Pillars of Eternity II: Deadfire

The majority of critics praised Pillars of Eternity II: Deadfire for its rich storytelling, deep world-building, and immersive narrative. Many highlighted its ability to expand on the lore of the first game while introducing fresh themes and moral complexity. Cubed3 noted the "well-crafted narrative" with "multiple choice dialogue trees" and strong character writing, while Gameblog.fr emphasized the story’s clarity compared to its predecessor. RPG Fan celebrated the game’s philosophical depth, calling it "powerful" in its exploration of existentialism and moral dilemmas. The interconnected narratives, such as the protagonist’s quest to confront Eothas, were frequently lauded for their ambition and emotional resonance. Critics like RPG Site and TheGamer praised the game’s ability to balance grand stakes with personal journeys, while Jeuxvideo.com highlighted its "non-manichean approach" to choices that shaped the world meaningfully. The story’s emphasis on exploration, faction dynamics, and player agency—such as through imported save files or background choices—was seen as a significant strength by outlets like Impulsegamer and Windows Central. However, several critics pointed out flaws in the main storyline’s execution. Metro GameCentral criticized the "weakest element" of the game, calling the script "serious and verbose" and poorly integrated with other gameplay elements. IGN noted that the main quest lacked motivation and context, though they acknowledged the side quests as "engaging." DarkStation and ZTGD echoed similar concerns, describing the main plot as "dull" or "weak," with faction storylines often feeling more compelling. Multiplayer.it and Riot Pixels pointed to a fragmented narrative structure, where sub-plots felt isolated from the central arc. Some reviewers, like Cubed3 (in a separate review), noted that the story could be overwhelming for newcomers due to its complexity, while App Trigger criticized its "fractured narrative" and lack of cohesion in later acts. These critiques often centered on pacing issues, underdeveloped characters, or a disconnect between the game’s ambitious themes and their execution. Despite these criticisms, the overall consensus among critics was overwhelmingly positive, with many praising the story as one of the game’s standout features. While some found the main plot lacking in urgency or depth, the majority highlighted its strengths in world-building, moral complexity, and player engagement. IGN Italia and TheSixthAxis praised the narrative’s "woven" intricacy and twists, while Critical Hit called it "grandier than the original," building on its predecessor’s framework. Even critics who pointed out flaws acknowledged the story’s ambition and richness, such as Vandal, who noted its "memorable characters" and "meaningful choices." The game’s ability to balance epic fantasy with intimate character moments, coupled with its layered storytelling, cemented its reputation as a narrative triumph for fans of the genre. As PC Gamer put it, the story “builds on the previous game’s framework” to create an "engaging narrative experience," reflecting a broad critical appreciation for its depth and creativity.

The gameplay of Pillars of Eternity II: Deadfire is widely praised for its deep customization, strategic depth, and rich RPG mechanics. Critics highlight the improved character creation systems, including multiclassing, sub-classes, and intricate skill trees that allow players to tailor their characters uniquely (GameCrate, GamesBeat). The introduction of ship management and naval combat adds a fresh layer of complexity, with some reviewers noting its potential to enhance exploration and strategy (Riot Pixels, GameSpace). Additionally, the game’s blend of real-time and turn-based combat systems offers flexibility, catering to both casual and hardcore players (GameSpot, PC Gamer). The emphasis on meaningful choices and consequences in quests—such as interactions with factions and narrative-driven decisions—is frequently lauded for its depth (Game Informer, Game Debate). Many critics also commend the game’s commitment to classic CRPG elements, such as detailed dialogue systems and exploration (Slant Magazine, RPG Site). However, several notable drawbacks are mentioned across reviews. The naval combat mechanics, while innovative, are often criticized for being repetitive or underdeveloped, with some calling them a “chore” compared to land-based battles (ZTGD, Impulsegamer). Combat balance issues also arise, as multiple reviewers note that the system can feel unbalanced or too easy at times, lacking the tactical depth expected from an RPG (Everyeye.it, App Trigger). Console ports face specific challenges, including awkward controls and inventory management issues on PS4 (Cubed3, Impulsegamer), while PC versions occasionally struggle with bugs. Additionally, the reduction in party size from six to five characters is seen as a significant downside by some (DarkStation), and the learning curve for new players—particularly around complex systems like ship management or AI scripting—is described as steep (Hobby Consolas, PlayStation LifeStyle). Overall, critics agree that Pillars of Eternity II: Deadfire delivers a compelling RPG experience with its emphasis on customization, narrative depth, and strategic gameplay. While the game’s core mechanics—such as character development, combat variety, and exploration—are celebrated (Wccftech, IGN), its flaws in naval combat, balance, and port optimization create mixed reception. The consensus leans toward appreciation for its ambition and adherence to classic RPG principles, even if some aspects feel underpolished or divisive (Game Informer, PC Gamer). For fans of the genre, the game’s strengths in player agency and tactical engagement outweigh its shortcomings, making it a worthwhile adventure despite its imperfections.

