In the realm of role-playing games, the presentation of camera options can significantly influence player experience. Avowed, the latest offering from Obsidian Entertainment, initially led many to believe that its third-person camera feature was a fixed choice, buried deep within the settings menu. However, players can breathe a sigh of relief: the game allows for a seamless toggle between camera perspectives, akin to many other first-person RPGs.
Camera Functionality and Player Experience
During a preview session conducted by PCG senior editors Wes Fenlon and Robin Valentine, the camera toggle was found to be accessible only through the menu, necessitating a pause to navigate to the accessibility settings. This setup seemed tailored for players who experience motion sickness in first-person environments, presenting a workaround rather than a fluid option. Unlike the quick-switch functionality familiar to fans of Bethesda titles or previous Obsidian games such as Fallout: New Vegas and The Outer Worlds, this initial impression suggested a more cumbersome experience.
Interestingly, the presence of the camera toggle in the accessibility settings during the game’s launch led to some confusion. Robin, for instance, was unaware of the hotkey for toggling the camera until it was pointed out after extensive gameplay. By default, this toggle is mapped to the “U” key, though some players may prefer to assign it to a more accessible button on their mouse for convenience.
Despite the option to switch to third-person view, many players, including myself, find that this perspective does not quite capture the immersive essence of the game. The third-person camera retains a floaty, disconnected quality reminiscent of earlier RPGs, from Morrowind to Skyrim, and even Fallout 4. Avowed shines in its first-person mode, offering a more tactile and engaging experience.
Nonetheless, the ability to switch perspectives is a welcome addition, especially for those who missed this feature in titles like Cyberpunk 2077, which confines players to a first-person view. Personally, I relish the opportunity to occasionally shift to third-person while exploring the expansive world, allowing me to appreciate the character I have meticulously customized and the impressive armor upgrades I’ve discovered along the way. While the third-person view may not be perfect, it certainly enhances the overall gaming experience by providing players with more options.
