Pathfinder: Kingmaker
Release Date: September 25, 2018
RPG, fantasy, isometric view, elements of strategy, classic RPG, singleplayer
Steam
Pathfinder: Kingmaker is a classic RPG developed by Owlcat Games in cooperation with the one and only Chris Avellone. The game is based on the popular Pathfinder RPG system and takes the players to a typical fantasy land where they will have to build their own kingdom and defend it. We observe the game from an isometric point of view and, as we play, control a party made of characters with different abilities.
Pathfinder: Kingmaker for PC is an RPG and the first game developed by Owlcat Games, a studio that was established in 2016. Owlcat Games is made of experienced developers who previously worked on games like Etherlords, Heroes Of Might & Magic V, Skyforge, and Silent Storm. The game was created in cooperation with Chris Avellone, a veteran developer who worked on fan-favourite games like Planescape: Torment, Neverwinter Nights 2, Fallout 2, and Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic II – Sith Lords.
Pathfinder: Kingmaker is based on the Pathfinder tabletop RPG system that was created and published in 2009 by Paizo Publishing. It is a somewhat expanded and modified version of the Dungeons & Dragons 3.5 system. Creators of the tabletop original have worked closely with the team behind the PC adaptation of the system.
Plot
The game takes us to a classic fantasy world. We explore the realm of Stolen Lands with a party of brave heroes. Players will have the opportunity to learn the stories of their companions along with the game’s primary plot. Our job will be to build a kingdom and defend it from the enemies and fantastic beasts that live in the wild.
Fans of the original tabletop Kingmaker will feel at home here, but the story is told in a way that new players will most certainly enjoy and won’t feel overlooked.
Mechanics
Action in Pathfinder: Kingmaker for PC is presented from an isometric point of view. As we play, we will explore the game’s vast world, do main and side quests, and fight with the encountered enemies. As in many similar games, we can use your typical fantasy weapons and magic while in combat. As we progress, our heroes gain access to new powers and abilities.
Managing our kingdom plays a crucial role in the game. This is not an easy process. We will not only buil strongholds, towns, and settlements, but also make various decisions that reflect our character’s nature. We can be a righteous ruler or a merciless tyrant.
Technical Aspects
Pathfinder: Kingmaker for PC has eye-pleasing colourful visuals. Game’s scenic and detailed backgrounds are rather eye-catching, just as the lighting effects present when we cast powerful spells.
Last updated on June 7, 2017
Videos and Screens
[1:11] Pathfinder: Kingmaker - Definitive Edition launch trailer
[2:21] Pathfinder: Kingmaker - Definitive Edition tavern party
The main pros of the game
- Deep Role-Playing Experience: The game offers a rich and immersive RPG experience, with a strong emphasis on character creation and development, allowing for a variety of play styles.
- Engaging Story and Characters: Many players appreciate the intricate narrative, well-developed characters, and the depth of choices that impact the storyline.
- Complex Kingdom Management: While it can be challenging, the kingdom management aspect is seen as an engaging feature that adds a layer of strategy and immersion.
- Tactical Combat: The combat system, which allows for both real-time and turn-based modes, is generally considered fun and offers depth.
- High Replayability: The variety of character builds, choices, and story outcomes encourages multiple playthroughs.
- Nostalgic Feel: The game is often compared favorably to classic CRPGs like Baldur's Gate, appealing to fans of traditional RPG mechanics.
The main cons of the game
- Steep Learning Curve: New players, especially those unfamiliar with the Pathfinder system, may find the game overwhelming and difficult to grasp without extensive preparation.
- Frustrating Difficulty: Many users report that the game can be punishingly difficult, with some encounters feeling unfair and requiring frequent reloading or "save scumming."
- Bugs and Technical Issues: Users have mentioned encountering various bugs that can disrupt gameplay, such as character movement issues and quest glitches.
- Poor Kingdom Management Mechanics: While some enjoy it, others feel that the kingdom management system is unbalanced and can lead to frustrating scenarios where players feel forced to fail.
- EULA and Data Sharing Concerns: Recent changes in ownership and the introduction of a new EULA requiring data sharing with third parties have led to significant backlash from players.