The graphics and visual design of Pillars of Eternity II: Deadfire received widespread praise from critics, with many highlighting its artistic strengths and immersive world-building. Reviewers consistently noted the game’s vibrant art direction, richly detailed environments, and creative use of color and lighting. For instance, GameSpot lauded its “imaginative settings and detailed art,” while RPG Fan emphasized improved environments and character animations. The Caribbean-inspired aesthetic, with its colonial-style architecture and Polynesian influences, was celebrated as a unique and visually distinct approach, as noted by New Game Network and CGMagazine. Additionally, the blend of 2D backdrops and 3D elements, along with dynamic weather systems and lively NPC interactions, created a sense of depth and realism. Game Informer praised the “breathtaking environment art” and “spell effects that look fantastic,” while Critical Hit highlighted the “cinematic visuals” and fantastical use of color, evoking a storybook-like atmosphere. These elements collectively underscored the game’s commitment to artistic expression over purely technical prowess. Despite these positives, several critics pointed out technical shortcomings that detracted from the visual experience. Performance issues such as frame rate drops, loading screen delays, and blurry textures were frequently mentioned, particularly on console platforms. Windows Central criticized the “blurry textures” and “occasional performance issues,” while GameSpace noted “frequent loading screens and occasional frame rate drops.” Some reviewers felt the game’s graphics, though improved from its predecessor, still lagged behind industry benchmarks. PLAY! Zine observed that it “doesn’t match the best visuals on the market,” and BaziCenter pointed to “frame rates dropping in crowded areas.” Additionally, Impulsegamer noted a lack of enhancements for newer hardware, while GamePro Germany highlighted problematic loading times in cities. These technical limitations, though not universal, were seen as obstacles to fully appreciating the game’s artistic vision. Overall, the consensus among critics was overwhelmingly positive, with the majority recognizing Pillars of Eternity II: Deadfire as a visually impressive and creatively ambitious title. While technical issues and hardware limitations were acknowledged, they were often framed as minor drawbacks rather than major flaws. Wccftech noted that the “richly detailed visuals” brought the Deadfire Archipelago to life, and GameSpot called it one of the “most beautiful RPGs in its category.” Even critics who pointed out shortcomings, like Hobby Consolas and Impulsegamer, acknowledged the game’s artistic merits. The combination of a distinctive visual style, improved art direction, and immersive world design solidified its reputation as a standout entry in the RPG genre, with many reviewers emphasizing that its strengths far outweighed its technical imperfections.

