Pillars of Eternity II: Deadfire

Continues the rich lore of its predecessor, with new factions (and layers of politics within), new scenery, new exploration mechanic, further refined combat mechanics, and most interestingly: customizable automation.

Automation alone is reason enough to try this game as it advances the art of game design (or at least picks-up where 90's golden-age ended), and you can design it to your advantage with certain classes.

The sailing mechanic was much criticized as boring, but I found it to be rewarding experience that was appropriate for the theme & setting. It was also a blast exploring the many different islands and their mysteries & adventures, like episodes of a tv series.

The setting is analogous with colonial pacific/caribbean Earth, with many of the themes being explored in a refreshingly honest way - for example it depicts islanders with their vicious caste system & strict religious proscriptions failing to adapt & exploit opportunities presented by less constrained outsiders.

The player has plenty of choice in how they deal with conflicts, with some long term consequences. Each faction has its pros and cons, and they usually have sub-factions and schisms that the player can influence.

Unfortunately there are no truly good factions, nor is there the option to join any natural factions. You can however become a faithful servant of master Nemnok :) Main story was also disappointing, as the mystery was already revealed in the previous title. Here Aeothas inevitably does his thing, with plenty of elaboration/argument along the way.

Can't say much about companion dialogue as I chose the worst starting options (everyone died or left) then hired mercs.

Stats, class and background have effects throughout the game, often altering the outcome of challenges, for example in one scenario you can, with enough INT, amicably resolve an argument with a goldpact knight after noticing how he pours his drinks. With the right build its possible to do a (mostly) pacifist solo run.

Stealth and stealing mechanic is excellent, relying as much on timing as on stats.

Combat is challenging in a good way, with less dependence on the RNG. Kiting is too easily exploited however, even in small areas.

Class balance is quite good, as with its predecessor, and more classes can solo without too much exploitation.

Music is highly memorable, especially in the tavern. Different factions also have distinct themes.

Game ran OK on Linux (thanks to GoG), with slight lag in the main city (on a RTX3080).