Avowed: A Deep Dive into Obsidian's Latest Fantasy Epic

Obsidian Entertainment, renowned for its captivating RPGs, returns with Avowed, a title that promises a thrilling adventure in the world of Pillars of Eternity. While perhaps not reaching the legendary status of Fallout: New Vegas, Avowed offers a compelling experience that will resonate with fans of the genre. After nearly sixty hours and two playthroughs, it's clear that Avowed fills a much-needed niche. Despite some compromises, the game is brimming with fun, making it an easy recommendation for those yearning for a new, full-fledged Elder Scrolls-style experience.

The World of the Living Lands and the Dreamscourge

Set in the Pillars of Eternity universe, Avowed welcomes newcomers with open arms. The rich lore unfolds naturally, making the story easy to follow, a welcome change in a genre often known for its complex narratives. You play as a Godlike, imbued with powers and tasked with investigating the Dreamscourge—a mysterious blight transforming the landscape into a nightmarish mushroom-filled realm. The Living Lands, a beautifully rendered world, presents a vast and dangerous environment populated by mushroom-controlled creatures, bandits, spiders, and lizard-folk, all adding to the immersive experience. This isn't just a simple fight against monsters; the game's atmosphere is saturated with dread, mystery, and danger, all expertly crafted by Obsidian. Exploring the Living Lands feels truly rewarding, even beyond the main questline. Every corner seems to hold some new treasure or quest hook, encouraging extensive exploration.

The Companions

The adventure isn't a solitary one. Along the way, you gather companions, forming a smaller but equally engaging party. Kai, a fish-person wielding a shotgun, Yatzli, a rabbit-like mage, and Giatta, a human healer, join your journey. The ability to select two companions at a time offers strategic depth, allowing for different combinations and playstyles. The interaction between your party members, their distinct personalities, and the rich dialogue make the journey a truly memorable one. The characters’ backstories are beautifully written and add a layer of intimacy and emotional depth that few other games in the genre have matched. You get to know your teammates well and there’s some flirtation, but romance is not a focal point.

Gameplay and Combat Mechanics

Avowed is not a completely open world, but rather a collection of interconnected zones. Yet each zone feels like a mini-open world, each with unique environmental attributes and hidden details. The exploration is a big part of the game, whether it be a root-covered doorway leading to a treasure trove or uncovering hidden areas, the player is always rewarded for their curiosity. However, the short length of the main storyline compared to other RPGs is both a strength and a weakness. This can be considered a negative, but it's also refreshing to enjoy a fun, fantasy RPG without the enormous time commitment that some other titles often entail. The game is easily replayable and encourages experimentation with different builds and playstyles.

The game's simplicity is a double-edged sword. Certain RPG mechanics are streamlined, such as weightless food and potions (with the exception of weapons and chest armor), and the removal of stamina-based sprinting. These changes address common frustrations found in other RPGs. The lack of item durability and costly repairs streamlines progression, though at a cost. While this makes the experience more accessible, some might consider it a compromise. This casualization might not resonate with hardcore RPG fans, though it was a boon for this reviewer.

Combat and Character Builds

While some aspects of the gameplay have been simplified, combat is exceptionally engaging. Initial previews might have shown a slightly stiff combat system, but a melee build provides a satisfying experience, though the repetitive nature of some combos can be a minor drawback. The combat system feels particularly meaty and rewarding and is quite dynamic, even if the lack of ragdolling enemies in higher difficulties is slightly disappointing. Magical builds are also potent, unleashing devastating spells and offering a different approach to combat. The flexibility of character builds adds to the replayability; a pistol, rifle, or bow build is likely another entertaining choice, even if the healing from Giatta might feel overbearing at times.

Story, Choices, and Consequences

The narrative of Avowed is engaging from start to finish. The mystery behind the Dreamscourge and your character's connection to a mysterious god is compelling. The story unravels organically without resorting to cheap tricks to create excitement, providing genuinely surprising and interesting twists and turns. Even without prior knowledge of the Pillars of Eternity universe, the story completely draws you in, enhancing your immersion in the rich world of Eora. A major draw to the game is the meaningful choices made by the player that can alter the storyline and world. These choices, even in small instances, have notable consequences.

Obsidian masterfully incorporates the element of choice, something lacking in several other RPGs recently. Dialogue skill checks can lead to different outcomes. However, the subtle nuances of these choices and their impact are what truly shines. The ramifications of actions are not just about grand decisions; even small choices have a lasting effect on the world and story. The game keeps you on your toes and keeps the storyline interesting and engaging from beginning to end, offering the kind of meaningful choices other titles in the genre seem to be missing. Even small decisions, like sparing or killing an enemy, lead to significant alterations in future events. This level of detail further immerses the player in the world and amplifies the role-playing experience.

A Polished Gem in the RPG Landscape

Avowed is an excellent game. While it may be a shorter, more streamlined experience compared to other epic RPGs, this aspect can be seen as a positive. In our modern era of overly large game sizes, Avowed offers a refreshing and balanced gameplay loop. The game masterfully blends deep worldbuilding, compelling characters, and engaging combat. With meaningful choices that impact the world, the game manages to stand out even with a relatively standard storyline. The game is surprisingly polished and relatively bug-free, a welcome contrast to many of its peers. With its solid gameplay and captivating narrative, Avowed truly shines as a well-crafted and engaging experience. Despite not reinventing the wheel, Avowed is a must-play title for RPG enthusiasts. The gameplay is enjoyable and refreshing, and the technical stability is remarkable. You won’t regret making time for this immersive journey. Score: 9/10