I'm still surprised this game sold so poorly since it's one of my favorite CRPGs in the last few decades.

This game deserved so much more love. I honestly think it far surpasses the first game, it was one of the most atmospheric RPG's I've ever played!

Worth noting that Kana, our aumaua friend actually has a cameo in the second game. And you can even talk to his sister (I dont want to spoil ho is she, but you can easily figure it out) and learn about what he is doing. Now now, this is the interesting part. In my playtrough, Kana was died in Defiance Bay so naturally he couldnt make it to the Deadfire islands. And you can have word with his sister abiut his death. But. You can actually sacrifice one of your companions to a god, in the first game. And if that sacrificed companion of yours was Kana, you can even say this to his sister and including her, all party members (specificially returning companions) has diffrent reactions for that. It just beatiful Obisidian fill their games with such details.

I absolutely LOVED the AI editor. As an older gamer, I am kind of past the point where I want to be clicking furiously to make the characters do what I want. I am way more than happy to just give them strategies to follow, and just click when something that doesn't fit into the plan happens. IMO there is nothing wrong with watching a game for a while; it's just another kind of playing. I wish more games were like this!

This game is absolutely beautiful and I love the combat, my only gripe with it was that the main campaign was WAAAAAY to short. Here's hoping we get another one in the future

One of the nice things with CRPGs though is that because of what aspects of the game get emphasised they always have a good shelf-life unlike your regular AAA titles. There is always a chance that something draws attention back to the game down the line and it gets another chance to shine.

Sad to see that Deadfire didn't do nearly as well as the 1st PoE. I liked it, especially once turn-based mode was added. I really dug exploring the archipelago. Pity that this is probably the final isometric style PoE game that Obsidion will probably ever do, since they're now a part of the M$ empire. I liked that I could carry my PoE character over into PoE2; the world state thing in PoE2 was quite detailed.

I loooove POE1 and POE2 and I'm very happy you're covering this one! For me it combines the perfect aesthetics (I think it's just beautiful), worldbuilding and gameplay. I love the variety of classes, the multiclass system and (especially) the itemization. The theorycrafting of new builds focusing around the different synergies of (sub)classes and specific items is exactly what I want from a crpg. So if I had one (videogame-related) wish, it would be a POE3: building on the strengths of the two previous titles and maybe even introducing simple dialogue animations / cutscenes that would immersive you even more to the story and world and potentially attracting more players. The sales of BG3-EA suggest that there is a potential audience for AAA crpgs, I hope obsidian and microsoft might draw similar conclusions ..

I absolutely loved this game, 100%'d it in turn-based mode. Still have those shanties stuck in my head! Massively underrated CRPG.

I’ve been wondering for so long how to have a review system that stands head and shoulders above the rest- bro you nailed it. Stellar review, I bought this game and loved it thanks to your thorough rec!

It’s a pleasure to watch videos like this with a guy that is not just intelligent, but highly experienced too. I’ve yet to play the game but this has peaked my interest. Many thanks.

Ekera, it was a really incredible game, I say.

I loved POE1, Deadfire was almost equally great. Probably sunk 400 hours combined into both games. My only problem was how separated the side quests were from the main story 90% of the time. Also, it did suffer a slight Dragon Age Inqustion story problem, setting up a cataclysmic event, where time seems limited yet for long portions between main story quests you're just traversing about doing other stuff - really fun and well written stuff but there was never any real connective tissue to the main story.

this has always been at the top of my list of games to play next.. but i just have never quite got to it. this was such a good overview that i'm starting it right away. great stuff! love your style and the way you covered the game. looking forward to going back and watching more and more of your reviews. thanks!

What I liked most was the dialog system and the character traits, for example "Honest 3", and how NPCs would react to it. Much better than in other games, especially better than the boring old alignment circle.

I'd really like to see a Pillars Lore series

I love these games! Thank you for your review; I did not know there was so much out there to explore that was actually worth exploring.

I sank about 300 hours into this game and loved every moment. Divinity is still my favourite but damn obsidian did a great job! Its unfortunate we won't get a 3rd conclusion to this and the who idea of the gods story line.

I feel like I'm one of the only people who loved the ship to ship combat

This game is fantastic. Every part of it pours out passion and love for the genre.

Your style of review is so down my alley! Chill and informative. Thank you! Subbed :)

Good job, Morti. I pretty much concur on your assessment of POE:2. I really hope they continue the RTwP isometric series. Hell with Tyranny as well. Anyway, good luck with the station and keep up the 100%'ing. RTR.

This game was great. Love the voice acting. Narrator, all the gods voices and Tekehu were chiefs kiss.

This game is excellent. Probably my favorite isometric rpg. Sad that it didnt sell well.

