Obsidian's bold leap into first-person RPGs
By Paul Hunter
Obsidian Entertainment, the acclaimed studio behind the Pillars of Eternity series, has finally released their highly anticipated latest offering—Avowed. This action role-playing game transports you to the sprawling world of Eora, the same setting as the Pillars titles. After years of anticipation and development, Avowed is now available on PC and Xbox Series X|S.
As an envoy of the Aedyr Empire, you find yourself shipwrecked on the shores of the untamed Fort Northreach. This rugged frontier, part of the region known as the Living Lands, is beset by a mysterious affliction called the Dreamscourge, which corrupts the minds and bodies of its victims. Your mission is to investigate the source of this malady and prevent its spread across the Living Lands, all while navigating the political tensions between the local populace and the encroaching imperial forces.
Avowed's transition from the classic isometric perspective of Pillars of Eternity to a first-person view had certainly piqued my interest, but little did I know you can play the full game in third-person mode—and it works quite well.
Obsidian has deftly blended the studio's renowned storytelling prowess with an engaging, action-oriented combat system that allows you to wield an array of melee weapons, ranged arms, and devastating spells. The freedom to customise your character's abilities and playstyle further enhances the sense of presence in this richly detailed fantasy world. So let's prepare to delve into the mysteries of the Living Lands and see all that this game has to offer.
The vast world of Eora, first introduced in the acclaimed Pillars of Eternity series, serves as the backdrop for your thrilling adventure in Avowed. As a delegate of the Aedyr Empire, your mission is to put a stop to the plague called the Dreamscourge, which corrupts the minds and bodies of its victims.
Your role as an official envoy sets you apart from the common folk, but even more so because you are one of the rare Godlike—individuals blessed (or cursed) with a divine essence since birth. This unique connection to the Pantheon of Eora grants you distinctive physical traits and supernatural abilities, which both fascinate and unsettle the inhabitants of the Living Lands.
As you dive deeper into the mystery of the Dreamscourge, you will uncover a web of intrigue, betrayal, and ancient powers that threaten to tear the region apart. Your choices and actions will have far-reaching consequences, not only for the fate of the Living Lands but also for your own identity and the nature of your divine heritage. The rich lore of Eora, meticulously crafted by the talented writers at Obsidian, is seamlessly woven into the narrative, providing a vivid backdrop for your journey.
Avowed features a large and diverse cast of characters, each with their own motivations and agendas, and your relationships with them will evolve based on the decisions you make. From the brusque but loyal Garryck to the enigmatic Lödwyn, these NPCs will not only aid you in your quest but also challenge your moral convictions, forcing you to grapple with complex ethical dilemmas that defy simple solutions. You'll also befriend companions that travel and battle alongside you, including the seasoned mercenary Kai and the sorcerer since birth Yatzli.
Whether you choose to embrace your role as a benevolent emissary, a ruthless enforcer of imperial will, or a wild card navigating the treacherous political landscape, the narrative of Avowed will entertain you with its depth, nuance, and the profound impact your choices can have on the world around you.
Avowed's gameplay blends the rich role-playing mechanics of the Pillars of Eternity series with an engaging, action-oriented combat system. As an Envoy, you are free to customise your character's abilities and playstyle, allowing for a great degree of flexibility. During the initial character creation you are able to choose your character's background, whether that's being a decorated war hero, a noble scion or a vanguard scout. Your background mainly affect dialogue choices, leaving you free to fully customize your character's weapons and abilities as you see fit.
The absence of a rigid class system is a notable feature, as it enables you to freely mix and match weapons, spells, and skills without being constrained by traditional RPG archetypes. This grants you the freedom to experiment and develop a truly unique fighting style, whether you prefer to wield dual-wielded blades, a powerful two-handed hammer, or a combination of melee and ranged attacks. There are three skill trees you can develop—Fighter, Ranger and Wizard—so you certainly can focus upgrades on one specific class, but you're given total freedom to focus on multiple skill trees if you so choose.
