Alright Boyz, Here we go! Pillars of Eternity: Impressions

[MizzouRah]

I'm two hours in with a human fighter, I want to be the one that goes in first to hit with force.

No spoilers.. but game is fantastic so far. Going to be up late tonight. ;)

[Vince, Pt. II]

I've heard nothing but good things. Some are saying it's Obsidian's best game.

[Peregrine]

Definitely going to be breaking this out tonight.

[NobodyHere]

Damn that math midterm test I have tomorrow!

[BYU 14]

Hadn't planned on it, but reviews sold me, a modern Baldur's Gate, no brainer and 97 of 101 early user reviews on steam positive.


Downloading now

FML, the best OOTP ever, Eastside Hockey Manager back and now this!!

[MizzouRah]

Hadn't planned on it, but reviews sold me, a modern Baldur's Gate, no brainer and 97 of 101 early user reviews on steam positive.


Downloading now

FML, the best OOTP ever, Eastside Hockey Manager back and now this!!

I know right? .. and I have to go back to work tomorrow, ugh!

[Dutch]

Flying home for the weekend....might be a late night or two. Cant wait!

[MizzouRah]

For me, everything just "works", from the UI.. the combat, reading and making choices, etc.. nothing so far has bogged me down. Very impressed so far and I might stay up way too late tonight.

[SirFozzie]

Never seen games get this much of a glowing review.


It’s a triumph. A wonderful, enormous and spellbinding RPG, gloriously created in the image of BioWare’s Infinity classics, but distinctly its own. A classic in every sense.
Pillars Of Eternity review | Rock, Paper, Shotgun (http://www.rockpapershotgun.com/2015/03/26/pillars-of-eternity-review/)



This is a big, fat, deep adventure that lets you carve your own unique path through a fantasy world that’s been brilliantly brought to life with rich, evocative writing. It’s a game steeped in a bygone era of computer RPG design, but somehow it doesn’t feel archaic. Obsidian have always been bound to other peoples’ worlds—Fallout, Dungeons & Dragons, Star Wars, South Park—but in creating their own from scratch, they’ve made not only their best game to date, but one of the best RPGs on PC.

92/100

Pillars of Eternity review - PC Gamer (http://www.pcgamer.com/pillars-of-eternity-review/)



Bottom Line: It's the best new, isometric RPG to come out in years.

Recommendation: While Pillars of Eternity is certainly banking on a nostalgic fan base, it's still an excellent RPG in its own right. It's a game rich with player agency, giving you tons of control to craft your story or explore different solutions to the presented problems. You know, actual roleplaying not simply a game with a leveling and stat system stapled on.

5/5

http://www.escapistmagazine.com/articles/view/video-games/editorials/reviews/13681-Pillars-of-Eternity-Review



All you really need to know though, is this; Pillars of Eternity is a triumph. If you’re a backer and a fan of those classic Infinity Engine games, you’re in for a real treat, a smart and complex adventure that will keep you entertained and absorbed for possibly the rest of your life, and certainly until the already announced expansion pack comes out. Even those who never got on with those classic games should give it a go, because there’s a tonne of smart design choices in here that smooth out the rough edges that might have kept you away before. A superb introduction to a fascinating new fantasy world. Can’t wait to see where in the world of Eora we get to go next.

9.0/10

Pillars of Eternity PC Review - GameWatcher.com (http://www.gamewatcher.com/reviews/pillars-of-eternity-review/12188)


Pillars of Eternity is the Baldur's Gate 3 we never got, returning to the Infinity Engine style of role-playing with flair.

Recommended

Pillars of Eternity review • Eurogamer.net (http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2015-03-26-pillars-of-eternity-review)


What I'm saying in way-too-many words is this: Obsidian has a reputation for crafting fantastic RPGs, and deservedly so. Pillars of Eternity is, as far as I'm concerned, Obsidian at its best ever.

Pillars of Eternity review impressions: The Baldur's Gate spiritual successor you've been waiting for | PCWorld (http://www.pcworld.com/article/2902176/pillars-of-eternity-review-impressions-the-baldurs-gate-spiritual-successor-youve-been-waiting-for.html)


Pillars is remarkable. It achieves and surpasses its mission to be a 'refresh' of a style of game which died out long-ago, shortly after providing a blueprint for those which superseded it. Had the men and women at Obsidian succeeded only in making something which appealed to old-time fans of the genre, they could have called it a job well done. But they’ve gone one better

– Pillars of Eternity is modern, while evoking the past. It’s accessible, but satisfyingly complex. Its quality is undeniable, and it’s particularly heartening to see Obsidian, the underdog RPG studio with a string of thrown-bones and rough diamonds behind it, pour its sweat and passion into something they obviously love – and utterly nail it. Barring disaster, I’ve no doubt this will hold up until the end. I'll let you know in about 200 years.


Pillars of Eternity Review - VideoGamer.com (http://www.videogamer.com/reviews/pillars_of_eternity_review.html)

[Peregrine]

Hmm not enough positive reviews- I need convincing!

[Dutch]

Hmm not enough positive reviews- I need convincing!

Haha!

[Ragone]

damn, my going on vacation.. guess i'll wait till I get back and hope it drops in price :)

[frnk55]

I will be camping at my PC this weekend with lots of coffee.:)

[mckerney]

Managed to get through character creating in only 45 minutes. No off to adventure with my Hearth Orlan Druid who can turn into a wolf! :)

[Groundhog]

Oh god, I don't need a game like this right now.

