Pier Solar and the Great Architects
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About Pier Solar and the Great Architects
Pier Solar and the Great Architects is a retro-styled RPG with adventure elements, developed by Watermelon Co. and released September 29, 2014. It blends point-and-click exploration with turn-based combat, set in a fantasy world where three friends start on a quest to cure a father’s illness, only to uncover a cosmic threat. The game runs on a modified RPG Maker engine, supporting PlayStation 3, 4, PC, Xbox One, and multiple indie platforms like Vita and Dreamcast. It offers single-player and co-op modes, with a focus on friendship-driven storytelling and whimsical worldbuilding. The original Ouya version pioneered its cross-platform reach, though the 73/100 Metacritic score reflects polarized opinions on its dated execution.
Gameplay
You navigate a top-down world collecting herbs, solving puzzles, and battling foes in grid-based combat. Each session mixes exploration, scouting forests and ruins for loot, with tactical fights where timing and class roles matter. Crafting systems let you brew potions from gathered materials, but progression feels slow, requiring 25+ hours for completion. Multiplayer co-op allows two players to share combat and exploration, though online options are limited. Controls are functional but clunky, with a UI that feels cramped by modern standards. The game emphasizes dialogue over action, letting you make choices that impact relationships but rarely outcomes. Turn-based battles require memorizing enemy weaknesses, but random encounters can drag pacing.
What Players Think
The game holds a 73 Metacritic score, with 78% of players finishing it. Average playtime is 25 hours, and 38 achievements yield just 7.5% average unlocks. The rarest, “A long hard road,” sits at 0.60%, tied to a late-game boss fight. Community moods skew nostalgic (42%) and charming (31%), but 27% call it “slow-paced.” Reviews note the “lovable but buggy” dialogue system and “outdated UI.” Achievement hunters cite the low drop rate for key crafting materials as a grind. Co-op players praise teamwork synergy, but 18% of reviews mention missing online features. The Linux/Mac port drew praise for accessibility but criticized performance hiccups.
PlayPile's Take
Pier Solar works best as a throwback for fans of classic RPGs who prioritize charm over polish. The 38 achievements add replay value, but 7.5% unlock rates mean grinding. At $19.99 (current PC average), it’s a niche pick for those nostalgic for RPG Maker’s golden age. Skip if you want modern combat depth or streamlined UIs. The co-op mode is a standout, but solo play feels sluggish. Worth trying for its quirky world and friendship-driven story, but don’t expect technical brilliance.
Game Modes
Single player, Multiplayer, Co-operative
IGDB Rating
70.0
RAWG Rating
2.9
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12Achievements
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