The combat itself is fast-paced and visceral, with a strong emphasis on managing your stamina to execute devastating combos and block incoming attacks. The variety of weapon types, from swords and maces to bows and firearms, ensures that you can find an arsenal that suits your preferred playstyle. Furthermore, the ability to dual-wield different weapons adds an extra layer of strategy, as you must consider the strengths and weaknesses of each tool in your arsenal.
Complementing the physical combat are a wide range of spells and magical abilities, drawn from the deep lore of Eora. From elemental blasts to mind-bending illusions, the magical arsenal at your disposal allows you to approach encounters in a multitude of ways, further enhancing the sense of player agency.
Exploration is a key aspect of Avowed, as the game world is divided into several expansive areas that are dense and meticulously crafted. The level design makes excellent use of verticality, encouraging you to seek out hidden paths, secret chambers, and challenging platforming segments that reward your curiosity and problem-solving skills. The sheer variety of environments, from lush forests to arid deserts, ensures that your journey through the Living Lands remains engaging and visually striking. Throughout your adventure, you will also encounter plenty of NPCs that unlock new quests often with valuable rewards vital to upgrading your character.
Overall, Avowed's gameplay offers a compelling blend of action, exploration, and role-playing depth, allowing you to carve your own path through the stunning world of Eora. Whether you prefer to tackle challenges with brute force, cunning spellcasting, or a combination of both, the game's flexible systems ensure that there is an approach to suit every playstyle.
The visual design of Avowed is a true delight, showcasing the exceptional artistry of the seasoned team. The game's lush environments, crafted with meticulous attention to detail, transport you to the beathtaking realm of Eora. The verdant forests, arid deserts, and sprawling cities all exude a sense of vibrancy and authenticity that is a true feast for the eyes.
One of the standout visual elements is the game's use of lighting and particle effects. Whether it's the flickering flames of a campfire, the swirling magical energies of your spells, or the shimmering reflections on the surface of a tranquil lake, every visual detail is imbued with a palpable sense of realism. The Unreal Engine 5.3 powering Avowed allows for stunning visual fidelity, with crisp textures, realistic material shaders, and impressive draw distances that heighten the sense of immersion.
The character models and animations, while not without the occasional hiccup, are generally well-executed, lending a tangible physicality to your interactions with the denizens of the Living Lands. The diverse array of foes, from hulking beasts to agile humanoid adversaries, each possess a distinct visual identity that makes combat encounters all the more engaging.
Complementing the visual splendour is the game's exceptional sound design. The sweeping orchestral score, composed by the talented Venus Theory, perfectly captures the epic grandeur of your journey, swelling with triumphant melodies during moments of triumph and dipping into more somber tones during the game's more introspective sequences.
The voice acting in Avowed is of an exceptionally high calibre, with the talented cast delivering nuanced and emotive performances that bring the game's rich cast of characters to life. From the gruff, no-nonsense tones of the seasoned warrior Marius to the suave and smooth-talking Ambassador Falscen Hylgard, each voice performance is a delight to listen to. The fantastic voice work ensures that your interactions with the inhabitants of Eora feel natural and organic.
All in all, the presentation of Avowed blends stunning visuals, a sweeping musical score, and superb voice acting to create a cohesive and thrilling experience. Whether you're admiring the game's breathtaking vistas or becoming engrossed in the rich tapestry of its narrative, Avowed's presentation is a true testament to the talent and dedication of the development23 team.
Final Score: 8.5/10 - Great
Developer: Obsidian Entertainment
Publisher: Xbox Game Studios
Genre: Action Role-Playing
Modes: Single-player
ESRB Rating: M (Mature)
A key was provided by the publisher.
By Paul Hunter
Obsidian Entertainment, the acclaimed studio behind the Pillars of Eternity series, has finally released their highly anticipated latest offering—Avowed. This action role-playing game transports you to the sprawling world of Eora, the same setting as the Pillars titles. After years of anticipation and development, Avowed is now available on PC and Xbox Series X|S.
