Although I’m going to praise the game, I want to be very clear that it is probably not for everyone. The game is based on the Pathfinder tabletop’s rules which are a bit complex, and the game doesn’t really explain the base elements of the system (stats, magic, throws, etc). So, unless you have previous knowledge of other CRPGs mechanics based on DnD or similar tabletop, the learning curve is going to be steep, and I would probably not pick this one as an entry point to the genre. This game is HARD and LENGTHY you have to juggle with the battle system, the kingdom management and a time limit. Keep in mind that less than 50% of players finish the first chapter and less than 10% finish the game.

Kingmaker attempts to bring the Pathfinder series to the video game universe, bringing with it the complexity and intricacies of the tabletop rulesets. However, the game doesn’t properly address the basic elements of those rules and makes it hard for any newcomers to the genre to get into it. However, if the player decides to invest time into learning those elements and reading the basics of the pathfinder universe, they will be rewarded with an endearing story and companions, an engaging game and complex albeit demanding gameplay. With completely customizable difficulty settings, the difficulty of the game shouldn’t be a deal-breaker for anyone curious to experience an amazing piece of storytelling.

a.Graphics
The game is visually appealing and displays a wide range of environments. The strength of Kingmaker is to offer at the same time, very dark settings full of mystery, and colourful natural landscapes. If the 3D models of the characters are rather simplistic, the various illustrations shown in the game such as the character portraits are gorgeous and you can feel that the game was crafted with a lot of attention.

b.Music
Music is one of my favourite parts of the game. When you play a game for more than a hundred hours and still vibe to every single track, you know it’s good. Here are some of my favourites:
• Peaceful Lands
• Steps Of the Goddess
• Skylark
• Caves Battle Theme

c.User Interface
A lot of CRPGs have a very complicated and unclear interface which makes it hard to understand all the complex information displayed on screen. Here, all the menus are clear, and the game contains a complete encyclopedia easily accessed to help you understand what is going on. The quest log of the game is presented in the form of a book that one of your companions is writing during your adventures which is original but also very clear and pleasant to use.

a. Character creation and classes
The game has an extensive character creation with a choice of 24 classes. Each level you earn let you put a point into a specific class and earn the benefits of that class. Each class has a set of subclasses that tweak the main class a bit. That means that you have a huge number of choices and thus, character creation, and subsequent level ups can be overwhelming. To be able to use it efficiently, you will need to read a lot beforehand, just to decide what kind of build you want. I needed more than two hours to even decide on my base stats but thanks to Pathfinder, I made a character that no other DnD based game allowed me to create. Playing the game once seems necessary to really grasp the complexity of each skill and magic.

b. Gameplay
Kingmaker has different layers to its gameplay. the first and main part is a text-based dialogue system to progress the story. Expect a lot of reading like in most games of the genre. In some cases, those dialogues are voiced and quite well with that. You have different sets of possible answers depending on your skills, alignment or previous choices.

Another part is the exploration of a world map and different dungeons and zones with your party. During those explorations you will likely encounter enemies that you will have to dispatch.
Luckily, Kingmaker has two battle systems, the classic real-time with pauses that a lot of CRPGs use or a turn-based system which allow for a more tactical approach of the fights. You are free to switch between the two modes during the game which is especially useful when you encounter an enemy that requires more subtility. As I mentioned some of the fights in the games are quite demanding and unless you come prepared with a party completely buffed and a good strategy you will likely lose.

Another important part of the game is the kingdom management aspect, as you will earn your own kingdom through the game. You will have to conquer new territories, choose your advisors, work on projects and take decisions regarding the running of your domain.

And you must do all that while keeping an eye on a time limit. Every action, movement on the map, kingdom project cost a bit of time, and you have a limited amount of it before reaching a point of no return. This makes the game a bit stressful to play through but if you focus on the main quests before anything else, it should be okay.

c. Story
This is the strongest point of the game, you start as a potential candidate to seize the throne of the Stolen Land, the other candidates turn out to be some of your future companions. From there you will become the new monarch of the Stolen Land and uncover a deeper more sinister side to the story and your real adventure will begin.

Even though the game is demanding and hard, it kept me engaged through seven chapters of consecutive predicaments menacing the kingdom. Although the formula is quite the same for each chapter, the writing and twists were so good that I was pulled back in and wanted to stay for the whole ride. There were several moments during the story that gave me goosebumps and intense emotions. I got teary-eyed during the last chapter.

You can recruit up to 13 companions that are all very interesting. Each of them has a few personal quests that you can help them with and develop their character even further. The companions are an important part of the main story and not just sidekicks that have no effect on the main narrative. Furthermore, if you make the wrong decisions and leave your companions unprepared, they can and will die during the development of the story.

Furthermore, the game ending contains a reference to almost every decision you made during your playthrough, be it for the main story, side quests or even during kingdom management, making it emotional and impactful.

a.Replay Value
If you want to do everything you will likely need more than one playthrough. Considering your alignment or your past actions allow you to tackle some problems in a different way. The variety of builds and character creation would also warrant another playthrough in itself.

b.Achievements
The game has 74 achievements and will require multiple playthroughs and the paid DLCs to complete. Some of them are very challenging to get and will require patience and skills.

Great game- good top down isometric goodness

Spellcasters do no damage.
A swarm of teeny tiny spiders is stronger than a troll.
Need I say more?