Avowed Review: A Spellbinding RPG That Proves Obsidian Still Has It

Obsidian Entertainment has a reputation for crafting deep, choice-driven RPGs, and Avowed is another solid entry in their growing library of immersive worlds. Set in the rich universe of Pillars of Eternity, Avowed invites players into a fantasy world teeming with mystery, lore, and meaningful decisions. While it doesn’t reinvent the genre, it delivers an engaging story, satisfying combat, and the kind of world-building that keeps you hooked from start to finish. If you’ve been craving an RPG that blends exploration, magic, and tough choices, Avowed is here to deliver.

– Avowed is a role-playing game that closely resembles The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim in terms of gameplay, aesthetics and combat mechanisms, but tends to lack in terms of an engrossing narrative and falls short in character development.
– The game adopts a gear-based progression system, and encourages experiments with weapon combinations, however, scarce resources and a steep learning curve dampen the gaming experience, and may lead to persistent frustration.
– While providing captivating visuals and diverse environments, the game’s story fails to match this richness, showing more routine and predictable outcomes rather than surprising twists. The inconsistency in the rewarding aspects of the game results in an uneven role-playing adventure that oscillates between exhilarating and frustrating.

From the moment you step into the Living Lands, Avowed immerses you in its lush, vibrant environments. Unlike the isometric viewpoint of Pillars of Eternity, Avowed takes a first-person approach, allowing players to experience its world up close. The landscapes are varied, with rolling hills, dense forests, and ancient ruins packed with secrets waiting to be uncovered. Obsidian’s attention to detail is evident, with NPCs bustling about, political factions vying for power, and creatures lurking in the shadows, all contributing to a living, breathing world.

The story places you in the role of an imperial envoy sent to investigate the mysterious Dreamscourge, a plague spreading through the land. Along the way, you’ll meet a cast of well-written companions, each with their own motivations and secrets. Dialogue choices play a major role, allowing you to shape relationships and influence the fate of the Living Lands. Whether you choose diplomacy, deception, or brute force, Avowed ensures that your decisions have meaningful consequences.ining parts is not a necessity, though occasional references to historical events do make an appearance.

Avowed offers a mix of melee, ranged, and magic combat, allowing players to tailor their playstyle to their liking. The spellcasting system is particularly rewarding, with a variety of elemental attacks and defensive spells that can be combined for devastating effects. Combat feels weighty and satisfying, though it doesn’t quite reach the depth of systems seen in games like Dark Souls or Elden Ring. However, it’s a definite step up from The Outer Worlds, with more fluid mechanics and better enemy variety.

Character progression is another highlight, with skill trees and perks that encourage different builds. Whether you prefer slinging spells, wielding a two-handed sword, or charming your way out of conflict, Avowed provides plenty of customization options.

While Avowed excels in many areas, it’s not without its flaws. Some quests feel formulaic, with too many fetch-and-retrieve objectives that slow down the pacing. Additionally, the game leans heavily into resource gathering, which can become tedious when you just want to push forward with the story. Combat, while fun, can also become repetitive over time, especially if you don’t experiment with different builds.

Despite a few missteps, Avowed is a welcome addition to the RPG genre. It’s a world worth losing yourself in, filled with compelling stories, fascinating characters, and impactful choices. While it doesn’t completely break new ground, it delivers a satisfying adventure that fans of Obsidian’s work will love. If you’re looking for a fantasy RPG with strong writing and engaging mechanics, Avowed is well worth your time.

RATING: 4.0 out of 5 stars.

Avowed is now available for PC and Xbox Series S/X.

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