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. 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.
  2. ASTALONTE
    Mar 30, 2015
    9
    It s like a machine time. You will feel as you were 17 years old again.
    Baldurs fan, welcome home.

    It is like a geme from a old time. It doesn't take you hand, you have to seek the goal for yourself.
    Buy it!
  3. 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
  4. Lazarusdeath
    Mar 28, 2015
    10
    Absolutely EXACTLY what I wanted. Best RPG since Skyrim. Incrediby fun and rewarding, amazing story, beautiful graphics, enjoyable strategic combat, addictive loot hunting, rewarding exploration, awesome dungeons with puzzles and valid ways to solve situations without combat, deep lore with books to read, mini stories in dungeons via letters and journals etc. In other words, everythingAbsolutely EXACTLY what I wanted. Best RPG since Skyrim. Incrediby fun and rewarding, amazing story, beautiful graphics, enjoyable strategic combat, addictive loot hunting, rewarding exploration, awesome dungeons with puzzles and valid ways to solve situations without combat, deep lore with books to read, mini stories in dungeons via letters and journals etc. In other words, everything that makes RPG's immersive and enjoyable is present here. HIGHLY recommended for any RPG lover.… Expand
  5. Astagar
    Mar 26, 2015
    10
    This game isn't for everyone. If you care much about visuals or graphics, and little for story or gameplay, you should try another game. But if you, like me, are into story-driven CRPGs, then you should really go for it! Chris Avellone is a good writer, you can expect a great setting and a good story from this game.
  6. Hadriel
    Mar 26, 2015
    10
    Marks the return of the greatest RPGs ever made. The tactical combat of Baldur's Gate, the rich story and companions of Planescape: Torment and the gorgeous environments of Icewind Dale, all melded into. It is all that was promised and more. Welcome back Greatness.
  7. Continuity
    Mar 26, 2015
    10
    There's no secret that PoE harkens back to older games like Baldur's Gate and the like. Let me just say that for anyone who loved the infinity engine games, this is a must play. But that is not all, this game accomplishes something that few of the older cRPG's managed to achieve: great quest design good dungeon crawling and combat encounters AND absolutely stunning writing. Obsidian hasThere's no secret that PoE harkens back to older games like Baldur's Gate and the like. Let me just say that for anyone who loved the infinity engine games, this is a must play. But that is not all, this game accomplishes something that few of the older cRPG's managed to achieve: great quest design good dungeon crawling and combat encounters AND absolutely stunning writing. Obsidian has taken their strenghts of writing and managed to create incredibly rich and complex lore for the game, and implementing it without resorting to huge exposition dumps. The only minus in my book, is that it could have been optimized better, but that hardly matters. Obsidian have with PoE proven themselves to be the masters of the current cRPG renaissance.… Expand
  8. bhavv
    Mar 31, 2015
    10
    I have been waiting for a game like this for over 15 years since the greatest RPG games ever made on the Infinity Engine. Pillars of Eternity perfectly captures the legendary strategic pause and play battles from those earlier games, along with fantastic storytelling and a fully immersible game world.

    Regarding a lot of the negative reviews based on the games graphics, its incredibly    I have been waiting for a game like this for over 15 years since the greatest RPG games ever made on the Infinity Engine. Pillars of Eternity perfectly captures the legendary strategic pause and play battles from those earlier games, along with fantastic storytelling and a fully immersible game world.

    Regarding a lot of the negative reviews based on the games graphics, its incredibly ignorant to downvote this game based on its engine when it promised from day one of the kickstarter that it would be a 2D game going back to the Baldurs Gate and Icewind Dale style engine. When other developers release old looking, even 8 bit games like Terraria, Minecraft, Super Meat Bow, Binding of Issac etc etc, the gaming industry and players rave about such graphics being retro and great, yet a game like this that still looks better than a purely flat 8 bit game gets idiots whining that it looks outdated and old.