The sound design and music of Pillars of Eternity II: Deadfire received widespread acclaim for their immersive quality and atmospheric depth. Critics consistently praised the game’s orchestral score, which many described as “twice the orchestral music of POE” (COGconnected) and a “fantastical” blend of soothing melodies and intense battle themes (Impulsegamer). The inclusion of sea shanties and pirate-themed soundscapes added unique flavor, with App Trigger highlighting their role in enhancing naval battles. Voice acting was another standout element, with multiple reviewers lauding the “stunning” performances by the Critical Role cast (GameSpace, RPG Fan) and noting that the fully voiced dialogue “enhances immersion” (Digital Chumps, GameOver.gr). The soundtrack’s ability to complement the game’s world-building—whether through “epic melodies” (3DJuegos) or “memorable tracks” (GameWatcher)—was frequently cited as a key strength. Additionally, the narrative narration and regional accents (TheSixthAxis) contributed to a rich, layered audio experience that many compared to an audiobook (PC Games). While the majority of reviews were positive, some critics pointed to minor flaws. BaziCenter noted “inconsistent voice acting and sound cutouts during dialogues,” while RPGamer observed that the soundtrack was “not particularly memorable” despite its atmospheric contributions. Impulsegamer acknowledged that the orchestral music could become repetitive, though they still deemed it a positive addition to the game’s atmosphere. A few reviewers also mentioned technical issues, such as “jarring accents” (AusGamers) or incomplete voice acting for the player character (PlaySense). Additionally, some critics felt the music leaned too heavily on “typical pirate-themed fantasy” tropes (Wccftech), though this was a minor critique amid broader praise. These drawbacks were generally overshadowed by the game’s overall audio excellence, with most reviewers agreeing that the positives far outweighed the negatives. The consensus among critics was overwhelmingly positive, with nearly all highlighting the sound design and music as integral to the game’s immersive appeal. The “high-quality voice acting” (COGconnected) and “fully-orchestrated music” (Hardcore Gamer) were frequently cited as defining strengths, with many noting how they elevated the narrative and world-building. While a few critics pointed to minor issues—such as repetitive tracks or technical hiccups—the majority emphasized that these did not detract from the overall experience. As CGMagazine noted, the “improved writing” paired with stellar voice acting created a “narrative experience” that felt cohesive and engaging. Similarly, Vandal praised the “fantastic orchestral soundtrack” and “well-executed voice acting,” while USgamer called it one of Obsidian’s best works. Ultimately, Pillars of Eternity II: Deadfire’s sound design and music were celebrated as a major triumph, with critics agreeing that they significantly enhanced the game’s atmosphere and player engagement.

The voice acting in Pillars of Eternity II: Deadfire is widely praised for its quality, depth, and immersive impact. Many critics highlighted the game’s extensive use of voiced dialogue, with Cubed3 noting that it “enhances engagement with the story and characters,” while Eurogamer Italy called it “excellent” for enriching verbose conversations. The involvement of the Critical Role cast, particularly Impulsegamer and RPG Fan, was a standout feature, with critics like GameSpace describing the voice acting as “stunning” and Twinfinite emphasizing that it “reduces the need for extensive reading.” Digital Chumps and PLAY! Zine praised the collaboration with Critical Role, which added authenticity to character interactions. Additionally, COGconnected and Critical Hit lauded the “exceptional” performances, noting how they brought characters to life and elevated storytelling. The near-complete voicing of dialogue—cited by GameOver.gr and RPG Site—further contributed to a polished, immersive experience. While the majority of reviews celebrated the voice acting, some critics pointed out minor flaws. BaziCenter criticized the “inconsistent” quality, arguing that it detracted from the overall experience, while DarkStation noted that “some characters have poor accents and dull personalities.” AusGamers mentioned that “some accents may be jarring at first,” and PlaySense pointed out the absence of voice for the player’s character as a missed opportunity. Additionally, PC Games and Shacknews observed that not all dialogue was fully voiced, with some text remaining unspoken. These critiques, though less frequent, suggest that while the voice acting was generally strong, there were occasional lapses in consistency or completeness. Overall, the consensus among critics is overwhelmingly positive, with the voice acting being a significant strength of Pillars of Eternity II: Deadfire. Despite minor criticisms about inconsistencies or unvoiced dialogue, the majority of reviewers—such as IGN, Worth Playing, and Vandal—highlighted its role in enhancing immersion and storytelling. The collaboration with Critical Role actors, noted by RPG Fan and Impulsegamer, was a particular highlight, adding depth to companions and side characters. While some critics like BaziCenter and DarkStation raised concerns, these were exceptions rather than the norm. The game’s voice acting is widely regarded as a key factor in its success, with many praising its ability to make the world of Eora feel alive and engaging.