[Eaglesfan27]

Downloading now even though I have very little time to play until Monday.

[mckerney]

Wooo! I have a pet wurm!

[MizzouRah]

Must get sleep later.

[NobodyHere]

Having a hard time deciding what class I want to play as.

[Lonnie]

I rolled up a Meadow Folk Chanter. Played through the first bit while I was supposed to be working earlier. Got sidetracked with a little EHM and now I'm sitting down to dive in the deep end.

[hoopsguy]

Oh god, I don't need a game like this right now.

My exact reaction.
Followed by scheming on how I can carve out time over the next couple of weeks to play it.

[Marmel]

Can somebody describe what the combat is like in this game. I see it is real time with pause, but would just like to hear some impressions on how it works.

[MizzouRah]

Can somebody describe what the combat is like in this game. I see it is real time with pause, but would just like to hear some impressions on how it works.

By default, the game pauses when combat starts, then you give orders to your party members (there is no AI for them, you tell them to attack, use a spell, etc.) Then you unpause-pause as you see fit, target who you want. Just make sure to target first as you can get hit trying to flee from someone. It's a very straightforward system, with good tactical depth. You have two weapon slots and can switch during combat.

You also can have them in a combo of formations or create your own formation.

That's the basics and I don't want to spoil too much, so as you play the beginning is more or less a tutorial.

[Vince, Pt. II]

Early impressions here show the game is pretty amazing. I'm not very far into it, but combat is difficult (but fair) - if you just wade in there and start blasting/hacking, you're going to die. Often. But if you have a plan, you can overcome even some difficult odds. Writing is great, visuals are great...no complaints so far.

[Dutch]

I love, love, love that I can roll up into a tavern and recruit a party member (for a fee)...and then it returns me to the "New Character" creation screen and I get to build the party member. So awesome.

[Dutch]

Early impressions here show the game is pretty amazing. I'm not very far into it, but combat is difficult (but fair) - if you just wade in there and start blasting/hacking, you're going to die. Often. But if you have a plan, you can overcome even some difficult odds. Writing is great, visuals are great...no complaints so far.

+1.

[Vince, Pt. II]

The only thing I've found annoying so far was pretty much my own idiocy. Went to a bit of trouble to "disarm" a trap only to have my party members blatantly walk right over a portion of it that wasn't disarmed. My own fault for not being careful about where I clicked, but still somewhat annoying.

[Honolulu_Blue]

I love, love, love that I can roll up into a tavern and recruit a party member (for a fee)...and then it returns me to the "New Character" creation screen and I get to build the party member. So awesome.

That is a really nice touch!

[BYU 14]

Early impressions here show the game is pretty amazing. I'm not very far into it, but combat is difficult (but fair) - if you just wade in there and start blasting/hacking, you're going to die. Often. But if you have a plan, you can overcome even some difficult odds. Writing is great, visuals are great...no complaints so far.

Love the combat and with all the different options you can slow it down and almost make it turn based, which allows you to be more tactical. The timer resets between being able to repeat actions are just brilliant.

[frnk55]

I feel like a kid at Christmas. Only an hour into it and I'm loving it!

[NobodyHere]

Bah, picked a fine day to get sick and bed ridden. I think God doesn't want me to play the game.

[MizzouRah]

I love it all so far, the way you travel, interact with people, the lore, the ease of inventory, etc..

[Buccaneer]

I guess I don't understand why with today's technologies would there be an action/adventure game with an isometric viewpoint. Couldn't they have done this with a first-person or over-the-shoulder third-person perspective?

[Dutch]

I guess I don't understand why with today's technologies would there be an action/adventure game with an isometric viewpoint. Couldn't they have done this with a first-person or over-the-shoulder third-person perspective?

They do, it's called Skyrim. This is totally different and some people will say this is totally better while others no doubt will say Skyrim is totally better and some will like both and understand the differences. 'Murica!

[Vince, Pt. II]

I guess I don't understand why with today's technologies would there be an action/adventure game with an isometric viewpoint. Couldn't they have done this with a first-person or over-the-shoulder third-person perspective?

I would definitely NOT classify this as an action game. It's a strategy game.

[mckerney]

Couldn't they have done this with a first-person or over-the-shoulder third-person perspective?

For an RPG that's party based focusing on tactical strategy combat? No.

An isometric RPG is far preferable to something with the bland and boring combat of Skyrim or awkward and mishandled attempts at party control of Dragon Age: Inquisition.

[Peregrine]

I've barely played for 20 minutes but this game looks great already. I love how it will switch to what I've dubbed "storytelling mode" to mix it up with the walking around and killing stuff.

[Scoobz0202]

Yea, I've read that the storytelling mode is a way to not devote the time and budget to making 3d cutscenes and what not. Usually happens when something happens that is action oriented. Becomes like a choose your own adventure. If it really is a way to cut budget, its a great way.

Not sure if that is the reason, but yea, i do like it.

[Peregrine]

Only thing I'm hoping for is a patch to fix the cursor cage option which right now barely works. I get tired of having to keep clicking it off and on to re-activate it. But from the forums the devs are aware of it and are looking for a fix.

[Scoobz0202]

I've read about that. I also feel like the "box?" to select certain things is miniscule and trying to find the right spot to click to loot can be annoying. May just be me, though.

