Pillars of Eternity II: Deadfire

I'll focus on major differences from Pillars 1: PRESENTATION is phenomenal. Pillars already looked good and this is even better, both in graphics and art direction. This is the best looking CRPG I've seen. MECHANICS: the addition of kits and multiclasses is great (and fairly well balanced by CRPG standards, compare BG2). Also, partybuilding is hugely improved by letting you choose from 1 of 3 similar classes for companions. The 2nd major change is less positive. Now all abilities (including spells) are per-encounter. Also Spells are unlocked individually with the same levelup points as passives (just like other classes' actives). This incentivises only unlocking the best spells then using these same spells in every fight. Finally, the true open world is a big improvement and vastly improves the sense of exploration and discovery. (The actual ship management is pointless but easy to ignore so it doesn't detract from the game.) WRITING: Worldbuilding is great, with a well-realised, original Pacific Islands/colonial/pirate fantasy theme. The local and colonial factions are interesting and nuanced and this comes across in game but sadly your interactions with them are not nuanced: you still choose which factions to help/destroy and these conflicts escalate far too quickly. The main plot is a lot less serious than Pillars 1. Personally I prefer this because I didn't like Pillars 1's plot and pacing is improved by replacing the huge lore dumps with Tyranny's hover-over glossary system. But YMMV. Also worth noting it ends on a cliffhanger for a 3rd game that will never come. Finally, companions are a mixed bag. Once again, their concepts are interesting but this time they seem like caricatures. Each companion has several traits (e.g. "antireligious") which determine reputation gain/loss with them. Unfortunately, their personalities seem boiled down entirely to these traits. On the plus side, companions' quests are more substantial and satisfying than in Pillars 1.

great game, just a bit too much dialogue and too many quests.. could be a bit more clear.. or have some map pins to help.. maybe they are available, and it's not turned on.

If you are a fan of party-based isometric RPGs this game will be an instant classic in your library. The game features a large map that rewards exploration. There is an immense variety of side and companion quests that weave into the lore-rich world, without being repetitive. The pirate theme works nicely and doesn't feel over done. The new companions in the game are also memorable, especially a Priestess named Xoti who wouldn't stop hitting on me. A unique feature of the game is the ship and crew management. This was well thought out by the developers and never becomes a burden or a chore (yes, I'm looking at you Pathfinder Kingmaker). Overall this is an excellent sequel to Pillars 1 and makes we want to replay the entire series through again.

This is one of my favorite games ever. I started in back in 2019 and eventually got stonewalled by a tough fight. Didn't pick it back up again after I finsihed BG3 and got back on my Isomentric CRPG kick. I joke that it's the best Non-DnD BG game ever, and while the mechanics and details definitely show the BG influence, the setting is very original and one of the best things about the series. My only real gripe is that there's just SO MANY quests and they're just all ove rthe place, particularlyat the end of the game. Too much content doesn't seem like a problem, but I do wish they'd have at least spread it out a bit or maybe have done a post-endgame DLC. Even when it's not on sale I'd recommend it. I haven't actually finsihed things yet but this is my 3rd attempt so 3rd time's the charm. With Avowed having taken this series in the 3rd Person RPG direction, I do hope that perhaps one day there'll be a return to this style of play. Or who knows, I hear hear that they need a new studio for the next BG game.

I would pay much for a third entry to the isometric Pillars of Eternity series. Its lore, tone, and unique identiy in terms of skills and world have captured me like few other games - including only masterpieces of their respecitve subgenres like Dark Souls, The Elder Scrolls, and Disco Elysium. I love the freedom and creativity of being able to create Intelligence-based Barbarians, Strengh-based rogues, etc. The unique take on chanters, ciphers, and monks and their integration witht he lore of the game also makes these classes very interesting. Speaking of lore, the story of the first Pillars of Eternity is, in my opinion the better one, but the world in general is one I would love to return to in the depth, complexity, and sombreness that the first game offered and which the second game built on in temrs of graphics, expansiveness, and gameplay. Nothing quite feels like Pillars of Eternity (I or II) to me - and these games have an identiy through their soundtrack, design, lore, writing, and gameplay features that make them my favourite "CRPG" ever.