    People will remain dumb and uneducated, and such people's opinions will continue to stink of ****    … Expand
  9. puppetmaster250
    Mar 26, 2015
    10
    This is a modernized revival, or spiritual successor, of the revered Infinity Engine games. If you like a western RPG that goes heavy on the text/dialog/story/characters/setting, gives you an overwhelming amount of choices, and enables you to control a large party of mechanically complex characters in real-time battle (with pausing for easy delivery of orders), then this is probably theThis is a modernized revival, or spiritual successor, of the revered Infinity Engine games. If you like a western RPG that goes heavy on the text/dialog/story/characters/setting, gives you an overwhelming amount of choices, and enables you to control a large party of mechanically complex characters in real-time battle (with pausing for easy delivery of orders), then this is probably the game for you.

    Ever play Pathfinder or D&D, or the old Icewind Dale, Baldur's Gate, Neverwinter Nights, Knights of the Old Republic games? Then the systems here should be *relatively* familiar. And you know what to expect -- incredible versatility, lots of choices in how to build a character, how to grow a character, how to shape your party, and how to approach the story & world.

    And it's made by Obsidian, so it's good that this goes heavy on the text & story, because Obsidian has the best writers in the business.    … Expand
  10. Pjk1987
    Mar 26, 2015
    9
    Pillars of eternity reminds me of my Baldur's Gate days with deep storytelling, memorable characters and exciting gameplay. Obsidian have passionately created something they can be proud of - this is a masterpiece. The road to eternity series showed me that behind the development process there are real people with real stories so I want to thank all those individuals (both seen and unseen)Pillars of eternity reminds me of my Baldur's Gate days with deep storytelling, memorable characters and exciting gameplay. Obsidian have passionately created something they can be proud of - this is a masterpiece. The road to eternity series showed me that behind the development process there are real people with real stories so I want to thank all those individuals (both seen and unseen) for creating this game with such love through kickstarter. Ignore the 0 rating reviews, I'm not quite sure how someone gives this a 0 rating but unfortunately welcome to metacritic. Played 13+ hours.… Expand
  11. GeneralGonzo
    Mar 26, 2015
    10
    You can say it this way or the other: Baldur´s Gate is back! From the look of the game, the feeling when playing, the customization of your characters, the interaction withe them and the environment - everythinfg feeld like Baldur´s Gate - and plays like it. It´s the great old-school RPG all bakers - and not only them - waited a decade for. Fantastic, deep gameplay, tactical pausableYou can say it this way or the other: Baldur´s Gate is back! From the look of the game, the feeling when playing, the customization of your characters, the interaction withe them and the environment - everythinfg feeld like Baldur´s Gate - and plays like it. It´s the great old-school RPG all bakers - and not only them - waited a decade for. Fantastic, deep gameplay, tactical pausable combat and many many loot to ind.
    I can just say: love it. And recommend it everyone who only slightly loves deep and richt group RpGs, where tactical combat is more important than fast clicking in 1st person view!    … Expand
  12. iamawesome
    Mar 26, 2015
    10
    Type of game that i've been waiting for faaaaar too long.