Just beat Maerwald after about 6 tries on normal. It's been so long since I've played a cRPG and I was never very good to begin with. But damn. I just couldn't get him. He was regenerating health like crazy and his AoEs were just wrecking me. Even trying to get to him early wasn't working too well. But finally

Anybody have a good resource on the combat rules? It has been so long since I have played a cRPG and I just feel like I don't have a good grasp on the combat system at all. I think I get the four defenses. That your accuracy determines how good of a hit you get versus his four defenses, add in DR. But I still feel like I am missing something. I'm level 3 and 4 with my group at the above spoilered spot. A lot of things I can just hack/slash but when I come to a complicated fight I don't really have a good grasp on what to "look for" in order to form a strat in tough fights. The combat rules, then add in the 6 man party of different classes that I have a very minimal grasp on all of them. So many spells that I feel like I should write them down on a piece of paper because I never remember which ones do what and right clicking to see any important info is kind of annoying.

Edit: And I'm having a hell of time trying to figure out aggro. My fighter and barbarian aren't holding shit.

[Buccaneer]

Ok. The reviews stated rpg or adventure, didn't think it was a strategy game. All of this time, I have always thought that the reason some companies made action/adventure/rpg games (as oppose to strategy like Civ) in isometric was due to performance and so I thought this game was just a nostalgia kick.

[JAG]

damn, my going on vacation.. guess i'll wait till I get back and hope it drops in price :)

I hear you, week long vacation here too. Glad I supported their kickstarter from the comments so far.

[Vince, Pt. II]

Edit: And I'm having a hell of time trying to figure out aggro. My fighter and barbarian aren't holding shit.

I believe this has to do with the number of enemies you can 'engage' at one time. There's an ability (maybe it's a talent?) that Fighters get that essentially makes them very tanky - they get to engage an extra enemy and they get a defense buff, but they lose attack speed.

[Peregrine]

I believe this has to do with the number of enemies you can 'engage' at one time. There's an ability (maybe it's a talent?) that Fighters get that essentially makes them very tanky - they get to engage an extra enemy and they get a defense buff, but they lose attack speed.

The fighter has an ability they get pretty early on that does what you say - reduces damage but lets them engage more guys - very helpful. There is also a talent (in the utility/other category) that lets you engage one extra enemy.

[Dutch]

An early tactic I am using is to have my tanks just hold everybody in place while my long-range archers and crossbowmen ...

and 15th century styled gunners!

... pick enemies apart from behind the wall of fighters. Though some things it works better to to that for a while to soften up the enemy and then go all-out melee. :) So much fun.

I am loving the world map. I want to experience the world and sometimes you need to discover new maps by going down the right path off of current maps. Good stuff.

Something that I think they fixed for the better from BG...in BG you could click ALT or CTRL to see all hidden items. In POE, you have to use your searching skillz to find them. No brainer, but glad they implemented it.

[MizzouRah]

Actually TAB shows hidden items.

[SirFozzie]

Actually TAB shows hidden items.

not all items, you have to be in the search mode to find some of them, like the unique gun for kickstarters on the first map.

[Peregrine]

Apparently mechanics skill is what triggers discovering items while in scouting mode. This is not apparent from the skill description.

[Vince, Pt. II]

Outside of being slower, is there any drawback to being in scouting mode constantly?

[chinaski]

6 hours in and i still want to middle mouse button - rotate the view so freaking bad!

[Peregrine]

Outside of being slower, is there any drawback to being in scouting mode constantly?

Probably not. I tend to move my party in normal speed and just move my scout (my main character rogue) out to scout when needed.

[MizzouRah]

not all items, you have to be in the search mode to find some of them, like the unique gun for kickstarters on the first map.

Ahhh... ok thanks, didn't know that!

[Peregrine]

I didn't realize you could mouse over the attacks in the log and it will show all the dice rolling - actually seeing that was what really made me understand how it all fits together.

[chinaski]

I didn't realize you could mouse over the attacks in the log and it will show all the dice rolling - actually seeing that was what really made me understand how it all fits together.

Nice find!

[Peregrine]

An example of what I am talking about. This is my main character ranged rogue hammering someone with her arqebus.

http://i1145.photobucket.com/albums/o510/kmiles123/poe_zpszl7n0p2h.png

[Desnudo]

Any recommended settings to enable on the Options? Just getting started, thanks.

[Peregrine]

The main ones would be the auto-pause - I like to do it when someone gets low endurance or health. I turned on don't restrict stash I think. Turning on the cage cursor is handy if you have multiple monitors, but it's very buggy. Most of the other options I like as they are by default.

[NobodyHere]

Don't turn on the developer commentaries unless you want spoilers :)

[mckerney]

Turn on Big Head Mode if you want big heads.

[Dutch]

"You must gather your party before venturing forth."

[Izulde]

Y'all are making me want to cave on this.

[Groundhog]

Haven't had as much time as I'd like to play this, but on normal difficulty I've found this challenging so far. I went with a Paladin and it took me a few attempts to clear out the dungeon next to the hanging tree in the early game with my party of 3. Well, up to the bells puzzle anyway - going to work on that tonight.

[Dutch]

Use the clues on the note you find and some typical brute force logic will do the trick. :)

[Groundhog]

Got the bells sorted, but man, getting my ass handed to me in the next section of the dungeon.

