Pillars Of Eternity

Video games have evolved a lot since their inception. RPGs have diverged significantly, from isometric Infinity Engine to first and third person narratives. It's an improvement, in many ways, but sometimes you just want a throwback to the old times without the poor resolution and graphics. Pillars of Eternity provides that, but it's also far, far more. Instead of just cashing in on nostalgia, Obsidian Entertainment has just focused on making a great game. This spiritual successor to Baldur's Gate takes place in the world or Eora, where infants are starting to be born with no soul. As a 'Watcher' your character can see past lives and figure out what caused the phenomenon. Obsidian introduces the familiar races of elves, dwarves, and humans, but it also brings in some new ones. God-blessed nations, semi-aquatic creates, and more. There's been a real effort to blend this lore into the world, and the same applies for the eleven different classes you can choose. Characters treat you differently depending on your race and class, giving the feeling that it's more than just a customization option. And that's the theme of Pillars in general. Thousands of minute details and hidden depths all combine to make an amazing title. There's culture, science, religion, all presented in the form of expertly crafted prose rather than voice acting. It captures the soul of D&D and lays it out on the screen before you, with a great combat system and a heart-wrenching epic narrative. You can get lost for hundreds of hours in this game, only to quit, start again, and have just as much fun the second time around.