Avowed: A Vibrant Return to Eora

A World Brimming with Life and Lore

Obsidian Entertainment, the masterminds behind titles like Pentiment and The Outer Worlds, have once again delivered a captivating RPG experience with Avowed. This isn't just another Skyrim clone, but a unique adventure brimming with vibrant landscapes, engaging combat, and a story steeped in the rich lore of Eora, the world of Pillars of Eternity.

While Avowed may not boast the sprawling scope of some AAA giants, its focused approach allows for a more polished and immersive experience. The Living Lands, Avowed's primary setting, are a visual feast, boasting distinct regions from sun-kissed beaches to fiery volcanic landscapes. Each area is teeming with unique flora, fauna, and settlements, making exploration a constant delight.

Dynamic and Diverse Combat

Forget rigid class systems. Avowed empowers you with a classless combat system, allowing for unparalleled freedom in building your ideal character. Dual-wield anything from grimoires and spears to pistols and swords, seamlessly switching between two custom loadouts on the fly. The possibilities are endless, and experimenting with different combinations is incredibly rewarding.

Combat is tactile and satisfying, with a slower pace that emphasizes strategy and environmental interaction. Electrocute puddles, ignite oil spills, or freeze enemies before shattering them – Avowed encourages creative approaches to every encounter.

A Story of Plague, Politics, and Personal Discovery

As an Aedyran Envoy, you're tasked with investigating the Dreamscourge, a mysterious plague that rots the soul. Your journey through The Living Lands is not just about combat; it's about unraveling political intrigue, navigating social strife, and ultimately discovering your own destiny within this richly detailed world.

Your choices have tangible consequences, impacting the lives of those you meet and shaping the narrative in meaningful ways. Even the order in which you complete quests can open up new paths or create unexpected obstacles, making every playthrough a unique experience.

“Avowed captures that same magic that makes the possibilities around every corner exciting.”

Technical Considerations and Accessibility

While Avowed shines in its world-building and gameplay, some technical hiccups detract from the overall polish. Animations occasionally suffer from low framerates and minor glitches, and performance can be inconsistent, particularly in later areas of the game. However, Obsidian has already outlined a substantial day-one patch addressing many of these issues.

Avowed prioritizes accessibility, offering a wealth of customization options for controls, interface, and gameplay. From control remapping and camera adjustments to aim assists and granular audio sliders, players can tailor the experience to their specific needs.

A Journey Worth Taking

Avowed may not be perfect, but its flaws are easily overshadowed by its strengths. It's a game that rewards exploration, embraces player agency, and immerses you in a world that begs to be discovered. Whether you're a veteran of Eora or a newcomer to Obsidian's storytelling prowess, Avowed offers a compelling adventure that's well worth experiencing.