I've been on the fence about buying this game for years, thanks for helping me finally make up my mind in picking it up!

Great videos, I'm a big fan of post release reviews because they have the benefit of hindsight and patched gameplay for games that released in a rougher state but improved later.

I love how you’re not a know it all but you kinda actually are since 100% every game. Very good reviews. Subbed.

Seems like a great video so far, very informative style, lots of detail, good stuff. I am hearing a lot of audio hiss so might be worth looking at your mic or other recording settings to reduce this.

Nice indepth review with clear voice! Thank you! I hit the subscribe.

I absolutely love the pillars series! I played the first game fanatically and now I’m even recording my playtrough of the 2nd game for KZfaq! I hope they make a 3rd installment

You only reviewing the game after you 100% it is exactly the reason I subbed, I'm sure its how you gained many of your subs. Its very nice to see someone who has played it all to give the best review possible!

I went into this game not liking the pirate thing. But I honestly fell in love with it. And it fits in the world when you dig into it. I kept trying this game but never really getting out of the first island was getting bored. But as soon as you do the game open up so much. And the quests are great. The quests where you can plant the bomb on the piano was great lol.

Thank you so much for all these 100% reviews. I was debating between buying POE2/Tyranny/P:K and i think i'll go with POE2 it seems so fun!

I LOVED this game. I was really surprised to hear that it didn't sell that well. It's really fun, the setting is great, the companions are great and no matter how you feel about the AI system setup - it lets people play as actively as a party with every action or as a single player with stuff already set up. You don't HAVE to do it. Saying all that though - I have gotten to ~5% of the endgame THREE times and have never finished it! (and I can't imagine doing everything again, since I remember it so well)

Thank you for another awesome video!

Never really got into this genre but great video I actually want to give it a try after watching and I like how, to stand out, you 100% games I've only don't that for a few and know how much time it takes you got a sub from me keep up the good work

It's one of my favorite RPGs ever, so fun. The multiclass system added just what this game needed with the already unique classes. I played through as turn based which isn't the best but I really prefer it to rtwp. Looking forward to avowed

I forgot to come back and say thank you. I watched this and finally bought the game. I already loved the first, so this vid helped me to finally make up my mind. Should have been a no-brainer, but I do QA for a living, so I am really picky about what I play for fun. I hope more people get into this one, because Obsidian nailed it for any older RPG fan. Actually for anyone who loves a really top notch RPG.

Unplayable game on PS4 . I spent 40% of the game on loading screens, I love the game, but this is disappointing. It took me 90 hours to beat all the game and DLCS, I'm a hero. Around 40 hours at least of loading screens

After 165 hours i finished poe 2 with all their dlcs and i can say that is the best crpg i played. Cant wait for Avowed.

Just found out about this channel. Dope review man! Subbed!

awesome video, love the details, keep it up!

I’m a newcomer to CRPGs, and Pillars 1 and 2 were the first two to hook me. I hope we get a true Pillars 3 someday, because no game I’ve found has given me a fun RTP -and- turn-based system. I liked setting manual pause intervals and keeping my RTP AI mostly for life-support and basic attack targeting. I loved the flow of combat. Most game’s stories lose me, but the voice acting had me hanging on every word, Eora is probably the fictional world I have the most knowledge of, in spite of being basically terminally online in my free time. ETA: The closing note of ‘game too short’ is an excellent complaint to have. POE2 is the to recommend game for people new to the genre, IMO.

Pillars 2 is a fine wine. WIth age it will be rediscovered by those who had no pallet - and eventually we will get a third. Just got to wait 10+ years.

Just found your channel and thought the '100% before review' is actually pretty cool, meaning people will know for a fact that you've spent some time in the games you review, so your words actually have weight. Thanks for the vid though, wanted to know if it was something I'd try out on Game Pass; will definitely give it a go and knowing Avowed is in this game world, it has me curious about the lore.

As I mentioned in the POE video, Aloth and Eder are both voiced by Matt Mercer, but not only them, there are lots of companions voiced by the cast of Critical role in this second game. They actually have like a free DLC with the Vox Machina (their first campain) voices and portraits you can download and customize the party (by hiring mercenaries, of course) to actually play with that party of adventurers instead. Also the developers allowed them to use the ingame music for their streams. It was a pretty cool come and go with those two IPs. :)

Also wonderful job Mortismal. Keep the content coming.

Backed this game and did not regret doing so at all. The game might be one of my most favorite game of all time. Multiclassing and character building is super fun. I'm glad they also introduce Turn based mode which gave more ideas for new builds. My only biggest complain is the loading screen time, but I think it won't be an issue in further games they made.