    Rich, immersive, reactive. An actual role-playing game (shocking!). What else needs to be said?
  13. aykunoise
    Mar 26, 2015
    9
    This is the dawn of fund-independent gaming companies with kickstarter projects. The game follows the path of its succesors Baldur's Gate, Icewind Dale & Planescape Torment. -1 score for not including oldschool romance options and multiplayer support like baldur's gate.
  14. Maurintze
    Mar 26, 2015
    10
    Nothing short of amazing. Everything from the compelling story and beautiful backgrounds to the tactical combat screams awesomeness. It's great to see a game in this day and age creating such an interesting and exciting world with new unique elements, while still keeping what makes the infinity engine-games so wonderful.
  15. darsat
    Mar 28, 2015
    10
    So far so good, nothing crappy going on. Graphics are good. Combat system is nice. The game has an initial challenge. I really was worried about prepurchesing this game (from past experiences with other companies) haven't had any regrets so far. So far lovin it! (3hrs)
  16. SlightlyOP
    Mar 30, 2015
    10
    I don't think I'm all that great with words, but I'll try and describe how I feel about this game nonetheless (because I feel passionate about it). It's been a long time since I've played a game that has pulled me in and made me want to get lost in it's world (examples for me personally being Mass effect, Dragon Age Origins and KotOR). This game has. The writing has been brilliant, andI don't think I'm all that great with words, but I'll try and describe how I feel about this game nonetheless (because I feel passionate about it). It's been a long time since I've played a game that has pulled me in and made me want to get lost in it's world (examples for me personally being Mass effect, Dragon Age Origins and KotOR). This game has. The writing has been brilliant, and coming from someone who enjoys reading a lot, that's pretty cool. The whole soul reading aspect of the game was a surprise to me and being able to read about a bunch of the inhabitants of the world helped bring life to it (I'm still bitter about how lifeless the majority of Dragon Age Inquisition felt). And the companions are a pretty fun unique bunch to go on this journey with. Previously I had never really gone too hardcore when it came to combat in games, but in this game it's sort of required that you be at least a little strategic and it's actually making the game more fun (I restarted my first play through because I felt my character was not optimal). I've never played the old infinity engine games, but after I beat this game a few times I'm definitely going to check them out. To my video gaming brethren, if you enjoy RPG's and/or games with great storytelling and/or games with fun strategic combat, please check this game out.… Expand
  17. Taesaes
    Mar 27, 2015
    10
    This game has brought back all of my nostalgic memories back to me, of when I was a 13 year old getting Baldur's Gate II for my birthday. Before, I considered BGII to be the best PC RPG of all time... Pillars of Eternity is shaping up to take that title.
    The role playing elements is far superior to any game I have ever played. Your dialogue choices are catered to what your background is,    This game has brought back all of my nostalgic memories back to me, of when I was a 13 year old getting Baldur's Gate II for my birthday. Before, I considered BGII to be the best PC RPG of all time... Pillars of Eternity is shaping up to take that title.
    The role playing elements is far superior to any game I have ever played. Your dialogue choices are catered to what your background is, and how you shape it in the early game. No more of this "bad or good" nonsense, with dialogue being the exact same. Obsidian went through great lengths to bring us a true role playing experience, I honestly feel like I am sitting at a table playing dnd with my friends, only it is an interactive video game.
    The only issues so far is that it is slightly buggy (one instance where my mouse just stopped working so I had to reboot game).    … Expand
  18. Dasmar
    Mar 27, 2015
    10
    What Baldur's Gate once was in 1998 Pillars of Eternity is today. Outstanding game, if you loved Baldur's Gate buy it now, without thinking. You will not be disappointed.
  19. BDrago
    Mar 29, 2015
    10
    I have only played for about ten hours, but I can already say that this is an outstanding game. It perfectly captures the feel of the classics, while tweaking the mechanics to make it more intuitive and user friendly. it has pretty much everything I loved about Baldur's Gate without the weaknesses. I was never a big fan of the real time with pause and would have preferred turn-basedI have only played for about ten hours, but I can already say that this is an outstanding game. It perfectly captures the feel of the classics, while tweaking the mechanics to make it more intuitive and user friendly. it has pretty much everything I loved about Baldur's Gate without the weaknesses. I was never a big fan of the real time with pause and would have preferred turn-based combat, but it is very well executed and balanced. Combat can be challenging at times, but never feels unfair (Btw, I'm playing on normal). The engagement rules and the slow motion mode are a great addition to this kind of combat. Most potions and many abilities can only be used while in combat, making the usual cheap trick of buff stacking shortly before an engagement impossible.
    All things considered the gameplay is top notch, with a character system that offers a lot of flexibility for your player character's backstory and specialization. Your race, culture, class (and sub class, there are several different Paladin orders, some of them definitely not the stereotypical good kind), stats and reputation often give you alternative dialogue options which can lead to different approaches and outcomes.
    Reputation is more than just good/evil. Instead you can earn a reputation for being honest, greedy, diplomatic, aggressive, benevolent, cruel etc, and most dialogues give you options to that effect. I have also had at least one encounter where choosing the diplomatic option backfired and I was attacked. Some people just can't see reason.
    Anyway, that's what an RPG is supposed to do: it gives the possibility to really play a role and define who you are.
    The graphics are probably a bit too old school for some people, and I often wish it was in 3d. Combat often makes me wish that I could rotate the camera and zoom in some more, especially during bigger fights. It is reasonably pretty and serviceable for the most part, but I see it as a (not very significant) weak point.
    But Avellone and his team have proven that even in the 21st century a well written game doesn't need cinematic cutscenes, body language, facial expressions and extensive voice acting to tell a story. Those things are helpful to enhance good writing, as classic PC RPGs and console game of the 8 - 32 bit era show, they are not necessary. They also can not make up for ocassional bouts of terrible writing (like pretty much all of Iron Bull's dialogue in DA: I).
    It is the writing that matters, and on this front the game far outclasses every single other game I have ever played. Although I haven't met all recruitable characters yet, those I have met are very intriguing. Do yourself a favor and speak to Durance about the region and history when you meet him. My jaw figuratively dropped to the keyboard when the crazy bastard started talking about the war. It is sometimes a bit heavy on the exposition and treats the pc as an ignorant foreigner to the world That can be forgiven, considering the fact that I'm playing a freed slave from another country, but it's still not the most elegant way to build a world.