The technical performance of Pillars of Eternity II: Deadfire varies significantly across platforms, with mixed reception. On PS4, critics like Digital Chumps praised the game’s smooth performance and intuitive controls, while The Indie Game Website noted no crashes despite long loading times. For PC, several reviewers highlighted stability, such as IGN and Vandal, who commended the absence of graphical hiccups and solid optimization, though others like BaziCenter and Everyeye.it pointed to frame rate drops and memory leaks. On Xbox One, feedback was less favorable overall, with Windows Central noting locked 30 FPS and lengthy load times, though GamePro Germany acknowledged the need for patches rather than outright criticism. The negatives across platforms are more consistent, particularly in terms of optimization and performance flaws. On PS4, multiple critics, including Cubed3, Eurogamer Italy, and PlayStation Country, highlighted long loading times, crashes, and control issues that disrupted the experience. For PC, while some praised stability, others like BaziCenter and New Game Network cited frame rate drops, memory leaks, and bugs that affected gameplay. On Xbox One, TheXboxHub and Windows Central criticized glitches such as missing item descriptions and locked FPS, with GamePro Germany emphasizing the need for patches to address stability issues. These problems were often tied to poor optimization, particularly on consoles, where PlaySense and Push Square called out inexcusable technical shortcomings. Overall, the consensus among critics is that Pillars of Eternity II: Deadfire faces significant technical challenges, especially on PS4 and Xbox One, where long load times, crashes, and control issues overshadowed its strengths. However, PC received more balanced feedback, with some reviewers like IGN and Vandal praising its stability, while others noted minor bugs. Despite these flaws, many acknowledged improvements over the first game, such as Critical Hit’s mention of better technical performance and Ragequit.gr’s observation of improved loading times. While the game’s core mechanics and storytelling remained compelling, the technical issues—particularly on consoles—were seen as a barrier to fully enjoying its content, with critics like Softpedia and PlayGround.ru emphasizing that optimization problems required further refinement.

The majority of critics praised Pillars of Eternity II: Deadfire for its robust replay value, emphasizing its deep character customization, branching narratives, and expansive world-building. Many highlighted the game’s ability to offer unique experiences through choices in dialogue, faction alignment, and class progression. For instance, GameSpot noted the “dense content” and “numerous side stories,” while RPG Site praised its non-linear gameplay and the ability to import different world states for varied outcomes. IGN and Eurogamer Italy both emphasized how character-building options and multiple faction quest chains encourage players to explore different paths, with Game Informer lauding the “breadth of missions, side quests, and party member-specific tasks” that keep the experience fresh. Additionally, PC Gamer and Worth Playing pointed to the game’s vast world and diverse character choices as key drivers of replayability, with RPGamer noting that “multiple character builds, choices, and achievements” unlock bonuses for subsequent playthroughs. However, some critics noted limitations that could dampen replay value. IGN Spain and Gameblog.fr pointed out that decisions from the first game have limited impact on the sequel, reducing the weight of prior choices. Everyeye.it criticized the repetitive gameplay mechanics, while GameOver.gr and App Trigger mentioned issues like content overload and a grindy mid-game that might frustrate players. Cubed3 also noted console-specific issues that could detract from the experience, and 3DJuegos warned that skipping the original might hinder understanding of the story. Additionally, Guardian observed that while the world is large, “completion rates are low,” suggesting that some players may struggle to engage with the game’s sheer scale. These critiques highlight that while the game offers substantial replayability, its complexity and pacing could pose challenges for certain audiences. Overall, the consensus among critics was overwhelmingly positive regarding Pillars of Eternity II: Deadfire’s replay value, with most agreeing that its depth and variety justify multiple playthroughs. GameStar and Ragequit.gr emphasized the impact of faction choices and exploration mechanics, while Wccftech and CGMagazine highlighted the “high replay value” driven by importable decisions and unique mechanics like Berath’s Blessings. Even critics who acknowledged flaws, such as Critical Hit (which noted carryover choices enhance replayability) or Digital Chumps (praising 90s cRPG-style customization), ultimately affirmed the game’s enduring appeal. While some concerns about repetition and complexity were raised, the majority of reviews underscored that the game’s rich world, branching narratives, and player agency make it a standout title for fans of the genre, with GamePro Germany and Softpedia both concluding that its “plenty of content” and “multiple choices leading to different outcomes” ensure long-term engagement.