Avowed Review — Will It Live Up to the Hype?
Obsidian’s Most Ambitious RPG Yet?
Introduction: A New Fantasy Epic Begins
Step into a world of magic, mystery, and danger — Avowed is finally here, and it’s everything RPG fans have been waiting for. Developed by Obsidian Entertainment, the masterminds behind Pillars of Eternity and The Outer Worlds, this first-person fantasy RPG transports players to the untamed Living Lands, a vibrant yet perilous region filled with ancient secrets and supernatural threats.
With deep lore, a branching narrative, and a flexible combat system that lets you wield swords, bows, and powerful magic, Avowed is shaping up to be Obsidian’s answer to The Elder Scrolls. But does it live up to the hype? Can it stand among the greatest RPGs of our time? Let’s dive into the world of Avowed and find out.
A World Worth Exploring — The Living Lands
The game takes place in the Living Lands, a mysterious and untamed region within the Pillars of Eternity universe. Unlike the structured cities and civilizations of previous Eora-based titles, this setting is filled with ancient ruins, lush forests, dangerous swamps, and towering mountain peaks. The Living Lands is teeming with life, from bizarre creatures to mystical flora that plays a role in the game’s alchemy system.
One of Avowed’s biggest strengths is its environmental storytelling. As you travel across the region, you’ll encounter remnants of ancient civilizations, hidden caves, and towns with deep-seated histories. NPCs often have their own struggles, whether it’s a village dealing with a monster infestation or an isolated scholar seeking knowledge about the plague affecting the land.
The game’s atmosphere shifts based on the player’s choices, making each playthrough feel unique. Depending on how you interact with the world, certain areas might be friendlier, more hostile, or even change completely due to magical corruption.
A Story of Mystery and Choice
In Avowed, you play as an envoy of the Aedyr Empire, sent to investigate the Dreamscourge, a plague that is corrupting both people and the land. As you progress, you’ll uncover dark secrets about the Living Lands, the magic that fuels its strange phenomena, and your own connection to these events.
Obsidian is known for deep, choice-driven narratives, and Avowed is no different. Your decisions have real consequences — not just in how people perceive you but in how the world itself evolves. Choices can shape faction alliances, the stability of settlements, and even the way major battles unfold.
Companions play a significant role in the story. Each one has a rich backstory and their own motivations. Some may leave if they disagree with your choices, while others may betray you if pushed too far. The dialogue is engaging, and companion banter during exploration adds layers to their personalities.
Combat: Magic, Melee, and Ranged Warfare
The combat system in Avowed is fluid and dynamic, offering multiple playstyles. Players can wield swords, axes, bows, and firearms, or focus on spellcasting with a deep magic system.
- Melee Combat: Weapons like swords, warhammers, and daggers allow for close-quarters action. Shields add a layer of defense, while two-handed weapons deal high damage.
- Ranged Combat: Bows and firearms provide an alternative approach for those who prefer to strike from a distance.
- Magic System: One of the standout features is the spellcasting system. Spells can be cast instantly or charged up for more powerful effects. Elemental magic plays a crucial role, with fire, ice, and necrotic spells offering unique tactical advantages.
- Dual Wielding: Players can mix and match weapons and magic, creating hybrid builds like a battle-mage wielding both a sword and a fireball.
The game allows you to switch between combat styles on the fly, making fights engaging and strategic. Enemy AI is competent, with foes using cover, flanking tactics, and special abilities to challenge players.
Exploration and Quests
Quests in Avowed range from epic main-story missions to smaller side quests that reveal hidden lore. Many side quests have branching paths, ensuring that even minor choices can lead to different outcomes.
The game encourages exploration, rewarding players who venture off the beaten path. Hidden dungeons, magical artifacts, and powerful enemies lurk in unexpected places, offering loot and deeper insights into the world.
Graphics and Audio: A Stunning Experience
Visually, Avowed is breathtaking. The world is richly detailed, with realistic lighting effects, vibrant color palettes, and fluid character animations. The Living Lands feel alive, with dynamic weather and day-night cycles adding to immersion.
The soundtrack complements the world perfectly, with orchestral scores that rise during intense battles and mellow, atmospheric melodies during exploration. Voice acting is also top-tier, making dialogue interactions more engaging.
System Requirements
To experience Avowed at its best, your system should meet the following requirements:
Final Verdict: A Captivating RPG with Depth and Heart
Obsidian Entertainment has once again delivered an RPG that masterfully blends deep storytelling, rich world-building, and engaging gameplay. Avowed immerses players in a world brimming with intrigue, magic, and danger, where choices truly matter. The Living Lands feel alive, with breathtaking landscapes, well-crafted lore, and morally complex decisions that shape the player’s journey. The companion system adds another layer of depth, making relationships feel meaningful, while the game’s dynamic combat system offers variety and replayability. Whether you prefer wielding swords, bows, or powerful magic, Avowed gives you the freedom to create your own playstyle, making every encounter feel unique and strategic.
That said, Avowed isn’t without its minor flaws. Some players may find certain quests repetitive, and while the combat is fluid, the reliance on gear progression over pure skill might not appeal to everyone. Additionally, compared to some of Obsidian’s previous titles, the game leans more toward action-driven exploration than deep, tactical combat. However, these are small drawbacks in an otherwise stellar experience. For fans of The Elder Scrolls, Pillars of Eternity, and narrative-driven RPGs, Avowed is a must-play. It delivers an adventure filled with mystery, thrilling combat, and the kind of world that begs to be explored. With its compelling story, well-designed mechanics, and immersive atmosphere, Avowed cements itself as one of the best RPGs of the year.
