Avowed emerges as a standout title in the realm of wizard-themed games, offering an exhilarating blend of unique spells and action-oriented gameplay. Drawing inspiration from the acclaimed Pillars of Eternity, the game presents players with a variety of intriguing spells, including the captivating Pull of Eora—a powerful ability reminiscent of Mass Effect’s Singularity, capable of ensnaring foes in an anti-gravity vortex. However, my recent inclination toward ranger-style gameplay has led me to explore a different facet of this immersive world, one that allows for a thrilling experience as a pistol-wielding, stealthy archer akin to the characters found in Skyrim.
Engaging Gameplay Mechanics
After investing over 45 hours into Avowed, I can confidently assert that this ranger playstyle not only holds its own but thrives, even on the challenging “Path of the Damned” difficulty setting. While stealth mechanics may not be as robust as those seen in The Elder Scrolls or the 3D Fallout series, the thrill of initiating combat with a sneak attack remains a rewarding experience. However, the overall ranger build feels reminiscent of an Infiltrator from Mass Effect or a Nightstalker from Destiny, utilizing an on-demand invisibility power to escape tight situations or to maximize damage output.
The allure of flintlock pistols is undeniable, and even before acquiring unique weapons or unlocking advanced abilities, the ability to embrace this playstyle within a fantasy RPG has been a delightful revelation. Initial concerns about the gameplay becoming monotonous were quickly dispelled. The enemies in Avowed exhibit impressive tracking abilities, making combat feel dynamic and engaging. Unlike other titles where foes might miss their targets while I backpedal, here, melee attackers close the distance with surprising agility, demanding a more active approach to combat.
With a focus on damage output rather than defense, my character navigates the battlefield like a seasoned FPS player, deftly dodging attacks while lining up shots with my formidable firearms. Avowed cleverly disguises itself as a traditional RPG while harboring the potential for exhilarating shooter mechanics.
Unique Weapons and Companions
The game’s array of unique weapons compensates for any perceived shortcomings in spellcasting. Melee-focused characters begin their journey with flaming swords, while my trusty companion throughout the adventure has been a lightning pistol, boasting a chance to unleash chain lightning upon each successful kill. At one point, I wielded dual pistols alongside an arquebus, utilizing a perk that automatically reloads holstered weapons, allowing for seamless transitions between firearms without the downtime typically associated with reloading.
Eventually, I opted for a bow that unleashes a weaker, yet still lethal, chain lightning effect with every power attack. This adjustment significantly enhanced my area-of-effect damage, enabling me to stagger multiple enemies simultaneously as I unleashed a barrage of bolts, keeping them at bay.
Additionally, I have been accompanied by a spirit bear, summoned through a late-game ranger ability. The effectiveness of summons can vary in games, but this formidable companion has proven to be a powerhouse, dealing substantial damage while remaining resilient throughout encounters.
While Avowed may primarily present itself as a wizard-centric adventure, complete with a rich tapestry of spells and an intricate system of grimoires and ability upgrades, it also caters to players like myself who crave the thrill of stealthy sniper gameplay. For those seeking a unique blend of fantasy and action, Avowed delivers an experience that is both captivating and rewarding.