    All the flaws are tiny, and while they make the game fall a bit (just a bit) short of perfection, it is still closer to a 10 than a 9. This is a masterpiece. It may be Obsidian's best game yet, it may be the best RPG that has ever been made. It is definitely the best RPG (and maybe the best game) for over a decade. It is not an unofficial Baldur's Gate sequel in 2015. It is better than that. A great game in its own right with an added nostalgia bonus for those old enough to remember the classics.    … Expand
  20. chai_spice
    Mar 26, 2015
    9
    Pillars of Eternity is an outstanding game, solid in most respects and spectacular in others. As someone who grew up playing and loving fantasy cRPGs, I was afraid this genre was basically dead; I'm relieved to say that Pillars of Eternity is a fantastic offering. I'd say it easily stands alongside the likes of Baldur's Gate I & II and Planescape Torment, and that's not something I wouldPillars of Eternity is an outstanding game, solid in most respects and spectacular in others. As someone who grew up playing and loving fantasy cRPGs, I was afraid this genre was basically dead; I'm relieved to say that Pillars of Eternity is a fantastic offering. I'd say it easily stands alongside the likes of Baldur's Gate I & II and Planescape Torment, and that's not something I would just throw out there without serious consideration.

    - The mechanics are wonderfully crunchy while still being very accessible to newcomers to the genre. Character creation isn't obtuse and fraught with mechanical pitfalls, nor is it limiting or simple; there are a huge number of diverse and viable builds. The combat is engaging, through-and-through, and it's very satisfying every time I get a unique option in dialogue based on my characters build, which is surprisingly often, considering the huge variety of possible PCs.

    - The visuals are serviceable; that's the most I can say, really. A good art direction goes a long way for compensating for the relative weakness of the graphics.

    - I'm very impressed with the companion NPCs, and although I really wish they'd banter with each other more, they each have their share of interesting dialogues with the PC. I definitely can't see myself ever replacing them with a custom-made party, even after a few playthroughs.

    - The setting. I'm in love with the setting; the races, the nations, the history. It's very thoughtful and rich in detail. I've been soaking up every bit of background lore I can, and I usually don't have the attention span to do that in these games since I tune out the moment things start feeling too dry. I can't say that it's *all* absolutely revolutionary, but it's a well-executed fantasy setting with some extremely novel stuff that puts it above a lot of the other toothless, bland stuff in the genre.    … Expand
  21. Ohm1
    Mar 26, 2015
    9
    Essentially, this is an Infinity Engine style game². Storytelling, RPG aspects and stunning 2D visuals are above anything else released in last decade.
  22. FurballHer0
    Mar 27, 2015
    9
    It's big, beautiful and lovingly crafted.
    I'm 8 hours and I'm hooked, if you love fantasy then do yourself a favour and give this a much needed try.