I love all two games in the series, I can't wait for Avowed.

Great review dude....just came from your weird west review...great job.....DOS2 is another gem!!!!

Great review. The game is a phenomenal escape. The Lore is superlative. You captured the highs and lows of the game.

Thank you for this great review. It's been a long time since I played a crpg, but you have inspired me to try this game. Do you mind sharing how you allocated the attribute points for your beastmaster?

great review! I absolutely love cRPGs and pillars is a true gem among them! I enjoyed my playthrough 😊

Love the content, keep it coming

Nice..... I was waiting for this one :) thankx my friend

Underrated content. Keep it up!

Awesome great video!! 👍. I played poe2 recently and I have to say I overlooked the game alot of times because of the pirate theme.

Thanks for the review! Have you tested the game on console? I'm considering playing it on ps5 and concerned about controls, inventory mngmt etc.

I love this game so much!! I don't understand the AI editor as well as you do, so I can't say I have a problem with it being too good. I would love love love a lore of Aeora series!!!

Great review!

2 years later I finally listend to you enough to get this game and watch your video because of steam summer sale. And soon as you mentioned FFXII AI system you hooked me, never knew that about this game and now I'm so pumped to play, will finish this playthrough of DAO(also with an awesome AI system) then start on this right away!

90% didn't even find "slow-mo" option in this game...

Really nice review. Subscribed!

First time here, first video watched, and I think you're content is great already.

Great review, thank you! Heads up - your mic (or recording software?) is causing a low background hiss (best heard w/headphones).

Unpopular opinion maybe, but I really like the naval combat turn based mini game. After a few tries, it suddenly all clicked into place, and now I love whittling down an enemy ship and crew, before going in to board them.

I just came here because the bundle is on sale. Looking at this video, why is the game so gorgeous but I haven't even heard of this?? Great video, instant buy.

A hell of a good game!! So immersive too, the deadfire cultures feel alive and the systems were so good! Cant wait for the 3rd one!

This is a great channel. You earned my subscription.

It's always interesting hearing people discuss how easy or difficult they find the game's combat, because it ranges everywhere from "This game is too easy, I beat the hardest difficulty with just 1 character" to "This game is too hard even though I'm playing on normal"

spot on review i'd say. it does the same thing like the first one but improved on so many things that i think this is just better overall, the biggest gripe i think anyone could have about this game is the added pirate theme and guns being in it which can be either a detriment to people wanting that medieval fantasy thing, but those who like the whole pirate thing will just like this game more than its predecessor for it. now some may say it is short but for me personally i'd say it's nice with an cRPG that doesn't overstay its welcome longer than you want it to which is a big plus for me since it lends itself to replaying the game more and trying out new characters and new builds and other story choices. however i do recommend people somewhat who didn't play the first one to go back and play that one first because it really does set up the world so you don't feel as lost in this one, there's lore that gets called back to, returning companions and it's just overall a continuation of the first one, also getting to play the first one lets you get used to the character building and combat a bit because it is very similar in many ways and also the pleasure of continuing your character from the first game is kinda fun, but that's just my personal opinion on that.

I've put hundreds of hours into this game with all DLCs just making different character builds and exploring. Yeah the main story leaves a lot to be desired, but everything else is pretty great. I am very disappointed that there wont be a new CRPG version

glad to have found your channel, Mortismal, you review and play all the games i love dude. hell yeah. keep live streaming. i also have a soft spot for Pillars of Eternity, it's system and delightfully fun combat system, great lore, although shortcoming. Warts and all, one of my favourite games in a while. And by that, is because I still think about it after so long and it leaves a good taste in my mouth. actually surprised it wasn't that successful, at least to the company themselves. please review Disco Elysium

Great review dude. 🙌 Thank you..

One thing I thought was that the ship aspects of this game were a CRPG/text version of the Assassins Creed Black Flag stuff. You can choose to sink or board enemy ships. You can explore remarkably freely. There are super strong ships on the map that you need to upgrade yourself to take on. Like a more advanced version of the same thing and I loved it. [edit] The gambit system in FF12 made so many fights a lot easier and less engaging than it should have. Very few fights were still hard with the right gambit setups.

I love the 17th century setting. It loks great and it plays so smooth

Just a quick correction, The Valian Trade company come from the Valian Republics and not Old Valia. The Valian Republics were the break away nation of the Old Valian Empire and become a sort of group of Oligarchs. They settle in the Eastern Reach(the same continent as the first POE)

one thing to add is that sidekicks tend to have a lot of dialogue in specific DLCs, often more than the actual companions

I pre-ordered PoE2 with all expansions already in the pack and I did not regret it one bit

Really enjoy your channel content. Nice delivery and doesn't come across as biased in any way. On the topic of PoE2, this is a special game that I often think about. I found the world they built so captivating and enjoyable to explore. Not to mention some of the soundtrack that just added to the unique feel of the setting. thx again for the review:)

PoE 2 slowly became one of my fave cRPGs of all time. The world is just so different compared to a lot of cRPGs out there - really enjoyed the whole native vs colonizer narrative. The combat is also fun as hell, it was always hype when you score a crit and the game slows down as they blow up lol.

