Hey guys! Ever heard of Pillars of Eternity? If you're into classic RPGs, then you're in for a treat. Today, we're diving deep into the Royal Edition of this fantastic game, exploring what makes it special and why you should totally check it out. So grab your sword and shield (virtually, of course), and let's get started!

What is Pillars of Eternity?

Pillars of Eternity is a role-playing game developed by Obsidian Entertainment and published by Paradox Interactive. Released in 2015, it was designed as a spiritual successor to classic RPGs like Baldur's Gate, Icewind Dale, and Planescape: Torment. The game is set in the fictional world of Eora, a land filled with rich history, diverse cultures, and ancient mysteries. Players take on the role of a Watcher, a character with the ability to see past lives and interact with souls, embarking on a quest to solve a soul-related crisis that threatens the world.

The game distinguishes itself through its deep and intricate storytelling, complex characters, and strategic combat. Pillars of Eternity brings back the isometric perspective, real-time-with-pause combat system that many fans of classic RPGs adore. You get to create your own character from a variety of races and classes, each with unique abilities and backgrounds. As you journey through Eora, you'll gather companions, each with their own stories, motivations, and personal quests, making for a truly immersive and engaging experience.

Obsidian Entertainment, known for their work on other acclaimed RPGs like Fallout: New Vegas and South Park: The Stick of Truth, poured their heart and soul into Pillars of Eternity. The game was a massive success, both critically and commercially, and it revitalized the CRPG genre, proving that there was still a huge appetite for these kinds of games. The success of Pillars of Eternity paved the way for a sequel, Pillars of Eternity II: Deadfire, which further expanded on the world and gameplay mechanics.

Pillars of Eternity Royal Edition: What's Included?

The Royal Edition of Pillars of Eternity is the ultimate package for fans of the game. It includes not just the base game, but also a wealth of additional content that enriches the overall experience. If you're wondering what you get with the Royal Edition, here’s a breakdown:

The Base Game

Obviously, the foundation of the Royal Edition is the full Pillars of Eternity game. This means you get the complete story, all the original quests, characters, and locations. If you've never played Pillars of Eternity before, this is the perfect starting point. The base game alone offers hundreds of hours of gameplay, with its compelling narrative, challenging combat, and deep character development. You'll explore vast landscapes, from lush forests to ancient ruins, and make crucial decisions that shape the fate of Eora.

The White March - Part 1 & 2

The Royal Edition includes both parts of The White March expansion. This expansion takes you to the snowy, mountainous region of the White March, where you'll face new challenges, encounter new companions, and uncover ancient secrets. The White March adds significant content to the game, including new quests, items, and abilities. It also raises the level cap, allowing your characters to grow even stronger. The expansion seamlessly integrates into the main game, allowing you to travel to the White March at any time after a certain point in the story. This expansion enriches the world with interesting new characters, each with their own motivations and backstories. Getting to know them and understanding their quests makes for a captivating gameplay experience. It increases the replay value because the story of The White March is so interwoven into the main game.

Original Soundtrack

The Royal Edition comes with the game's original soundtrack, composed by Justin Bell. The soundtrack is filled with beautiful and evocative music that perfectly captures the atmosphere of Eora. From sweeping orchestral scores to haunting melodies, the music enhances the game's emotional impact and immerses you even further into its world. Listening to the soundtrack outside of the game is a great way to relive your adventures and appreciate the artistry of the music. The music has a way of bringing you back to the game, giving you a sense of nostalgia and excitement about the world of Eora. When diving into battle, the soundtrack helps boost adrenaline, making combat feel more impactful. Listening to the serene melodies while exploring a peaceful town also gives a sense of calm and tranquility, adding depth to the game's atmosphere.

Digital Art Book

For those who appreciate the artistic side of game development, the Royal Edition includes a digital art book. This book showcases the stunning concept art, character designs, and environmental paintings that went into creating the world of Pillars of Eternity. It's a fascinating look behind the scenes, giving you a glimpse into the creative process and the talent of the artists involved. Flipping through the pages of the art book will definitely enhance your appreciation for the game's visuals. It's also a great source of inspiration for artists and designers. It’s cool to see how the characters and landscapes evolved from initial sketches to the final, polished versions that you see in the game.

Digital Novella

The Royal Edition also includes a digital novella that expands on the lore of Pillars of Eternity. Written by Chris Avellone, one of the game's writers, the novella delves deeper into the world's history and characters, providing additional context and insights. Reading the novella is a great way to immerse yourself even further into the world. You will gain a greater appreciation for the depth and complexity of the lore. It's like getting an extended version of the game's story, filling in the gaps and providing new perspectives. You'll discover new details about the characters you've come to love and the world you've explored. This added layer of depth makes the overall gaming experience even more enriching.

Making-of Documentary

If you're interested in the development process of Pillars of Eternity, the Royal Edition includes a making-of documentary. This documentary provides a behind-the-scenes look at the creation of the game, featuring interviews with the developers and insights into their design choices. Watching the documentary gives you a newfound appreciation for the hard work and dedication that went into creating the game. It’s awesome to hear directly from the developers about their vision and the challenges they faced during development. You'll learn about the game's origins, the inspirations behind its design, and the technical hurdles that had to be overcome. It's like getting a peek into the minds of the creators and understanding their passion for the project.

Why Choose the Royal Edition?

So, why should you pick the Royal Edition over the standard version of Pillars of Eternity? Well, it all comes down to value and completeness. The Royal Edition offers the most comprehensive Pillars of Eternity experience, including all the additional content that enriches the game. If you're a fan of the game or a newcomer looking to dive in, the Royal Edition is the best way to do it. You get everything in one package, ensuring you don't miss out on any of the extras. The additional content enhances the overall experience and extends the gameplay.

If you're a fan of lore and world-building, the digital art book and novella are must-haves. They provide a deeper understanding of the game's world and characters, enriching your experience and adding to your appreciation for the game. The making-of documentary is also a great addition for those interested in game development. You'll get to see the creative process behind Pillars of Eternity and gain insight into the challenges and triumphs of the development team. Plus, having the original soundtrack allows you to immerse yourself in the game's atmosphere even when you're not playing. So, if you want the complete Pillars of Eternity experience, the Royal Edition is definitely worth the investment.

Is Pillars of Eternity Royal Edition Worth It?

In short, absolutely! Pillars of Eternity Royal Edition is a fantastic package that offers incredible value for fans of classic RPGs. With the base game, The White March expansion, original soundtrack, digital art book, digital novella, and making-of documentary, you're getting a wealth of content that will keep you entertained for hours on end. Whether you're a seasoned RPG veteran or a newcomer to the genre, Pillars of Eternity Royal Edition is a must-have. It’s a truly immersive and engaging experience that will transport you to the rich and fascinating world of Eora. So what are you waiting for? Dive in and start your adventure today!

So there you have it, guys! Hope you found this deep dive into Pillars of Eternity Royal Edition helpful. Happy gaming!