As an envoy of the Aedyr Empire, you find yourself shipwrecked on the shores of the untamed Fort Northreach. This rugged frontier, part of the region known as the Living Lands, is beset by a mysterious affliction called the Dreamscourge, which corrupts the minds and bodies of its victims. Your mission is to investigate the source of this malady and prevent its spread across the Living Lands, all while navigating the political tensions between the local populace and the encroaching imperial forces.
Avowed's transition from the classic isometric perspective of Pillars of Eternity to a first-person view had certainly piqued my interest, but little did I know you can play the full game in third-person mode—and it works quite well.
Obsidian has deftly blended the studio's renowned storytelling prowess with an engaging, action-oriented combat system that allows you to wield an array of melee weapons, ranged arms, and devastating spells. The freedom to customise your character's abilities and playstyle further enhances the sense of presence in this richly detailed fantasy world. So let's prepare to delve into the mysteries of the Living Lands and see all that this game has to offer.
The vast world of Eora, first introduced in the acclaimed Pillars of Eternity series, serves as the backdrop for your thrilling adventure in Avowed. As a delegate of the Aedyr Empire, your mission is to put a stop to the plague called the Dreamscourge, which corrupts the minds and bodies of its victims.
Your role as an official envoy sets you apart from the common folk, but even more so because you are one of the rare Godlike—individuals blessed (or cursed) with a divine essence since birth. This unique connection to the Pantheon of Eora grants you distinctive physical traits and supernatural abilities, which both fascinate and unsettle the inhabitants of the Living Lands.
As you dive deeper into the mystery of the Dreamscourge, you will uncover a web of intrigue, betrayal, and ancient powers that threaten to tear the region apart. Your choices and actions will have far-reaching consequences, not only for the fate of the Living Lands but also for your own identity and the nature of your divine heritage. The rich lore of Eora, meticulously crafted by the talented writers at Obsidian, is seamlessly woven into the narrative, providing a vivid backdrop for your journey.
Avowed features a large and diverse cast of characters, each with their own motivations and agendas, and your relationships with them will evolve based on the decisions you make. From the brusque but loyal Garryck to the enigmatic Lödwyn, these NPCs will not only aid you in your quest but also challenge your moral convictions, forcing you to grapple with complex ethical dilemmas that defy simple solutions. You'll also befriend companions that travel and battle alongside you, including the seasoned mercenary Kai and the sorcerer since birth Yatzli.
Whether you choose to embrace your role as a benevolent emissary, a ruthless enforcer of imperial will, or a wild card navigating the treacherous political landscape, the narrative of Avowed will entertain you with its depth, nuance, and the profound impact your choices can have on the world around you.
Avowed's gameplay blends the rich role-playing mechanics of the Pillars of Eternity series with an engaging, action-oriented combat system. As an Envoy, you are free to customise your character's abilities and playstyle, allowing for a great degree of flexibility. During the initial character creation you are able to choose your character's background, whether that's being a decorated war hero, a noble scion or a vanguard scout. Your background mainly affect dialogue choices, leaving you free to fully customize your character's weapons and abilities as you see fit.
The absence of a rigid class system is a notable feature, as it enables you to freely mix and match weapons, spells, and skills without being constrained by traditional RPG archetypes. This grants you the freedom to experiment and develop a truly unique fighting style, whether you prefer to wield dual-wielded blades, a powerful two-handed hammer, or a combination of melee and ranged attacks. There are three skill trees you can develop—Fighter, Ranger and Wizard—so you certainly can focus upgrades on one specific class, but you're given total freedom to focus on multiple skill trees if you so choose.
The combat itself is fast-paced and visceral, with a strong emphasis on managing your stamina to execute devastating combos and block incoming attacks. The variety of weapon types, from swords and maces to bows and firearms, ensures that you can find an arsenal that suits your preferred playstyle. Furthermore, the ability to dual-wield different weapons adds an extra layer of strategy, as you must consider the strengths and weaknesses of each tool in your arsenal.
