After nearly sixty hours and two playthroughs, Avowed emerges as a captivating addition to the realm of role-playing games, reminiscent of Obsidian’s celebrated Fallout: New Vegas. While it may not reach the same iconic status, it certainly offers a delightful experience for those eagerly awaiting a new Elder Scrolls adventure.
Exploring the Pillars of Eternity Universe
Set within the rich tapestry of the Pillars of Eternity universe, Avowed welcomes players without requiring prior knowledge of its lore. The narrative unfolds smoothly, guiding you through a world filled with intriguing backstory as you step into the shoes of a “Godlike,” an individual marked by a mysterious deity and adorned with mushrooms atop their head. Your quest leads you to the “Living Lands,” where you seek answers and perhaps the colonization of its inhabitants.
Your journey is driven by the need to confront the Dreamscourge, a peculiar blight transforming the landscape—and its creatures—into mushroom-infested threats. Alongside the mushroom menace, you’ll encounter a variety of foes, from bandits to formidable spiders and spear-wielding lizard folk.
As you navigate this vibrant world, you’ll assemble a small team of companions, including Kai, a shotgun-wielding fish man, Yatzli, a rabbit girl wielding void spells, and Giatta, a human healer. While the party size is modest compared to other RPGs, the ability to control their skills adds a layer of strategy to your adventures.
Engaging Gameplay and Exploration
Unlike traditional open-world games, Avowed features interconnected zones, each with its own distinct environment—be it a jungle, desert, or volcanic landscape. These maps function as mini open worlds, inviting exploration and rewarding curiosity. Players will find that venturing off the beaten path often leads to quests or hidden treasures, enhancing the sense of discovery. For instance, uncovering a root-covered doorway just off the main road revealed a powerful piece of armor that could easily have been overlooked.
The game’s length, clocking in at around 30 hours for the main story and side quests, may seem brief compared to other RPGs. However, this brevity can be refreshing, allowing players to enjoy a fulfilling fantasy experience without the daunting commitment of 50-100 hours. The engaging gameplay prompted immediate replayability, with players eager to explore different builds and decision-making paths.
While the game simplifies certain RPG mechanics, this approach can be seen as both a strength and a weakness. The absence of stamina for sprinting and the lack of weight for consumables streamline the experience, eliminating some of the more tedious aspects of inventory management. However, this also results in a less complex character design, leading to stiffer NPC interactions, though the quality of writing compensates for this shortcoming.
Combat and Choices That Matter
Combat in Avowed is engaging and enjoyable, with melee builds providing a satisfying experience. Despite a few repetitive elements, the overall mechanics feel robust. Magic users can unleash devastating spells, creating a dynamic gameplay experience that evolves as players progress. The ability to experiment with different builds, such as a “Rogue” or ranged weapon specialist, adds to the game’s replay value.
The narrative is compelling, particularly the central mystery surrounding the Dreamscourge and your character’s origins. The story unfolds in a way that is both surprising and satisfying, drawing players deeper into the Pillars of Eternity universe.
Obsidian has a keen understanding of what players seek in an RPG, delivering meaningful choices that impact the narrative. Dialogue skill checks can lead to significant outcomes, such as avoiding boss fights or altering character fates. The consequences of decisions resonate throughout the game, creating a sense of agency that enhances the overall experience.
In summary, Avowed stands out as a delightful, bite-sized RPG experience that offers a refreshing alternative in an era dominated by lengthy titles. With its engaging gameplay, intriguing story, and meaningful choices, it promises to capture the hearts of both seasoned RPG fans and newcomers alike.
Score: 9/10
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Pick up my sci-fi novels the Herokiller series and The Earthborn Trilogy.