I don't normally play these type of games. But since I am going to be without internet connection for a long time, I decided to give this one a try since people have said that it is a very long game. Downloading it right now and I feel lost while looking at other reviews/gameplays. This video gave me a basic understanding of what to expect and to think about. Thx.

I had more game overs by ship combat than by everything else combined and I was sure it was objectively terrible too. But my ship kept getting wrecked and I couldn't outrun them so I did so much of it that I turned it into an infinite money farm. But yeah, the ship combat seemed like some sort of late-phase feature-creep addition or something. It was a prototype idea even at its best. The big other problem was that I hit the level cap long a bit before the final mission so I lost interest because my characters couldn't get any stronger and by the end my loading screens took several minutes.

How do you analyse these games? Do you make notes and write things down as you progress? I catch myself forgetting a lot when playing to hit a 100%

Great review as always. But in my opinion you should really improve your audio, lots of white noise

love your channel, bro

I'm 50 hours with just the DLCs and the last main story quest to complete. I like the game a lot, maybe more than the first one. The main story was more interesting in the first game but the factions and world building in this game are so great. Reminds me of New Vegas where I am really not sure who I want to side with. Also as you say the world map is awesome, sailing island to island with your ship is so fun. The bounties do a great job to make you explore too. However, much like the first game, I can't stand the combat so I just turned the difficulty down and let the AI destroy everything for me. It's really nice that the game lets me basically skip combat this way. Same for the ship combat where you can just jump into regular combat asap.

Knowing how much reactivity is in this game, I can only assume that 100% completion just means all quests and/or all achievements. There's so many dialogue permutations, classes, and narrative choices you'd need to spend easily 1000+ hours seeing it all.

I played and beat the first game but when it came to the second game the unbearably long loading screens stopped me from finishing it. All in all not a bad game though.

love your reciews. fyi pillars 2 is heavily discounted on steam right. 1 and 2 are on sale for GOG as well. plan to pick up both

I couldn't play 1. I really needed the voice over in 2 for me to get into this. I'm loving this game. The way your party members jump into the dialogue exchanges is really awesome. I do wish the items were done better, I'm a hoarder in RPGs and in this game you literally pick up the same weapons and armor over and over. Times when I go sell it's not odd to have 30 or 50 of the same item. But any issues I have are minor compared to the things I like. Love having a ship to upgrade instead of a castle, castle has been done so many times.

Pillars 2 is probably my favorite game from Obsidian. It's their most polished, complete, unique and interesting game to date. It's a shame it sold poorly and encouraged them to ditch Pillars 3 in favor of an Skyrim clone.

All I can say is that I had to travel the world in a boat covered in bird poop due to the choices I made in the original POE. (Then swapped said boat with someone/thing else so they would be sailing around the world in it).

This my favorite game let alone fave rpg. I dream of another isometric game like Pillars. It is in a league of its own.

I like your reviews. Good job + sub.

Did you actually manage to comple this 100%? Are that included the Mega Bosses? I loved this game and I'm pretty good at it too, but I really struggled on all the Mega bosses. Belranga I manage to beat twice, and colossus was not that hard, but that bulky Oil blub and Sigil Master was dead out impossible for me. Maybe have something to do I like to play Mindstalker as main character and are very squishy and not ment to fight for long periods of time, idk.

Been wanting to try this game for a while. Think I'll download it tonight

I love this game, love playing turn based. Too bad they didn't implement it back into the first game too.

After like 200h on it I decided to do a marathon: both games in a row with the same character. And really it changes how you can see the game and I liked better the first one with a story that actually took you with it rather than the second one which sounded more like "please watcher do our stuff". Even the White March dlc feels like you're involved in some kind of schemes that are far beyond you. The story of deadfire feels very clumsy and eothas' goals are not very convincing compared to masked man's. Although if you play both games in a row, it really empower the feelings of your choices because you can see them directly (like Pallegina side quest) and I felt like my watcher got a real influence over Eora.

I. Playing through FF12 now, am really enjoying it and was just wondering what other game has similar gambit system. Always been interested in Pillar of Eternity, knew it was isonmatic CRPG, but did not know it has a gambit like AI editor. Thanks for mentioning it in this review.