The Pillars of the Earth

The main pros of the game

• Engaging Storytelling: The narrative is described as captivating, with emotional depth and complexity. Players appreciated the intertwining lives of characters and the moral dilemmas they face.
• Beautiful Art and Atmosphere: The hand-painted visuals and orchestral music create an immersive medieval atmosphere that enhances the storytelling experience.
• Strong Character Development: Characters like Philip, Jack, and Aliena are well-developed, with their arcs resonating emotionally with players. The portrayal of their struggles and growth is a highlight.
• High-Quality Voice Acting: The voice performances are noted as exceptional, adding depth to the characters and the overall experience.
• Unique Setting: The game explores the rarely depicted 12th-century England, making it a distinctive experience in the gaming landscape.
• Narrative-Driven Choices: While the gameplay is linear, players felt that their choices had meaningful emotional impacts, shaping relationships and moral responsibilities.

The main cons of the game

• Slow Pacing: Many reviews mention that the game has a slow start and can feel drawn out, which may deter players seeking more action or faster-paced gameplay.
• Limited Interactivity: The game leans more towards being a visual novel than a traditional point-and-click adventure, with minimal puzzles and gameplay mechanics, leading to some players feeling it lacks depth.
• Bugs and Technical Issues: Some users reported bugs, such as save game issues and minor glitches that detracted from the experience.
• Linear Structure: The narrative is linear, and while choices are present, they often do not significantly alter the overall story progression, making it feel more like an interactive movie.

The features or elements that are missing from the game according to users

• Complex Gameplay Mechanics: Players expressed a desire for more challenging puzzles and gameplay elements, as the existing mechanics were considered too simple or "baby-like."
• Story Log or Recap Feature: A feature that allows players to review past events or choices was noted as missing, which could help maintain immersion, especially after breaks from playing.
• More Impactful Choices: Some players felt that despite the choices made, the outcomes did not vary significantly enough to warrant replayability, leading to a sense that their decisions lacked weight in the long run.
• Pause Functionality: A notable complaint was the absence of a pause option during gameplay, which could disrupt the experience.

Summary

• Overall, Ken Follett's The Pillars of the Earth is praised for its narrative depth and artistic presentation, but it may not appeal to those looking for traditional gameplay mechanics or a fast-paced experience.

Summary generated on: November 23, 2025