Pillars of Eternity and Pathfinder: Kingmaker are both highly acclaimed role-playing games (RPGs) that offer deep and immersive experiences, each with its unique strengths and characteristics. Choosing between the two ultimately depends on personal preferences and the aspects of RPGs that resonate most with the player. In this comparison, we’ll delve into various aspects of both games, including storytelling, world-building, gameplay mechanics, graphics, and overall player experience.
Storytelling and Narrative:
Pillars of Eternity boasts a compelling and mature narrative that explores themes of reincarnation, gods, and the consequences of past actions. The game features a rich lore and a strong emphasis on player choices, with a branching storyline that reacts to the decisions made throughout the game. The writing is top-notch, and the world is filled with interesting characters, each with their own background stories and motivations.
On the other hand, Pathfinder: Kingmaker draws inspiration from the tabletop Pathfinder role-playing game, offering a more traditional fantasy narrative. The game’s story centers around establishing and ruling a kingdom in the Stolen Lands. While the narrative may not be as complex as Pillars of Eternity, Pathfinder: Kingmaker compensates with its focus on kingdom management and the intricate relationships between characters.
World-Building and Exploration:
Pillars of Eternity features the vibrant and diverse world of Eora, with detailed environments and a strong sense of history. The game encourages exploration, and the hand-painted backgrounds contribute to a visually stunning experience. The game’s setting is original and captivating, with a deep lore that extends beyond the main storyline.
Pathfinder: Kingmaker, true to its tabletop roots, presents a vast and open world to explore. The Stolen Lands are filled with diverse regions, each with its own ecosystem and inhabitants. The game encourages players to venture into the unknown, discover hidden locations, and interact with various factions. The kingdom-building aspect also adds a layer of depth to the world, as players shape the political landscape.
Gameplay Mechanics:
Pillars of Eternity utilizes a real-time with pause combat system, allowing players to strategically plan and execute their actions. The game incorporates a unique “grimoire” system for spellcasting, adding depth to character customization. The class system is diverse, with various options for character development, and the game emphasizes tactical decision-making in combat.
Pathfinder: Kingmaker also features real-time with pause combat, inspired by the tabletop rules of the Pathfinder RPG. The game stays true to the pen-and-paper experience, offering a plethora of character customization options, including diverse classes, races, and feats. The kingdom management aspect introduces strategic elements beyond traditional RPG gameplay.
Graphics and Presentation:
Pillars of Eternity’s hand-drawn art style is a standout feature, providing a visually distinctive and aesthetically pleasing experience. The attention to detail in character design, animations, and environments contributes to the game’s immersive atmosphere. The isometric perspective allows for a broad view of the surroundings, enhancing the strategic aspect of the gameplay.
Pathfinder: Kingmaker opts for a 3D graphical presentation, with a mix of pre-rendered backgrounds and 3D character models. While the graphics may not reach the same level of artistic uniqueness as Pillars of Eternity, the game still offers a visually appealing world with a variety of landscapes and settings.
Overall Player Experience:
Pillars of Eternity is known for its deep and engaging narrative, strategic combat, and a richly detailed world. The game appeals to players who enjoy complex storytelling, moral dilemmas, and a high level of character customization. Its emphasis on player choice and consequence adds replay value, as different decisions lead to varied outcomes.
Pathfinder: Kingmaker, on the other hand, caters to players who appreciate the intricacies of traditional tabletop RPGs. The kingdom management aspect sets it apart, offering a unique gameplay experience that extends beyond the typical RPG formula. The game appeals to those who enjoy exploration, kingdom-building, and a more traditional fantasy setting.
Final Conclusion on pillars of eternity vs pathfinder: Which is Better?
In conclusion, the choice between Pillars of Eternity and Pathfinder: Kingmaker ultimately depends on individual preferences. If a gripping narrative, moral choices, and a hand-painted aesthetic are priorities, Pillars of Eternity may be the preferred choice. On the other hand, if the allure of kingdom management, a vast open world, and a tabletop-inspired experience are more appealing, Pathfinder: Kingmaker might be the better fit. Both games excel in their respective areas, providing immersive and memorable RPG experiences for players with different tastes.
