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Ken Follett’s epic historical novel, The Pillars of the Earth, set against the backdrop of 12th-century Kingsbridge, England, seems an unlikely candidate for a video game adaptation. Its focus on the construction of a cathedral and the intricacies of religious life might not immediately resonate with the typical gaming audience. However, the novel’s rich tapestry of human ambition, political intrigue, and personal struggles presents a compelling narrative ripe for exploration in a different medium. Developed by Daedalic Entertainment, the game leverages the studio’s expertise in narrative-driven experiences to bring Follett’s vision to life. But does it succeed in capturing the essence of the beloved novel?

Ken Follett

From the Ashes: A Faithful Yet Flawed Adaptation

The first chapter of the game, “From the Ashes,” largely adheres to the novel’s core themes: human relationships, conflicts, and the events that shape them. The primary characters remain true to their literary counterparts. Tom Builder, the skilled mason, dreams of building a magnificent cathedral in honor of his deceased wife. Prior Philip, driven by faith and duty, struggles to establish the Kingsbridge priory amidst political turmoil and a civil war. Jack, the enigmatic son of an outcast woman, displays a natural talent for stone carving. And Aliena, daughter of the disgraced Earl Bartholomew of Shiring, endures hardship and becomes a wool merchant, fueled by a desire for revenge and the restoration of her family’s honor.

Ken Follett

The game effectively weaves these characters’ stories together, though with a noticeable emphasis on Philip and Jack’s perspectives. Gameplay is deliberately streamlined, prioritizing narrative over complex mechanics. Puzzles are absent, and dialogue choices, while offering variations in tone, ultimately lead to the same overarching outcomes. This isn’t necessarily a detriment, as the game’s focus remains firmly on adapting the source material. Compared to the 2011 television series, Daedalic’s interpretation stays closer to Follett’s original vision, particularly in its depiction of the characters’ appearances and ages, all rendered in a stark, hand-drawn art style that mirrors the novel’s somber atmosphere.

Ken Follett

A Loss of Emotional Depth

However, faithfulness to the source material doesn’t automatically translate into a compelling gaming experience. While The Pillars of the Earth possesses a strong foundation, the game, perhaps due to constraints on length or scope, omits crucial plot points, significantly impacting the narrative’s flow and emotional resonance. Instead of establishing the context of the succession crisis following King Henry’s death—the catalyst for much of the novel’s conflict—the game begins abruptly with Agnes’s death during childbirth. The focus shifts to Tom’s family, only to abruptly transition to Prior Philip’s struggles amidst the conflict between Earl Bartholomew and King Stephen. Players unfamiliar with the novel will likely find this jarring, as the game offers little explanation of the characters’ motivations or backstories.

Ken Follett

This pattern of omission continues throughout. The execution scene of the red-haired man, which establishes Ellen and Bishop Waleran’s significance, is absent. Bartholomew and Aliena remain underdeveloped, their stories relegated to brief conversations with Tom and Jack. Relationships progress at an accelerated pace, with Tom and Ellen’s romance feeling rushed. The tension between Alfred and Jack lacks depth. William Hamleigh, whose villainy in the novel stems from his cruel treatment of Aliena and her family, is reduced to a generic antagonist. The game captures the surface details of The Pillars of the Earth, but it fails to convey the novel’s emotional depth, the conflicts, the suffering, the bonds, the rage, and the climactic moments that make it so compelling. The characters are present, but the threads connecting them feel fragile and underdeveloped.

Conclusion: A Hollow Shell

“From the Ashes” concludes with Aliena’s third appearance in the seven-hour chapter, abruptly ending the narrative’s potential within the 1135-1136 timeframe. For those familiar with the novel, the game feels like a hollow shell, capturing the form but losing the soul of the story. For newcomers, it’s a rushed and disjointed experience lacking impactful moments. While the game’s visuals and adherence to certain plot points are commendable, its failure to capture the emotional core of the novel ultimately undermines its potential.