Published by Deep Silver and developed by Owlcat Games, Pathfinder: Kingmaker Definitive Edition is an isometric, RPG strategy game set in a fantasy medieval world, based on the board games ‘Pathfinder Roleplaying Game’ that began in 2008. Originally released on Xbox One in 2018 and now available on PlayStation 4, the Definitive Edition includes the full game and all DLC.

Beginning the game, players will be able to create their own character before embarking on their epic tale. They’ll be able to pick from a wide range of races including humans, elves, half orcs, dwarves and more. After selecting their race, players can edit their characters’ hair styles, facial features and pick what kind of warrior they want to be, from either a hand to hand fighter or even a wizard amongst other. Even picking a voice that best suits the character is even an option. After creating an original character, the real game begins.

Players will enter the world of Golarion and explore the Stolen Lands, a region that has been contested for centuries: Hundreds of kingdoms have risen and fallen the Stolen Lands. Players will be able to conquer various regions and claim them as their own and building their kingdom from the wilderness.

Helpful in-depth tutorials will be displayed to introduce players to the game’s mechanics. While it’s definitely more suited to be played with a mouse and keyboard, the game still does a decent job for it to be played with the PS4 controller. Character’s powers and abilities will depend on how players customise their characters and can be upgraded as they progress through the game.

Combat can easily be switched between turn based and real time combat which is a very handy option that will suit many players. Enemies at the beginning of the game will be easy pickings, but bigger and more powerful enemies await the hero later in the adventure.

Also, along the journey, players will meet various other warriors and be able to recruit them to their team, but need to decide if they’ll fit into the party based on what they want to achieve and if they have common goals with them and the other members. The voice work with all the conversations and cutscenes are incredibly well done and really engages players into the world of Pathfinder.

Exploring dungeons and various lands in an isometric view gives that feel of playing a classic strategy game such as Diablo or Warcraft. While in dungeons, even in an isometric camera angle, players can only see what the character can view in front of them as those areas light up and the other surroundings out of view remain dark if they haven’t already visited that area.

While the graphics may seem low quality for current gen consoles and suited for mobiles and tablets (and the game is also available on those devices), the various environments still look very bright and colourful and give that authentic fantasy world feel, kind of like looking at a book cover of a fantasy novel.

Pathfinder: Kingmaker Definitive Edition is a game that definitely stands out on its own. Fans of the board game and fans of strategy games with a fantasy setting will find plenty to enjoy in this epic adventure.

Written by: Sammy Hanson