The features or elements that are missing from the game according to users
- Better Quest Management: Players have expressed a desire for clearer quest information and a more intuitive quest log to prevent missing important events or companions.
- Improved User Interface: The interface has been criticized for being clunky and not user-friendly, making it challenging to manage inventory and navigate the game efficiently.
- More Customization in Kingdom Management: Users want greater options for customizing their kingdoms and more impactful choices that reflect their decisions in the game world.
- Quality of Life Improvements: Suggestions include better character portrait options, faster travel mechanics, and reduced loading times to enhance the overall experience.
- Less Punitive Game Design: Many players wish for a design that does not penalize them for role-playing or exploring at their own pace, as well as a more forgiving difficulty curve.
Summary
- Overall, while Pathfinder: Kingmaker is praised for its depth and engagement, it is also critiqued for its complexity, difficulty, and recent changes that have affected player trust.
Summary generated on:
GAMERS Score
Average score from 417 votes. 372 players anticipated the game.
2
GAMES
in Pathfinder Game Series
Game Series
Pathfinder Series
A series of isometric RPGs with strategic elements, based on a narrative RPG system titled Pathfinder Roleplaying Game, which is an expanded and modified version of the system Dungeons & Dragons 3.5. The series was created by Owlcat Games, a Russian development studio founded by developers who have previously worked on such projects as Etherlords or Heroes of Might and Magic V.
2 video games
Pathfinder: Kingmaker - Definitive Edition Summary
Platforms:
PC / Windows September 25, 2018
PlayStation 4 August 18, 2020
Xbox One August 18, 2020
Developer: Owlcat Games
Publisher: Deep Silver / Plaion
Pathfinder: Kingmaker - Definitive Edition System Requirements
PC / Windows
Minimum: Intel Celeron 1037U 1.8 GHz, 4 GB RAM, graphic card Intel HD 3000 or better, 30 GB HDD, Windows 7 64-bit
Recommended: Intel Core i7-920 2.67 GHz, 8 GB RAM, graphic card 1 GB GeForce GTX 960M / Radeon HD 5770 or better, 30 GB HDD, Windows 7/8/10 64-bit
Classic RPG Pathfinder: Kingmaker With Good Sales Results
Koch Media revealed the sales results of Pathfinder: Kingmaker and released a new trailer for the sequel, Pathfinder: Wrath of the Righteous.
video games
Adrian Werner
August 31, 2021
Pathfinder Kingmaker Update With Turn-based Combat Goes Live
The latest update for Pathfinder: Kingmaker has introduced turn-based combat and a number of other improvements. In addition, the game has also been released on PS4 and XONE consoles.
video games
Damian Gacek
August 19, 2020
Pathfinder Kingmaker Will Get an Official Turn-based Combat System
On the occasion of Pathfinder: Kingmaker's launch on PS4 and XONE, a turn-based combat system will be officially implemented in the title. The system will be based on a mod for the game, released some time ago.
video games
Damian Gacek
June 11, 2020
Pathfinder Kingmaker Mod Adds Turn-based Combat System
Thanks to the fan modification it is now possible to play Pathfinder: Kingmaker with a turn-based combat system, more faithfully reproducing the tabletop RPG on which this production is based.
video games
Adrian Werner
July 9, 2019
Pathfinder Kingmaker Gets Enhanced Edition in June
Next month Pathfinder: Kingmaker - Enhanced Edition - a new edition of the popular RPG, offering numerous improvements and new elements will be released. Owners of the earlier release will receive it as an update.
video games
Adrian Werner
May 26, 2019
Pathfinder: Kingmaker funded; new magic/melee character revealed
Pathfinder: Kingmaker has now reached its Kickstarter funding goal, but the crowdfunding campaign continues. One of the stretch goals is Magnus, a character who is master of both magic and melee.
video games
June 26, 2017
Classic RPG Pathfinder: Kingmaker will make you a king – support it on Kickstarter
Fans of classic RPGs should keep an eye on Pathfinder: Kingmaker, which has just launched a Kickstarter campaign. Co-developed by Chris Avellone, the game will let you become an adventurer and king.
video games
June 7, 2017