The previously PC-only Pillars of Eternity was a love letter to Baldur's Gate and the titles that followed it. Obsidian Entertainment's sprawling RPG was a slice of warm and fuzzy nostalgia, updated for the modern gamer and now it's found its way to consoles as Pillars of Eternity: Complete Edition.
This substantial chunk of role-playing goodness comes with parts I and II of the White March expansions included and, with a sequel on the horizon in 2018, the game's console debut is a fantastic way to experience the adventure for newbies and veterans alike.
Every aspect of Pillars of Eternity is created with hardcore RPG enthusiasts in mind, from the intensive character customisation system to the races, classes and subsequent options you'll be faced with when digging into the game. If familiar fantasy tropes don't do it for you, there are also a wealth of subclasses to investigate. It's perfectly acceptable to spend a solid hour messing about with options to ensure you've done your due diligence before settling on an adventurer. Of the selection on offer, The Chanter makes for an interesting curiosity, as does the Cipher, both classes offering variations on familiar themes with bards and mages.
The campaign narrative remains aligned with the same central details no matter what kind of race or class you choose, your character awakening as a 'Watcher', someone able to interpret others' past lives through their souls. It's a decent story with twists and turns galore as you attempt to get to the bottom of your newfound powers.
There's plenty of material to acquaint you with the world and all its various issues, too, as much of your time will be spent reading. This is an extremely text-centric adventure with a satisfying payoff for anyone who appreciates beefy narratives and elaborate worldbuilding. The game sends paragraph after paragraph your way but it never feel like a slog, allowing you to settle into some legitimate, deep-dive role-playing.
Between the story beats, there's plenty of opportunity for you to mix it up in combat, though it's a far more strategic affair than action RPGs like Diablo III or Torchlight. Attacking and defending is essentially turn-based, even though it plays out in real-time. You'll employ a variety of weapons, spells, and skills across your party, which will swell with an assortment of colourful characters recruited along the way. You can even add custom characters by visiting an Inn and hiring a bespoke mercenary.
Pillars of Eternity looks and feels excellent on console, the isometric camera responsive and movement is as smooth and painless — a common concern for those moving from mouse and keyboard to controller. The redesigned UI works well, emphasising ease of access when using a controller and never making you fumble through submenus at critical moments.
The only caveat is that, while Pillars of Eternity: Complete Edition has been augmented for console play, the actual content of the game hasn't been made any more accessible for casual gamers. This is a hardcore game that requires strategy, planning, and a generous helping of patience. But if you can get past that minor barrier to entry, this is the definitive release of a stand-out RPG experience.