[Peregrine]

Yeah some of those fights down there are pretty tough. Hopefully you have at least four party members by then or not sure how you could do it at all.

[Groundhog]

Ah, nope. Maybe I should have spent more time in town, only found the warrior and wizard.

[Peregrine]

Ah, nope. Maybe I should have spent more time in town, only found the warrior and wizard.

Yeah I had those and had hired an extra guy at the tavern. Only drawback with the new hires is that they are level 1- so if the rest of your crew is higher level it's hard for them to "catch up."

[MizzouRah]

Yeah.. stock up on camping supplies - you can only carry 4 on normal difficulty. I like to custom my formations too. Make sure to use spells as well, took me awhile but I'm starting to figure out how to make the most of my party.

I'm starting to care about my party members too.. lol.. don't like seeing them die. :(

[Peregrine]

The camping supplies thing annoys me, because I didn't realize at first I was limited to 4 (normal.) So I would buy lots of them and basically they would just disappear, but they still let me buy them.

[Qwikshot]

Yeah I had those and had hired an extra guy at the tavern. Only drawback with the new hires is that they are level 1- so if the rest of your crew is higher level it's hard for them to "catch up."

As you progress you can recruit higher level party members (that you create).

I am heavily addicted to this game.

One biggest drawback (besides not enough time in the day)...I don't think there is a recruit-able rogue.

Now if you dabble in mechanics, it shouldn't be a big deal, but those first few dungeons sucked setting off traps.

[Peregrine]

Doesn't hurt me since my main char is a rogue, but the priest you can find starts with a decent score in Mechanics, so you could use him I guess.

I am loving the game too but am taking it slow. I can already see this is one I will want to replay at a higher difficulty later.

[MizzouRah]

The camping supplies thing annoys me, because I didn't realize at first I was limited to 4 (normal.) So I would buy lots of them and basically they would just disappear, but they still let me buy them.

Hmmm.. I thought I tried to buy a 5th one and it wouldn't let me?

[Vince, Pt. II]

I haven't tried to buy more camping supplies than I can carry, so no idea if it lets you or not. I agree that there should be a bit more of a heads-up that you are limited in camping supplies by your difficulty level.

[Peregrine]

As great as the game is I can see a few tweaks that would be nice - like when you're buying/selling things, you can click the weapon/armor/etc icons but all it does is darken them, not remove them from the list.

Also a bigger one for me is I'd love to see real numbers for weapon speed - not just slow/average, etc. They have already said that different weapons at Average can actually have different speeds, and with all the potential modifiers to weapon speed via talent, enchantment, etc it would be nice to know what the base value is.

[Peregrine]

This is good to know.

Pillars of Eternity has a serious bug; here's how to avoid it | Polygon (http://www.polygon.com/2015/3/30/8312005/pillars-of-eternity-bug-patch-fix)

[bhlloy]

So, probably a stupid question but how do I "use" a chanter? Do they just chant as combat occurs and the effects are applied automatically, or do I need to do something to trigger it?

[NobodyHere]

Chants start automatically in battle. Between battles you can customize which chants get used and in which order. Also note that chanters have spells that they can use in battle.

[Scoobz0202]

What he said. Also on the portrait of the chanter you will see a counter. For every chant it counts up to 3 or whatever. I know my chanter has three spells that require 3 chants completed to cast, like summon skeletons or whatever. Sorry, blanking on the terms for the chanter if they are wrong.

They are pretty low maintenance. Just set up the order of the chants you want, glance down and watch the counter on the portrait while managing the rest of the team, and when you hit 3 or whatever number is required for your chanter's spells go back to him to cast.

e: this guy has a pretty good channel
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCLDoful0qkygJxzwo7UC-gQ

Here is his video for a "tank/summon chanter." The basics apply to whatever chanter you have.
Sensuki's Pillars of Eternity Beginner's Guide - Tank/Summon Chanter - YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ahbkkeu9kI0)

[Vince, Pt. II]

Also, if you work with a Chanter for a while, beware when you get rid of one. His constant chanting buffs your party, and it's easy to not realize how much that constant buff helps.

[mckerney]

Pillars of Eternity diary: playing as a party of bears - PC Gamer (http://www.pcgamer.com/pillars-of-eternity-diary-playing-as-a-party-of-bears/)

This might surprise you, but combat-wise, being all bears is almost the same as having six different party members, with one tiny exception: instead of strategically selecting different attacks, buffs, and spells, and closely monitoring the health and endurance of your characters, you just click an enemy once and then watch as they die from bears.

[Vince, Pt. II]

Just finished the quest spoken of in that article, and wow was that last section totally satisfying to finish. I'm also now going to bed at 1 AM, so work tomorrow is going to suck, but felt good when I finally finished the quest.

[Peregrine]

Also, if you work with a Chanter for a while, beware when you get rid of one. His constant chanting buffs your party, and it's easy to not realize how much that constant buff helps.

Also I found out the chanter companion you can find has a talent which makes him constantly regenerate endurance for everyone in a small radius around him. Very handy but if you are keeping him in the back as a ranged shooter or whatever it won't be very helpful.

[mckerney]

Just finished the quest spoken of in that article, and wow was that last section totally satisfying to finish. I'm also now going to bed at 1 AM, so work tomorrow is going to suck, but felt good when I finally finished the quest.

I was up until 4:30 playing, work does suck today.

