Pillars of Eternity Switch Review

As a newcomer to computer-style RPGs, I was excited to dive into Pillars of Eternity on the Nintendo Switch. With a playthrough time of around 60 hours for a first-time player, this game offers a significant amount of content. Veterans can expect to shave off about a third of that time, thanks to their prior experience with similar games.

The action is presented from an angled overhead perspective, reminiscent of upcoming titles like Baldur's Gate and Planescape Torment. Pillars aims to be the evolution of these classic RPGs, and it succeeds in many ways.

One of the standout features of Pillars is its ability to integrate downloadable expansions seamlessly into the main story. The Switch version includes both expansions, which adds to the overall value of the game.

In terms of controls, the text is well-sized even in handheld mode, making it easy to read on the go. Radial menus provide quick access to most key functions, although I did encounter some difficulty figuring out how to manage my inventory (or 'stash') during my first playthrough.

The game does an excellent job of explaining its mechanics and systems, making it easy for new players to jump in. The character creator is particularly impressive, with a wide range of options available to customize your character's appearance, stats, and abilities.

As you explore the world of Drywood, you'll uncover a mysterious storyline involving soulless children and unravel the secrets of Eora. Along the way, you'll encounter multiple quests that add depth and variety to the game. My solo adventurer eventually became the leader of a party of six, showcasing the game's flexibility and replay value.

Pillars of Eternity features a real-time combat system with pause-and-play functionality, making it accessible to players of all skill levels. While there are some minor issues with the Switch port that can be patched, overall, this is an excellent addition to the Nintendo Switch's growing library of RPGs.

With the announcement of Pillars of Eternity II: Deadfire coming to Switch alongside other consoles, and The Outer Worlds on its way to the platform as well, it's clear that Obsidian Entertainment has a lot of faith in the Nintendo Switch. As a result, I would highly recommend this game to anyone looking for a deep and engaging RPG experience on their Switch console.

Pillars of eternity switch review