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Ken Follett's The Pillars of the Earth

Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, PC (Microsoft Windows), Linux, iOS, Mac, PlayStation 4 • 2017

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Quick resume

12th century, England: In a time of poverty and war, a small town begins the construction of a cathedral to claim wealth and safety for its people. In their struggle to survive, lives and destinies intertwine. Based on Ken Follett's world-bestseller ‘The Pillars of the Earth’.

Global score

92/100

Genres

Adventure, Casual, Indie, Visual Novel, Point-and-click, Puzzle

Pros

  • Deep and emotional story
  • Beautiful hand-drawn art
  • Excellent voice acting and music
  • Meaningful player choices with consequences
  • Immersive medieval historical atmosphere

Cons

  • Minimal gameplay interaction
  • Linear narrative with limited branching
  • Slow pacing especially early on
  • Lack of puzzle challenge
  • No multiplayer or social features

Motivations

  • Autonomy
    3

    "Players make meaningful choices affecting story and character fates, though within a largely linear narrative."

  • Competence
    -2

    "Gameplay is simple point-and-click with minimal puzzles and easy QTEs, focusing on story rather than skill challenges."

  • Competition
    -5

    "No competitive elements; experience is single-player and story-driven without player comparison."

  • Continuation
    3

    "Players often engage for long sessions and multiple playthroughs to explore different choices and story branches."

  • Cooperation
    -5

    "Entirely single-player experience with no cooperative gameplay or multiplayer features."

  • Creativity
    1

    "Some player choice in dialogue and decisions, but overall follows a predefined story and structure."

  • Domination
    -5

    "No elements of exerting control or superiority over others; interactions are narrative and personal."

  • Escapism
    4

    "Immersive historical setting and story provide strong escape from real life into medieval England."

  • Expectation
    -4

    "Players engage voluntarily for intrinsic interest in story and history without obligation or pressure."

  • Experimenting
    2

    "Players explore different dialogue choices and outcomes, though within a limited branching structure."

  • Exploration
    1

    "Some exploration of small locations and objects, but mostly guided through known story environments."

  • Expression
    -3

    "Minimal customization or personalization; players experience predefined characters and visuals."

  • Fantasy
    -4

    "Strongly grounded in realistic medieval historical setting without fantasy or supernatural elements."

  • Fellowship
    -5

    "Solo experience focused on individual narrative immersion without social or community features."

  • Growth
    3

    "Players develop understanding of story, characters, and historical context; some learning through choices."

  • Health
    -5

    "Sedentary gameplay typical of visual novels and point-and-click adventures."

  • Idle
    -3

    "Requires focused attention on dialogues and story; minimal background or idle play."

  • Intimacy
    2

    "Emotional connections with characters develop through narrative and voice acting."

  • Leadership
    -5

    "No leadership or group management; player controls individual characters in story."

  • Progression
    1

    "Narrative progression through chapters and story arcs; limited item collection without power growth."

  • Relaxation
    3

    "Generally calm pacing with moments of tension; suitable for relaxed, immersive play."

  • Sensation
    3

    "Beautiful hand-drawn art and orchestral music provide rich sensory experience."

  • Status
    -5

    "No social recognition or status systems; focus is on personal story experience."

  • Story
    5

    "Core motivation is deep narrative immersion in a complex, emotional historical drama."

  • Strategy
    -3

    "Limited strategic or problem-solving demands; gameplay focuses on story choices rather than planning."

  • Thrill
    1

    "Some narrative tension and suspense, but overall low risk and controlled emotional experience."

  • Value
    3

    "Good perceived value for story length and quality, especially when purchased on sale."

  • Violence
    -3

    "Violence is depicted narratively but gameplay involves no combat or destruction mechanics."

  • Survival
    -4

    "No survival mechanics; stable conditions focused on story progression."

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    Last update: 06/03/2026