[mckerney]

Also I found out the chanter companion you can find has a talent which makes him constantly regenerate endurance for everyone in a small radius around him. Very handy but if you are keeping him in the back as a ranged shooter or whatever it won't be very helpful.

I just found a chanter recently and should probably check what his songs do. I am enjoying his skeletons as meat shields though.

[Dutch]

I was up until 4:30 playing, work does suck today.

:D

Just fired it up on my work laptop last night and it ran and returned my current save game (love Steam) and I couldn't be happier. Now, when to focus on work? Hmmmm....

[Eaglesfan27]

:D

Just fired it up on my work laptop last night and it ran and returned my current save game (love Steam) and I couldn't be happier. Now, when to focus on work? Hmmmm....

:D

[Vince, Pt. II]

I just found a chanter recently and should probably check what his songs do. I am enjoying his skeletons as meat shields though.

The corpse explosion spell is amazing for AoE. Especially since it doesn't hurt your party at all.

[Groundhog]

For some reason I assumed the party size-limit was 4 - you know, despite the formation icon having 6 dots... I'm thinking that will make my life a little easier, I was getting my ass handed to me.

[Qwikshot]

So a couple of things...

First off, I'll probably replay this game but as a Rogue over Barbarian.

Most of the party members do not impress me (that's okay though) save for their banter. I haven't even gotten them all.

The load times, man...I didn't think about it at first, but when you do the milk run missions it does get a little tedious. I think fast travel should include interiors.

When I roll up the next character, I'm going to fill up perception more...it does affect dialogue more than intelligence (the barbarian I made was smart and strong and yes I named him Conan).

I agree with some foresight I would have dumped more into mechanics (lore is another skillset you want your main character to have). Since other party members regardless can chime in for conversations scripted for the main character (they'll chime in but you can't have them stand in as party leader - the chanter has a super high lore and would have been useful in some conversations).

I love the banter...the fighter asked the ranger if her fox bites, and she said yes, and then asked if he could pet it anyway.

The fortress is nice, but income is dicey and not reliable, even if you have a garrison.

I'm obsessed playing the game.

Another thing I'd like is since you do walk around a lot, I'd love in places where you have cleared if you could look at the journal without it pausing the game in realtime. I know you have to go to a certain location in the city, walk to it, and I'll peruse the bestiary while you get there, or check stats...go back to the map and see it paused...ick.

I did find a little bug, I rerolled a rogue up and started the tutorial and a horrible clipping sound played over everything...had to stop (but I did notice a nice feature...when you go to save/load, it has them sorted by character...so you don't save over a different character's slot...that's a nice feature).

[Qwikshot]

Sorry more than a couple...but I think crucial points...last one...

camping gear in the beginning I get...but couldn't there be a spell to help or when you find an abandoned campsite that you don't have to burn one...

[Peregrine]

I replaced my custom-made monk in my party with a barbarian and have been very impressed by their damage, especially against groups. I have to agree that besides their quests and banter most of the companions in the game aren't impressive - a lot of them have their stats assigned in very odd ways. Still it's nice to use them to do their quests - maybe the second time around I will use mostly custom characters and a harder difficulty.

[Peregrine]

I started reading about the stat stacking bug and see that it has affected me with Eder - I've been wondering why his defensive stats seem so high and now it is explained. Basically if you save and then load in areas where a companion starts, it can cause their stats to increase.

Stat bonus modifiers can erroneously be applied multiple times allowing stats to grow beyond intended values - Pillars of Eternity: Technical Support (Spoiler Warning!) - Obsidian Forum Community (http://forums.obsidian.net/topic/73449-stat-bonus-modifiers-can-erroneously-be-applied-multiple-times-allowing-stats-to-grow-beyond-intended-values/)

[Eaglesfan27]

I started reading about the stat stacking bug and see that it has affected me with Eder - I've been wondering why his defensive stats seem so high and now it is explained. Basically if you save and then load in areas where a companion starts, it can cause their stats to increase.

Stat bonus modifiers can erroneously be applied multiple times allowing stats to grow beyond intended values - Pillars of Eternity: Technical Support (Spoiler Warning!) - Obsidian Forum Community (http://forums.obsidian.net/topic/73449-stat-bonus-modifiers-can-erroneously-be-applied-multiple-times-allowing-stats-to-grow-beyond-intended-values/)

This is the only reason I haven't gone further in this game yet. Seeing a few too many things that I suspect are bugs. Also, I am finishing up some RPGs on my back log.

[mckerney]

Patch is live on Steam

Patch Notes: 1.03 - Obsidian Forum Community (https://forums.obsidian.net/blog/7/entry-179-patch-notes-103/)

"Big Ticket" Items

Bears and Cats can now be equipped with hats. This is most likely not a joke... but might be a joke.
Double-clicking to equip items was causing passive abilities to get removed from the character. This has been fixed and we were able to retroactively fix the problem for people that have already run into the issue. If you open your saved game in the latest patch, your characters will be repaired.
Fixed a problem where attributes on characters could permanently increase by equipping certain items. This will also retroactively fix the problem in saved games that have characters with this issue.
The crash in Raedric's Hold has been fixed.
Fixed the looping audio sounds that can occur if you play with minimized tooltips.
Previously Wizard summoned items could persist after the spell's duration. This has been fixed and it will also retroactively fix the problem in saved games that have characters with this issue.
The items Drinking Horn of Moderation and Talisman of the Unconquerable were causing Ciphers to permanently lower their amount of focus gain. We've included a fix to retroactively resolve the issue on Ciphers but the effect is still on the items. Unfortunately the fix will not fix the broken effect on those items, so you'll need to keep those items unequipped until the next patch. If you do equip them, perform a Save/Load to fix your Cipher.


