PGC NEWS

Crowdfunding has become a powerful tool for bringing unique and exciting video games to life, fueled by the passion and financial support of dedicated gaming communities. Kickstarter, a prominent crowdfunding platform, has launched several successful titles, including Divinity: Original Sin and Wasteland 2. These games have resonated with fans, delivering quality experiences often missing in today’s increasingly commercialized gaming landscape. Pillars of Eternity, developed by Obsidian Entertainment and also funded through Kickstarter, joins these ranks. Released in early 2015, this classic RPG harkens back to beloved titles like Baldur’s Gate. But does Pillars of Eternity live up to the hype and deliver a truly captivating experience?

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A Nod to Classic RPGs

Fans of classic RPGs will find much to love in Pillars of Eternity. The game features real-time combat with pause, allowing players to strategically plan their actions and choose abilities, reminiscent of genre staples. Combat is challenging and requires careful consideration, unlike the button-mashing approach often seen in action RPGs (ARPGs). Character creation is another significant element, offering a variety of races and classes to choose from, significantly increasing replayability.

Beyond pre-designed companions encountered throughout the game, Pillars of Eternity allows players to hire additional adventurers. Remarkably, hired companions can be fully customized, just like the main character, providing unparalleled control over party composition and ensuring a tailored experience.

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The game also incorporates a reputation system, influenced by player choices and actions throughout their journey. Dialogue options are plentiful, and player skills directly impact available choices, opening up new conversational paths and adding depth to interactions.

Exploring the Rich World of Eora

World-building is crucial for immersive RPGs, and Pillars of Eternity excels in this area. While not set in the Dungeons & Dragons universe, the world of Eora, crafted by Obsidian Entertainment, is remarkably detailed and engaging. Each location has its own unique story to tell, unveiled through scattered journals, NPC interactions, and carefully crafted dialogue.

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Unusually, Pillars of Eternity doesn’t award experience points (EXP) through combat. Instead, EXP is gained by discovering new areas and completing quests, encouraging exploration and interaction with the world and its inhabitants. This system also incentivizes players to delve into the rich backstories of their companions, each with their own compelling narrative.

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The game also features a comprehensive Journal, documenting everything encountered, including monster types, strengths, weaknesses, and even their origins. This wealth of information adds another layer of depth to the experience and provides valuable tactical advantages.

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Shortcomings and Bugs

Despite its strengths, Pillars of Eternity isn’t without its flaws. The fixed isometric camera angle, while a nostalgic nod to classic RPGs, can be problematic during combat, especially in areas with numerous obstacles. The game also suffers from bugs, a recurring issue with Obsidian Entertainment titles. A significant bug related to item equipping was present at launch but has since been patched.

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Finally, the AI can be problematic, with companions often behaving passively in combat. The pathfinding system also needs improvement, as characters frequently struggle to navigate effectively, hindering the combat experience.

Conclusion

Pillars of Eternity successfully captures the spirit of classic RPGs, offering a deep and engaging experience with rich world-building, challenging combat, and extensive character customization. While hampered by some technical issues and AI shortcomings, the game’s compelling narrative, detailed world, and engaging gameplay make it a worthy addition to any RPG fan’s library. Despite its flaws, Pillars of Eternity shines as a testament to the power of crowdfunding and the enduring appeal of classic RPGs.