anisotropic filtering, graphic options are severly lacking and    Its basically a 15 year old game published in 2015. If thats your thing, then by all means bump my score up by 2.

    I played on Normal difficulty, no expert-mode and no trial of iron (permadeath).

    First things first: The graphics are horrible. Zoom in and it actually looks like a game from 2000. There is no anti-aliasing or anisotropic filtering, graphic options are severly lacking and the overall look of the game is blurry and muddy. Not much color to it, its made from shades of brown and grey.

    The battles are alright at first, but when you play further in to the game you will soon realize that you have to be constantly pausing, micromanaging abilities and movement to stay alive, and its pretty tedious. This is especially true with caster classes (wizards, ciphers etc). One little mistake (like your own guy running into your aoe-spell) and you can expect a party wipe. Its essentially a trial and error way of playing. Venture somewhere where the game doesnt want you to go (yet), get killed, load and go do something else. Your own skill has nothing to do with, but some people enjoy this type of stuff. I don't.

    The exploration and enemy level mechanics are archaic, meaning that it constantly puts impossible enemies and quests near your area. This means only one thing: Backtracking. Lots of it. You will have to ignore like half of the quests in the area, move to the next area and take the easier quests there (and you wont have any idea which are easier), level up, buy gear. and backtrack to finish those quests (if you wish). And the problem then is that the rewards for finishing those quests aren't gonna do any good to you since you're already overleveled for that area. Its stupid and I hope it gets patched.

    The story, as far as I could play this game before I got bored (about 5-6 hours), is filled with your standard fantasy-tropes. Evil wizards, ancient evils and all that jazz. The voice acting is quite dull and predictable, nothing good but not unbearable either. Also expect to reads walls and walls (and I mean WALLS) of text. All the time. Every time. You will probably spend more time reading than doing any other activity. At that point I'd rather pick up a decent book than play this game.

    I didn't run into any noticeable bugs or glitches, and the AI pathfinding worked fine for me.
    The best time I had with this game was when I fired it up the first time, and spent maybe an hour figuring out what kind of character I want to create.

    Its not a bad game, it just feels old. Outdated. If this was released 10 years ago, it would've been amazing.    … Expand
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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

All reviews »
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.
    Read full review
  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]
See all critic reviews »