The rest spoilered to save room
Features

Added graphics setting to toggle antialiasing levels. This can improve performance on lower end machines when disabled.
Added pro tips to the Glossary.
Many new icons for items.
Added new voice set reactivity for lockpick, poison, enemy spotted in stealth, spell failure, death, immobilized, and completed task.
Added indicators on the loot screen when looting crafting and quest items.
Party can now use lockpicks that are in the Stash.
You can now cast AoEs on party member portraits and the spell will be targeted at the companion's location.


Balance

Monk unarmed attack buffed by 1 point at the top end.
Arbalest damage has been lowered.
Fast melee weapons do slightly more damage.
Slight bump to sabre damage.
Tuned down Mind Blades.
Tuned ranges of many Wizard spells to be higher.
Slicken spell is now a single hit AoE.
Chill Fog is now a friend or foe spell.
Curse of Blackened Sight is now foe only.
Changed reload speed multiplier from 2 to 1.2 for Sure-Handed Ila.
Fixed the price on Seal of Faith.
Adjusted price on figurines.
Adjusted price on rings.
Tuned up the Goldrot Chew.
Reduced the penalties for Bonded Grief.
Tuned up Bulwark of the Elements.
Modified attributes of companions and Itumaak.
Raised the bonus for having fewer than six party members from 5% per character under the limit to 10% per character under the limit.
Added cooldown to NPC Rogue's Escape ability usage so they won't use it back to back.
Rebalanced fight difficulty and spell selection for the Old Watcher.
Lowered the scale of the Defiance Bay reputation by 15%.
Beloved Spirits adds 0.4 Endurance to Ancient Memory instead of 2.
Changed duration of the Flagellant's Path defense penalty.
Adjustments to the Mantle of the Dying Boar.
Reduced the price of the Brighthollow Hearth and Courtyard Pool.
Heart of Fury will now apply to all damage types.
Tuned damage on Brilliant Radiance down.

Systems

Fixed issue with Wizard's summoned magical items getting stuck after save and load. Wizards will be restored to a proper state after loading a game.
Changed one of the fatigue status effects to not end with combat.
Fixed save game issues with spells and abilities that place down traps.
Fixed issue to prevent Ciphers from casting abilities without the required Focus.
Restored modal flag for Reckless Assault.
Set Transcendent Suffering to not be combat only.
Fixed duration issue with Plague of Insects.
Fixed companion audio triggers for some status effects.
Hunting Bows had the wrong speed descriptor. They are now listed as Fast.
Character Hit Autopause option should be working as intended.
You can now close the Grimoire and Chant UI with a hotkey.
Fixed issue with summoning magic items while unarmed.
Fixed delay issue on Knockdown.
Fixed a few issues with Dominate and Charm spells.
Fixed a bad item mod on the Ring of Protection.
Fixed issue with the Terrible weapon mod.
Changed bad data in ranger summons.
Made Takedown to be consistent with Knockdown.
Fixed multiplier on Blooded.
Summoned weapons will be removed when Spiritshifting.
Fixed issue with bouncing reflected melee attacks.
Party members will no longer switch to different weapons after being Charmed or Dominated.
Ancient Memory is now Ally only.
A summoned weapon will not unequip the grimoire.
Fixed Spellstriking mod.
Fixed trigger count issue with the Prone reduction mod.
DOT spells should clean up properly when combat ends.
Fixed Deflection +10 mod.
All Exhortations are now combat only.
Only play weapon ineffective VO if the attack is hostile.
Aggrandizing Radiance will now last until combat ends.
Holy Radiance is now combat only.
Carnage now works better.


Quests

Fixed issues with factions and super friend quests with Lady Webb's dialogue.
Adjusted trigger in front of the Salty Mast to fix a possible way to skip a required cutscene.
Fixed issue with the Winds of Steel quest line.
Fixed a trigger outside the First Fires Keep that could have been avoided.
Many fixes to music, audio, and VFX to a scene near the end of the game.
The prybar should now display the correct image in the Raedric's Hold moat scripted interaction.
Changed faction on the Hall of Warrior's containers.
Fixed scripted music for the forge knight combats in the keep.
Visual effects in the introduction cutscene should now be triggered properly.
Fixed conversation of the guards in Raedric's Hold to not repeat.
Added cape and armor to the loot for the Fampyr boss.
Fix to Osrya's starting timer not being attached to the trigger in the area.