    Losing 1 point due to no coop. The only thing that would make this better is being able to take a friend along with you, even as just a drop in fable 2 style coop.
  23. 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
  24. 21-5-73
    Mar 26, 2015
    8
    NO QTE events.
    Bland graphics.
    Great party companions.
    Story driven game.
    Tactical pause combat.
    CCRPG at its purest.

    Wasn't for the occasional #%$! fetch quest, where Dragon Age Inquisition is South pole, PoE is North pole. 'nuff said.
  25. ROME2BETRAYAL
    Mar 26, 2015
    10
    This is what Baldur's Gate 3 would have been if that game was ever made. Same team, same type of isometric RPG. Epic writing, excellent story and game mechanics.

    I don't understand why you wouldn't buy this game if you loved Baldur's Gate.
  26. xhorathor
    Mar 26, 2015
    10
    today is a great day this game is awesome a brilliant oldschool rpg i'm glad to be a backer and helped to get this project done.
    dont listen to the haters and call of duty kids rpg players will love this game.
  27. BlazingLion-
    Mar 26, 2015
    10
    I played the Beta and now this, I wasn't a backer and I didn't play the Baldur series, however I'm really enjoying this forget what that one guy said about modern RPG's that has nothing to do with this, it's just a taste and what not. You either have it or you don't. This game along Divinity:Original Sin have been some of the most original fun I've had, RPG wise, honestly DragonI played the Beta and now this, I wasn't a backer and I didn't play the Baldur series, however I'm really enjoying this forget what that one guy said about modern RPG's that has nothing to do with this, it's just a taste and what not. You either have it or you don't. This game along Divinity:Original Sin have been some of the most original fun I've had, RPG wise, honestly Dragon age:inquisition was a little lackluster at time so these may actually be more memorable then DA:I for me in the coming years.… Expand
  28. KJosey
    Mar 26, 2015
    9
    [I have not finished this game] I'm about 10 hours in and, so far, this is a brilliant game. As the "spiritual successor to Baldur's Gate", some of the aesthetics and feel of the game is similar to that beloved series. However, the indigenous rules set on display in POE deserve a lot of praise for going where D&D has not gone before. Anyone who isn't familiar with D&D can easily pick[I have not finished this game] I'm about 10 hours in and, so far, this is a brilliant game. As the "spiritual successor to Baldur's Gate", some of the aesthetics and feel of the game is similar to that beloved series. However, the indigenous rules set on display in POE deserve a lot of praise for going where D&D has not gone before. Anyone who isn't familiar with D&D can easily pick this up and play, but it's also challenging enough to keep even the nerdiest of the nerds off balance with some difficult game play. There's a couple of minor bugs here and there, which is to be expected, but considering this is a game that will give you anywhere from 50-100 hours of game play, I'll forgive them and know a patch is coming soon. Go get this today. Oh, and if you personally meet any of the negative reviewers, point and laugh at them derisively.… Expand
  29. 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.
  30. Grumppi
    Mar 28, 2015
    10
    I love this game. The gameplay, pacing, open-world feel, writing, characters, animation, etc. are all excellent. Make no mistake though, nostalgia carries this into the upper stratosphere for me when it comes to dishing out a number rating. Do yourself a favor, if you haven't played the old infinity engine games, but love Western-style RPG's like DA:Origins, get started on building someI love this game. The gameplay, pacing, open-world feel, writing, characters, animation, etc. are all excellent. Make no mistake though, nostalgia carries this into the upper stratosphere for me when it comes to dishing out a number rating. Do yourself a favor, if you haven't played the old infinity engine games, but love Western-style RPG's like DA:Origins, get started on building some nostalgia of your own by playing Pillars of Eternity, and loving every minute of it.… 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 »