Complementing the physical combat are a wide range of spells and magical abilities, drawn from the deep lore of Eora. From elemental blasts to mind-bending illusions, the magical arsenal at your disposal allows you to approach encounters in a multitude of ways, further enhancing the sense of player agency.
Exploration is a key aspect of Avowed, as the game world is divided into several expansive areas that are dense and meticulously crafted. The level design makes excellent use of verticality, encouraging you to seek out hidden paths, secret chambers, and challenging platforming segments that reward your curiosity and problem-solving skills. The sheer variety of environments, from lush forests to arid deserts, ensures that your journey through the Living Lands remains engaging and visually striking. Throughout your adventure, you will also encounter plenty of NPCs that unlock new quests often with valuable rewards vital to upgrading your character.
Overall, Avowed's gameplay offers a compelling blend of action, exploration, and role-playing depth, allowing you to carve your own path through the stunning world of Eora. Whether you prefer to tackle challenges with brute force, cunning spellcasting, or a combination of both, the game's flexible systems ensure that there is an approach to suit every playstyle.
The visual design of Avowed is a true delight, showcasing the exceptional artistry of the seasoned team. The game's lush environments, crafted with meticulous attention to detail, transport you to the beathtaking realm of Eora. The verdant forests, arid deserts, and sprawling cities all exude a sense of vibrancy and authenticity that is a true feast for the eyes.
One of the standout visual elements is the game's use of lighting and particle effects. Whether it's the flickering flames of a campfire, the swirling magical energies of your spells, or the shimmering reflections on the surface of a tranquil lake, every visual detail is imbued with a palpable sense of realism. The Unreal Engine 5.3 powering Avowed allows for stunning visual fidelity, with crisp textures, realistic material shaders, and impressive draw distances that heighten the sense of immersion.
The character models and animations, while not without the occasional hiccup, are generally well-executed, lending a tangible physicality to your interactions with the denizens of the Living Lands. The diverse array of foes, from hulking beasts to agile humanoid adversaries, each possess a distinct visual identity that makes combat encounters all the more engaging.
Complementing the visual splendour is the game's exceptional sound design. The sweeping orchestral score, composed by the talented Venus Theory, perfectly captures the epic grandeur of your journey, swelling with triumphant melodies during moments of triumph and dipping into more somber tones during the game's more introspective sequences.
The voice acting in Avowed is of an exceptionally high calibre, with the talented cast delivering nuanced and emotive performances that bring the game's rich cast of characters to life. From the gruff, no-nonsense tones of the seasoned warrior Marius to the suave and smooth-talking Ambassador Falscen Hylgard, each voice performance is a delight to listen to. The fantastic voice work ensures that your interactions with the inhabitants of Eora feel natural and organic.
All in all, the presentation of Avowed blends stunning visuals, a sweeping musical score, and superb voice acting to create a cohesive and thrilling experience. Whether you're admiring the game's breathtaking vistas or becoming engrossed in the rich tapestry of its narrative, Avowed's presentation is a true testament to the talent and dedication of the development23 team.
The Verdict
Avowed is a solid action RPG that delivers an outstanding experience, from the storytelling that is both nuanced and impactful to the freedom to shape the course of events through your choices to the satisfying combat that blends melee, ranged, and magical abilities. The decision to eschew the traditional open-world format in favour of interconnected areas results in level designs that are remarkably intricate and have a sense denseness often lacking in largescale action RPGs. While Avowed may not redefine the action RPG genre, it is a well-crafted adventure that makes for a great addition to the Xbox Game Pass library and a recommended experience for RPG enthusiasts.Final Score: 8.5/10 - Great
Avowed details
Platform: Xbox Series X|S, PCDeveloper: Obsidian Entertainment
Publisher: Xbox Game Studios
Genre: Action Role-Playing
Modes: Single-player
ESRB Rating: M (Mature)
A key was provided by the publisher.