UI

Fixed sound issue when collapsing the tutorial UI.
Fixed issue with double clicking items to equip. This is a retroactive fix and will restore characters with proper stats.
Fixed issue where camping supplies were disappearing when added to Stash.
Cage Cursor setting should not turn off after loading a scene or cutscene and is now on by default.
Fixed cropping on a few portraits.
Fixed issue with highlighting dead bodies and containers in the fog of war.
Fixed item stacking issue that was stacking items inappropriately.
Reduced the intensity of the explored fog of war on the area map, and fixed an issue where the shadow layer was causing the area map to be darker than it should be.
Small UI updates to the journal screen.
Reworked the enchanting UI to work better with multiple lines.
Fixed UI sorting issue in store.
Fixed UI sorting in crafting menu.
Fixes to Capitular glyphs in end game slides.
Fixed issue with stronghold alert widgets not hiding properly.
Fixed an issue with weapon mods were incorrectly being displayed in some cases.
Drag select should work properly when starting the drag over an enemy.
Fixed a few issues with drag select and formation rotation causing issues when the mouse goes over UI elements.
Fixed some control issues with holding down keys.
Shot on the Run recovery value should be now displayed correctly.
Fixed issues to how the HUD fades out during conversations.
When the party receives or loses items, those log messages now go to both logs.
Cleaned up the character sheet formatting and made more items clickable.
Store item names can now take up two lines.
Spells now show DT bypass in the description.
Consumables now show per-Rest and per-Encounter usage limitations.


Other Fixes

Fixed stats issue with saving and loading on the same map where a companion is found. This is a retroactive fix and will restore companions and characters to the proper state.
Fixed issues with save games in Raedric's Hold, causing the game to not function correctly or freeze.
Ranger Animal Companions should not disappear anymore and broken animals will be restored after loading and saving the game.
Fixed possible issues with disappearing items and weapons.
Minor fixes to a few select voice over lines.
Fixed size issues with equipped capes on Godlike characters.
Changed Explorer achievement to check for 152 maps rather than 160.
Fixed many issues where combat would not end properly.
Updated credits with more backer names.
Updated paperdoll level up lighting.
Scripted music should now be restored properly after loading a game.
Updated Temple of Eothas render.
Fixed some rendering issues with Fog of War on some areas.
Fixed sounds on movie that plays near end of game.
Reduced antelope feet sliding.
Fixed issue with weapon caching causing issues when weapons are swapped.
Interstitial music no longer loops.
Fixed issue where party members could take damage in cutscenes.
Fixed voice cues during looting for full inventory.
Fixed transparency on ghost characters.
Fixed issues with cutscene pathfinding if the game's process is halted.
Fixed issue with Expert mode settings getting saved improperly.
Fixed issue where characters were not properly stopping at the last waypoint of their path.
Adjusted Skuldr scream vocals.
We now handle some edge cases in resolution management on some hardware configurations.
Fixed issue with the party member Knockout achievement not reporting the correct numbers.

[Peregrine]

Looks like they fixed the cage cursor setting, will have to verify that. But also oh no, arbalest damage lowered!

[Scoobz0202]

Apparently there is a big where custom created characters can't unlock chests/doors. Mine can't. My custom Barb is the one that has all the mechanic skill. Damn it.

[SirFozzie]

patch is out to fix that issue apparently

[mckerney]

Yep, fixed last night.

1.03: Hotfix for Problem with Adventurer Hall Companions - Pillars of Eternity: Announcements and News - Obsidian Forum Community (http://forums.obsidian.net/topic/75410-103-hotfix-for-problem-with-adventurer-hall-companions/)

We have hotfixed the problem with adventurer hall-created companions not being able to unlock doors or chests. This should work correctly now. Without getting into too much detail, it looks like adding and removing a companion in the Stronghold can cause its voice set to be stripped. This was causing a null reference exception when they tried to unlock items.

[Groundhog]

Found myself in a situation where I couldn't prevent the death of my level 4 rogue, due to being stuck in a dungeon right before a big fight. That sucked, but I recouped her gear, and hired another level 4 rogue, and equipped them with the same gear - including a great suit of armour and two good blades.

Halfway through my next dungeon, I realise my new rogue is now naked. And unarmed. All the gear... vanished.

Annoying, to say the least.

[bhlloy]

So I'm a little confused on how a certain mechanic works, have to pass a level 16 might check to advance a quest and although I have 13 might I have two characters with 16 in my party - but no matter who I use to talk I can't pass - am I permanently screwed, is this a bug or am I missing something?

[Dutch]

Looks like they fixed the cage cursor setting, will have to verify that. But also oh no, arbalest damage lowered!

Yay, cage cursor works great now....oh, and boo...miss my over-powered arbalest.

[bhlloy]

So I guess the stronghold treasury is completely bugged right now, meaning you can't pay your hirelings and they are liable to fuck off meaning you have to travel back to defend against any threats. Bit of a downer on that part of the game.

[Ramzavail]

not to thread jack - but big savings at gamesrocket. The Royal edition at $46 is tempting.

[MrBug708]

$26 dollars is pretty tempting

[Vince, Pt. II]

Anyone else find the load times to be a bit long? I've got a pretty new SSD and I'm still seeing 20-30 second load times on map changes.

[Fonzie]

not to thread jack - but big savings at gamesrocket. The Royal edition at $46 is tempting.

Goddammit

[Peregrine]

The amount of damage a two weapon barbarian can do is just staggering. Even though I didn't even create mine until after I had done some quests in Defiance Bay she has almost caught up in total damage with my main character.

[Ramzavail]

Goddammit

I caved.

[Peregrine]

Anyone else find the load times to be a bit long? I've got a pretty new SSD and I'm still seeing 20-30 second load times on map changes.

That seems quite slow - I usually get loads of 10 seconds or less.

[mckerney]

I occasionally get 20-30 seconds when initially loading up a save but map changes have been 10 seconds or less.

