{"id":1220,"date":"2019-08-23T10:18:57","date_gmt":"2019-08-23T08:18:57","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.senses.se\/en\/review-pillars-of-eternity-switch\/"},"modified":"2025-06-16T19:18:52","modified_gmt":"2025-06-16T17:18:52","slug":"review-pillars-of-eternity-switch","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.senses.se\/en\/review-pillars-of-eternity-switch\/","title":{"rendered":"Review: Pillars of Eternity (Switch)"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

As I noted in my review of Fallout 76<\/strong><\/a>, the original Fallout<\/strong> and its sequel hold a special place. Their appeal stems less from cutting-edge graphics and elaborate effects, and more from compelling narrative. Pillars of Eternity<\/strong> shares this emphasis. It’s a digital role-playing game that embraces a retro aesthetic while delivering numerous surprises.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Pillars<\/a>
The combat system is intuitive to manage.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

In a nod to classic RPGs, character creation is the first step \u2013 a process that can be quite involved. While a quicker path is available, I recommend carefully considering your choices. The selected class and skills significantly influence interactions and the decisions of non-player characters. I opted to create a dwarf<\/em>, and then commenced my adventure.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Pillars<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

The immediate impression is one of strong parallels with Fallout<\/em>, particularly in its overall feel. The isometric perspective and environmental interaction mechanics are remarkably similar. However, the combat system diverges; rather than directly controlling each attack as in Fallout<\/em>, characters engage in continuous combat until one is defeated. During battles, pausing is possible to strategically deploy specific abilities or skills.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Pillars<\/a>
The story is exceptionally well-crafted and engaging.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Early in the game, the player assembles a party, gaining strength and synergistic skill sets. Equipment management and transfer between characters is streamlined. Controlling the entire party requires some acclimation. An early misstep led my entire group directly into a trap due to a lapse in attention. A stealth mode<\/em> is available for detecting concealed enemies or traps.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Pillars<\/a>
Effective voice acting enhances the overall immersion.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Given Pillars of Eternity’s<\/em> deliberate evocation of retro RPGs, the relatively simple, yet stylish, graphics are acceptable. The scaled-down cutscenes, presented as text and still images reminiscent of an illustrated book, also fit the aesthetic. A notable issue, however, is the recurrent problem of game designers overlooking portable mode<\/em> during Nintendo Switch ports. Certain text elements become excessively small on the Switch’s screen, occasionally hindering the gaming experience (Nintendo themselves have exhibited this issue with their own, platform-exclusive titles<\/a>). I also encountered minor bugs, such as overlapping voice lines and text formatting errors, though none were game-breaking.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Dwarf<\/a>
Easy team equipment management.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Despite these minor shortcomings, Pillars of Eternity<\/em> remains a recommended title for RPG enthusiasts. It’s not a universally appealing game; those seeking action in the style of Diablo<\/a><\/strong> will likely be disappointed. This title prioritizes depth and strategic gameplay. Pillars of Eternity<\/em> is well-suited for portable play on the Switch, akin to experiencing a high-quality interactive novel.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n