Avowed emerges as a first-person fantasy action RPG, crafted with the distinctive touch that Obsidian Entertainment is renowned for. Set to launch on February 18, 2025, this title is priced at in the U.S. and £60 in the U.K. Developed by Obsidian and published by Xbox Game Studios, it has been reviewed on a laptop equipped with an RTX 3060, Ryzen 5 5600H, and 16GB of RAM, with a Steam Deck version yet to be announced.
As the gaming community anticipates the release of Avowed, it’s essential to temper expectations. While comparisons to Baldur’s Gate 3 and other recent RPG heavyweights are inevitable, Avowed carves its own niche. Drawing from the studio’s legacy with titles like The Outer Worlds and Pillars of Eternity, it weaves a captivating narrative that balances existential themes with a touch of humor. However, it also embraces a more traditional RPG structure, which may not resonate as strongly in today’s rapidly evolving gaming landscape.
Eora mission
In Avowed, the journey is often more significant than the destination. Engaging side quests, such as navigating a peculiar relationship between a woman from Paradis and her Xaurip admirers, often leave a lasting impression, overshadowing even the main plot points. The emotional weight of visiting a companion’s ruined village or the satisfaction of saving a local brothel can eclipse the thrill of confronting the game’s main antagonist. These side quests are not merely optional; they are integral to the overall experience, providing essential experience points and upgrade materials that players will find hard to overlook.
“It’s common to turn a corner, or mount a crest, and bear witness to a perfectly framed vista that would have looked like overly ambitious concept art 10 years ago.”
Among the companions players will encounter is Marius, a familiar yet endearing character archetype—a tough, foul-mouthed individual with a heart of gold. Another standout is Kai, whose sardonic charm is reminiscent of beloved characters like Garrus, voiced by Brandon Keener. The cast also includes a sassy character who revels in innuendo, alongside a more serious, bookish companion. Despite their archetypal nature, these characters are well-developed, each with rich backstories and a wealth of dialogue that brings them to life during campfire conversations.
The visual splendor of Avowed is striking, with each region of the Living Lands showcasing its own unique beauty. The landscapes are crafted with the precision of a cinematographer, inviting players to explore dense maps filled with intriguing points of interest, from deep caverns to ancient ruins. These environments feel less like mere game spaces and more like fantastical realms birthed from the pages of a novel.
Doom infernal
Combat in Avowed is surprisingly robust, especially as the game progresses. Players can wield a variety of melee weapons, but the real fun lies in blending ranged attacks with close-quarters combat. The ability to dual-wield weapons—such as a grimoire in one hand and a fire-enchanted sword in the other—allows for dynamic and engaging combat scenarios. For those who prefer a more traditional approach, pistols and bows are available, each with their own unique mechanics.
Character customization is flexible, with players able to choose from various classes and backgrounds. Each skill tree—fighter, ranger, wizard, and godlike—is accessible to all, enabling a blended character build that feels rewarding without the need for strict specialization. While companions have their own special attacks, they may not always be reliable in combat, particularly in challenging encounters.
Quest difficulty is determined by the power of the player’s gear rather than their level, creating a somewhat ambiguous system. Upgrading equipment is crucial, as viable weapons are often found in side quests or hidden locations. The early game rewards exploration, offering unique items that can carry players through to the end.
Immersive simple
However, Avowed does reveal some limitations in its RPG systems. Players can engage in theft without facing significant consequences, and NPCs often forget the player’s presence when not in conversation. While this design choice does not detract from the enjoyment of the game, it highlights a difference compared to other contemporary RPGs that offer more reactive worlds. Choices made in conversations often lead to morally ambiguous outcomes, adding depth to the narrative, but the overall impact may feel less significant than in other titles.
Despite these shortcomings, the humor and charm of Avowed shine through. Players can express themselves through witty dialogue options, allowing for a range of personalities to emerge, from cheeky to sagacious. This flexibility in character interaction contributes to a rich and engaging narrative experience.
Systems shock
As Avowed enters a competitive RPG landscape, it stands out for its narrative depth and character development. While it may not reach the ambitious heights of its contemporaries, it offers a satisfying blend of action and storytelling. The game succeeds as a narrative-driven experience, complete with memorable characters and a visually stunning world. As players navigate this intricate realm, they may find themselves yearning for a future where Obsidian’s distinct storytelling style and gameplay mechanics converge in new and exciting ways.