[Dutch]

Its built in lag to give you a chance to breath before more awesome happens.

[Fonzie]

I caved.

Me too. *sigh*

[GrantDawg]

not to thread jack - but big savings at gamesrocket. The Royal edition at $46 is tempting.


Ok, first of all I hate you all. Never heard of this game, and your discussion made me want it hard. Secondly, bought this game on gamesrocket about an hour ago and they still haven't fulfilled the order. Never used this service, so tell me is this normal? Should I freak out?

[Peregrine]

I have to say the more I develop my stronghold the less impressed I am with it. I mean the concept is great but in practice it's not so good. I thought for example I would be creating a super-rest spot with all the bonuses I'm putting in, only to find out they're all separate? Even though I can go down to Dyrford and get a 6 stat bonus at some run-down inn, I'm limited to one in my keep which I have spent lots of money on? Add to that the stronghold treasury bug mentioned earlier, and the stronghold hirelings not being paid bug....on and on.

[bhlloy]

I have to say the more I develop my stronghold the less impressed I am with it. I mean the concept is great but in practice it's not so good. I thought for example I would be creating a super-rest spot with all the bonuses I'm putting in, only to find out they're all separate? Even though I can go down to Dyrford and get a 6 stat bonus at some run-down inn, I'm limited to one in my keep which I have spent lots of money on? Add to that the stronghold treasury bug mentioned earlier, and the stronghold hirelings not being paid bug....on and on.

Yeah, big +1 on this. Feels like a really poorly thought out idea tacked on to the main game. I don't even understand how "turns" work and why they just couldn't have called them hours or days. The merchants and shops you can build suck and you can get better from every trader in the game. Outside of the 200 coins you save to rest (which isn't remotely an issue after you put a few hours in) it's essentially a completely cosmetic exercise

[Abe Sargent]

Just finished it with 40 hours of fun

[Ramzavail]

Ok, first of all I hate you all. Never heard of this game, and your discussion made me want it hard. Secondly, bought this game on gamesrocket about an hour ago and they still haven't fulfilled the order. Never used this service, so tell me is this normal? Should I freak out?

Sorry I missed this. No you shouldn't. I'm sure you got it by now if you gave them your picture with your license in it.

[NobodyHere]

Just finished it with 40 hours of fun

pfft, what took you so long?

Pillars of Eternity speedrun clocks in at under 40 minutes | VG247 (http://www.vg247.com/2015/04/15/pillars-of-eternity-speedrun-clocks-in-at-under-40-minutes/)

[Groundhog]

I'm floating near 40 hours, just made it to the 2nd city. Not sure how much longer I've got left to go.

[Peregrine]

I'm at 64 hours played and haven't finished it yet, though the end is in sight. I've been taking it nice and slow the whole way though.

[Groundhog]

There's a few quests I wish I'd tackled earlier that I unfortunately can't any more.......

[Vince, Pt. II]

If you're referring to what I think you're referring to (end of act two), rumor has it that you'll be able to go back and complete those quests later.

[Groundhog]

(it is) great, good to know. :)

[Vince, Pt. II]

(it is) great, good to know. :)

I had the same "oh, crap" moment, but my roommate (who is a little ahead of me in the story) reassured me that it's ok. :)

[GrantDawg]

Sorry I missed this. No you shouldn't. I'm sure you got it by now if you gave them your picture with your license in it.



I never did get the game or a response from them. They did cancel the order and refund my money at my request, though. Ended up just paying full price.

[Ramzavail]

That sucks. I actually had no real problem with it. It was annoying to send them a picture with my license on it (and I was a little weary about the whole situation) but after that it was immediately sent to me.

[Peregrine]

Okay finally finished the game - I really enjoyed the story and the lore of it - great game overall to me. The last fight was pretty ridiculously hard though.

[Edward64]

For those that played it, how is re-playability? Other than the scripted main quest, is there plenty of other things to do?

[Edward64]

Downloaded and played some today. What I expected so far, no complaints.

[Peregrine]

I played through the game twice and found the different companions to be worth it - as well as some stuff I missed and being able to make different choices the second time around.

[NobodyHere]

<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/4a05OrRrR2Q" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

[Edward64]

I've stopped playing Pillars for now. Although I've enjoyed it, the game isn't keeping my attention for one reason or another.

It's something I'll come back to later.

[Groundhog]

I've stopped playing Pillars for now. Although I've enjoyed it, the game isn't keeping my attention for one reason or another.

It's something I'll come back to later.

I stopped playing after starting on the quest in the cave with all the different gods and books that you need to read to get through the quest. Maybe I'm getting more impatient/easily distracted, but it was too much reading for me and I lost interest very quickly.

[NobodyHere]

Pillars of Eternity update 2.0 adds party AI, solo stealth - PC Gamer (http://www.pcgamer.com/pillars-of-eternity-update-20-adds-party-ai-solo-stealth/)

Sounds good to me, but it is going to delay me playing through the game.

[Edward64]

I restarted at Chapter 2 with a different character and got to Chapter 3 a while ago and just stop playing. Started to think about Witcher 3 which reminded me about unfinished Pillars.

I haven't had the urge to continue and not sure if I'll ever finish. Too much story telling (and some of it was boring). FWIW, I got my money's worth but it didn't quite grab me.

[Thomkal]

Just in case you weren't paying attention, Pillars of Eternity 2 is now out.