Video Game

Throne for a Loop: Navigating the Intrigues of Kingmaker in Classic CRPG Fashion

Posted by David McKenzie on

Video Game Review: Pathfinder: Kingmaker

Overall Rating: 8.0/10

  • Gameplay: 8.5/10
  • Graphics and Art Design: 7.5/10
  • Sound and Music: 8.0/10
  • Replayability: 8.5/10
  • Performance and Optimization: 7.0/10

Introduction

Pathfinder: Kingmaker, developed by Owlcat Games and published by Deep Silver, is an isometric role-playing game (RPG) released on September 25, 2018, for Microsoft Windows, macOS, and Linux. Based on Paizo Publishing’s Pathfinder franchise, the game draws inspiration from classic CRPGs like Baldur’s Gate and Neverwinter Nights. A Kickstarter campaign in 2017 successfully funded its development, reflecting strong community interest. ​

Gameplay (8.5/10)

Pathfinder: Kingmaker offers a deep and engaging gameplay experience that combines traditional CRPG mechanics with unique kingdom management elements.​

Strengths:

  • Complex Character Customization: Players can choose from various classes, races, and abilities, allowing for diverse playstyles.​
  • Kingdom Management: Beyond adventuring, players establish and govern their own realm, making decisions that influence the game’s world and narrative.​
  • Challenging Combat: The game features real-time combat with pause, requiring strategic planning and tactical execution.​

Weaknesses:

  • Steep Learning Curve: The game assumes familiarity with Pathfinder or D&D 3.5e rules, which can be daunting for newcomers. ​
  • Opaque Mechanics: Some systems lack clear explanations, potentially leading to confusion and suboptimal decisions. ​

Graphics and Art Design (7.5/10)

The visual presentation of Kingmaker is functional but not particularly groundbreaking.​

Strengths:

  • Detailed Environments: The game’s settings are richly designed, capturing the essence of the Pathfinder universe.​

Weaknesses:

  • Dated Visuals: Some graphical elements appear outdated compared to contemporary titles, lacking the polish seen in other modern RPGs. ​

Sound and Music (8.0/10)

The audio components enhance the immersive experience of the game.​

Strengths:

  • Atmospheric Soundtrack: The music complements the game’s setting, enhancing the overall ambiance.​
  • Voice Acting: Characters are brought to life through competent voice performances, adding depth to interactions.​

Weaknesses:

  • Inconsistent Quality: Some voice lines lack emotion, which can detract from character development.​

Replayability (8.5/10)

The game’s branching narratives and complex systems encourage multiple playthroughs.​

Strengths:

  • Diverse Outcomes: Player choices lead to different story paths and endings, enhancing replay value.​
  • Varied Companions: A wide array of companions with unique backstories and quests adds depth to subsequent playthroughs.​

Weaknesses:

  • Repetitive Early Game: The initial stages can feel monotonous in repeated playthroughs due to limited variation.​

Performance and Optimization (7.0/10)

At launch, Kingmaker faced several technical challenges that impacted the player experience.​

Strengths:

  • Post-Launch Support: Developers released patches to address many initial bugs and performance issues.​

Weaknesses:

  • Technical Issues: Players reported bugs, long loading times, and stability problems, which affected gameplay. ​

Expansions Overview

Pathfinder: Kingmaker received several downloadable content (DLC) expansions, each adding unique content to the base game.​

  1. The Wildcards (December 6, 2018):
    • Content: Introduced a new race (Tieflings), a new class (Kineticist), and a companion with a unique storyline.​
    • Reception: Players appreciated the additional character options and the companion’s integration into the main narrative. ​
  2. Varnhold’s Lot (February 28, 2019):
    • Content: Offered a parallel campaign focusing on the story of Maegar Varn, providing insights into events affecting the main storyline.​
    • Reception: Praised for its engaging narrative, though some felt its impact on the main campaign was limited.​
  3. Beneath the Stolen Lands (June 6, 2019):
    • Content: Added a rogue-like endless dungeon mode, challenging players with procedurally generated levels.​
    • Reception: Valued for replayability and challenge, appealing to players seeking combat-focused content.​

Conclusion

Pathfinder: Kingmaker successfully adapts the tabletop experience into a digital format, offering a rich narrative, complex character development, and kingdom management mechanics. While technical issues and a steep learning curve may deter some players, those who invest time will find a rewarding and immersive RPG experience. The expansions further enrich the game, providing additional content that caters to various playstyles.

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