
In the ever-expanding world of role-playing games, few titles manage to capture the essence of classic isometric RPGs while injecting fresh ideas and compelling narratives. Pillars of Eternity achieves this delicate balance with aplomb, transporting players to the fantastical realm of Eora, where ancient gods walk among mortals, souls are bartered for power, and a mysterious plague threatens to unravel the very fabric of existence.
Developed by Obsidian Entertainment, the studio behind acclaimed titles such as Fallout: New Vegas and Knights of the Old Republic II, Pillars of Eternity is a love letter to the golden age of RPGs like Baldur’s Gate and Icewind Dale. It draws inspiration from these classics while introducing innovative mechanics and a world brimming with depth and lore.
A World Steeped in History and Intrigue:
Eora, the setting for Pillars of Eternity, is not your typical fantasy world. Its history is complex and layered, rife with ancient civilizations, forgotten deities, and political machinations that have shaped its destiny. The game meticulously unveils this world through intricately woven lore, explorable environments, and interactions with a diverse cast of characters.
Players begin their journey as “The Watcher,” an individual blessed (or perhaps cursed) with the ability to see souls and interact with them. This unique power thrusts you into the center of Eora’s unraveling: a mysterious plague known as the “Hollowborn Affliction” is sweeping across the land, leaving victims soulless husks.
As you journey through the world, investigating the origins of the Hollowborn and searching for a cure, you encounter a plethora of factions vying for power:
Faction | Description | Goals |
---|---|---|
The Vailian Trading Company | A powerful merchant guild seeking to expand its influence. | Profit, control of trade routes, access to new resources. |
The Dyrwoodan Army | The military force defending the kingdom from external threats. | Maintaining order, protecting citizens, upholding the rule of law. |
The Engwithan Wardens | Guardians of ancient Engwithan knowledge and artifacts. | Preserving history, preventing misuse of powerful relics. |
The Huana | A tribal people connected to the natural world through spirit magic. | Protecting their lands and traditions, restoring balance to nature. |
Navigating this complex web of alliances and betrayals is a core element of Pillars of Eternity. Your choices have far-reaching consequences, shaping not only your own destiny but also the fate of Eora itself.
Crafting Your Destiny: Character Creation and Customization:
One of Pillars of Eternity’s greatest strengths lies in its robust character creation system. You are presented with a wealth of options to sculpt your ideal hero (or villain), choosing from eleven distinct races, each with unique abilities and cultural backgrounds:
- Human: Versatile and adaptable, humans excel in various roles.
- Elf: Long-lived and attuned to nature, elves possess innate magic abilities.
- Dwarf: Sturdy and resilient, dwarves are renowned for their craftsmanship and engineering prowess.
- Orlan: Small and nimble, orlans are known for their cunning and stealth.
The customization doesn’t stop there. You can further refine your character by selecting a class from various archetypes like the warrior, rogue, wizard, and priest. Within each class lie numerous subclasses that grant access to specialized abilities and playstyles.
A Tactical Battle System:
Combat in Pillars of Eternity is turn-based and strategically rich. You assemble a party of up to six companions, each with their own skills and strengths.
Positioning your characters on the battlefield becomes crucial, as different enemy types have vulnerabilities and attack patterns you must exploit.
The game incorporates a complex “Recovery” system that governs character actions: recovering from attacks, casting spells, and even moving requires spending Recovery Points (RP). This adds another layer of tactical depth, forcing you to carefully consider your every move.
Beyond the Epic Narrative:
Pillars of Eternity is not merely about epic quests and dungeon crawling; it offers a wealth of side content to discover:
- Explore Ancient Ruins: Unearth the secrets of Engwithan civilization through crumbling temples and forgotten cities.
- Craft Powerful Items: Gather rare materials and learn arcane recipes to forge legendary weapons and armor.
- Build Relationships: Forge bonds with your companions, each with their own unique personalities, backstories, and quests.
A Triumph of Classic RPG Design:
Pillars of Eternity is a testament to the enduring appeal of classic RPG design. Its rich world-building, compelling narrative, deep character customization, and tactical combat combine to create an unforgettable gaming experience. Whether you’re a seasoned veteran of the genre or a newcomer looking for an immersive adventure, Pillars of Eternity offers a journey worth embarking upon.
So gather your companions, sharpen your wits, and prepare to face the mysteries of Eora!