Pillars of Eternity: A Retrospective on Choice, Consequence, and Classic RPG Design!

For those yearning for a true classic role-playing experience reminiscent of Baldur’s Gate and Icewind Dale, Pillars of Eternity stands as a shining beacon in the modern gaming landscape. Developed by Obsidian Entertainment, a studio renowned for their masterful handling of beloved RPG franchises like Fallout: New Vegas, Pillars of Eternity harkens back to the isometric roots of the genre while simultaneously injecting fresh ideas and innovative mechanics.

The game’s story takes place in the fantastical world of Eora, a realm steeped in rich lore and intriguing civilizations. Players assume the role of a “Watcher,” an individual endowed with the extraordinary ability to perceive and interact with souls – both living and deceased. This unique gift thrusts you into a gripping narrative centered around the enigmatic “Hollowborn,” children born without souls who are believed to be harbingers of unimaginable doom. As you delve deeper into the mystery, uncovering ancient conspiracies and confronting formidable foes, your choices will shape the destiny of Eora and its inhabitants.

Unraveling the Tapestry of Choice and Consequence

Pillars of Eternity proudly wears its mantle as a choice-driven RPG. From pivotal story decisions that ripple throughout the narrative to seemingly mundane interactions with NPCs, your actions carry weight and consequence. Dialogue options are rarely binary – choosing between “good” or “evil” is seldom the norm. Instead, you’ll grapple with morally ambiguous scenarios, where there are no easy answers and every decision has both pros and cons.

This emphasis on player agency extends beyond dialogue. The game features a robust character creation system that allows for unparalleled customization. Choose from a diverse array of races – including humans, elves, dwarves, orioles (a race known for their spiritual connection to nature), godlike beings blessed with divine powers, and even the enigmatic aumaua, amphibious humanoids who can breathe underwater – each with unique abilities, cultural backgrounds, and starting attributes.

Next comes customizing your character’s class. Pillars of Eternity offers a comprehensive selection of archetypes, from the traditional warrior, rogue, and mage to more intricate options like the chanter (who manipulates souls), the druid (master of nature’s power), and the cipher (harnessing psionic abilities). You can further refine your build by selecting sub-classes that provide specialized skills and talents.

Navigating Eora: A World Teeming with Life and Danger

Eora is a world brimming with history, culture, and captivating landscapes. From the bustling port city of Defiance Bay to the desolate wastes of the Deadfire Archipelago (explored in the game’s sequel, Pillars of Eternity II: Deadfire), each location pulsates with its own unique identity. Encounters with various factions – like the Vailian Trading Company, a powerful mercantile empire, or the enigmatic Engwithan civilization, rumored to possess ancient knowledge and technology – add depth and complexity to the world.

Combat in Pillars of Eternity adheres to the classic real-time with pause (RTWP) system, offering players ample time to strategize and execute tactical maneuvers. Positioning is crucial, as flanking enemies grants significant bonuses while being surrounded can lead to swift demise. The game also introduces a unique “Engagement” mechanic: your party’s position relative to enemies determines who attacks first, adding another layer of complexity to combat encounters.

Beyond its core gameplay mechanics, Pillars of Eternity distinguishes itself through its exceptional writing, memorable characters, and stunning soundtrack. The world is brought to life by detailed descriptions, engaging dialogue, and a compelling narrative that explores themes of mortality, faith, identity, and the power of choice.

Pillars of Eternity: A Testament to Classic RPG Design

Here’s a closer look at some key features that make Pillars of Eternity such a standout title:

Pillars of Eternity is not merely a game – it’s an experience that will stay with you long after the credits roll. For those seeking a deep, meaningful RPG adventure filled with choice, consequence, and classic design elements, Pillars of Eternity is a must-play.