Avowed

Avowed: Obsidian's RPG Arrives, But Does it Live Up to the Hype?

Obsidian Entertainment's highly anticipated RPG, Avowed, has finally landed, inviting players into the rich and perilous world of Eora. Set in the Living Lands, a mysterious island plagued by a strange affliction, Avowed promises a deep dive into a land of intrigue, ancient secrets, and tough choices. But with early reviews now in, the question on everyone's lips is: does Avowed deliver on its considerable promise?

Recent Updates: A Journey to the Living Lands

Avowed officially launched on February 18th, 2025, for PC (via Steam and other platforms) and Xbox consoles, also being available on Game Pass. However, eager players who purchased the Premium Edition or Premium Upgrade were granted early access from February 13th, 2025, offering a sneak peek into Obsidian's latest creation.

The game casts you as an envoy from Aedyr, tasked with investigating a spreading plague known as the Dreamscourge. Your mission: uncover the source of this affliction and save the Living Lands – and perhaps your own soul in the process. The game promises a blend of first-person combat, exploration, and a branching narrative driven by player choice.

According to Eurogamer's review, Avowed is developed by Obsidian Entertainment and published by Microsoft Game Studios.

Contextual Background: Obsidian's Pedigree and the World of Eora

Obsidian Entertainment has a long and respected history in the RPG genre, renowned for titles like Fallout: New Vegas, Pillars of Eternity, and The Outer Worlds. Their expertise lies in crafting compelling narratives, memorable characters, and worlds brimming with lore. Avowed marks their return to the first-person RPG space, a genre they haven't tackled directly since Fallout: New Vegas.

Avowed is set in Eora, the same world as Obsidian's Pillars of Eternity series. This means returning fans will find familiar lore, factions, and even some recurring characters. However, Avowed is designed to be accessible to newcomers, with no prior knowledge of Pillars of Eternity required to enjoy the experience. The Living Lands themselves are a new region within Eora, promising a distinct and unique setting to explore. The island is described as a place of turmoil, where ancient mysteries and warring factions collide.

Immediate Effects: Initial Impressions and Critical Reception

The initial critical reception to Avowed has been somewhat mixed. While the game's strengths in narrative and world-building are consistently praised, some reviewers have pointed to weaknesses in combat and exploration.

The Guardian notes that Obsidian's "huge, heavily detailed fantasy world has a lot of variety and texture, and interesting people to meet - but the combat and exploration wear thin." This suggests that while the story and characters are engaging, the core gameplay loop might not be as compelling for some players.

IGN's review highlights the strength of the dialogue and story, stating, "This is especially true of the dialogue and story, which is without question the thing Avowed does best. Unraveling the mystery of the fungal Dreamscourge and the otherworldly forces at play is a..." (review incomplete in provided source). This reinforces the idea that Avowed's narrative is a key selling point.

The reviews suggest Avowed offers a rich and engaging story, driven by player choice and set in a fascinating world. However, potential players should be aware of the criticisms regarding combat and exploration before diving in.

Avowed offers a range of combat options, including swords, spells, and firearms. Players can also recruit companions to aid them in their journey, each with their own unique abilities and storylines. The game features skill trees, allowing players to customize their character's abilities and playstyle.

Gameplay Mechanics: Swords, Spells, and Strategy

Avowed offers players a first-person perspective, allowing for immersive exploration and combat. Players can wield a variety of weapons, from traditional swords and shields to powerful spells and even firearms. The game also features a companion system, allowing players to recruit allies to fight alongside them. These companions not only provide combat support but also offer unique perspectives and storylines, adding depth to the overall narrative.

The game's combat system is designed to be tactical, requiring players to utilize different weapons and abilities to overcome their enemies. Spells can be used to control the battlefield, while melee weapons offer a more direct approach. Firearms provide ranged damage, but require careful aiming and reloading. Players can also customize their character's abilities through skill trees, allowing them to specialize in specific combat styles.

A Plague of Dreams: Unraveling the Mystery of the Dreamscourge

At the heart of Avowed's story lies the Dreamscourge, a mysterious plague that threatens to consume the Living Lands. As an envoy from Aedyr, players are tasked with investigating the source of this affliction and finding a way to stop it. The Dreamscourge is not merely a disease, but a force that warps reality and drives people mad.

Unraveling the mystery of the Dreamscourge will require players to explore the Living Lands, interact with its inhabitants, and make difficult choices that will shape the fate of the island. Along the way, they will encounter warring factions, ancient secrets, and powerful beings with their own agendas. The player's choices will determine the outcome of the story, leading to multiple endings.

Future Outlook: Potential and Pitfalls

The future of Avowed hinges on Obsidian's ability to address the criticisms raised in early reviews. If they can refine the combat and exploration mechanics through post-launch updates, the game has the potential to become a truly exceptional RPG. The strength of the narrative and world-building provides a solid foundation, but the gameplay needs to be equally compelling to keep players engaged.

The game's availability on Game Pass could also play a significant role in its success. By offering Avowed as part of its subscription service, Microsoft is making the game accessible to a wider audience. This could lead to a surge in player numbers, providing valuable feedback for Obsidian to use in future updates.

Ultimately, Avowed's success will depend on its ability to deliver a compelling and engaging experience that lives up to the expectations set by Obsidian's previous work. The game has the potential to be a major hit, but it needs to overcome its initial challenges to reach its full potential.

Is Avowed Worth Your Time? A Summary for UK Gamers

So, should you, as a UK gamer, invest your time in Avowed? Here's a breakdown to help you decide:

• If you love a good story: Avowed seems to excel in its narrative, dialogue, and world-building. If you enjoy getting lost in a rich and detailed world with compelling characters and meaningful choices, this could be right up your street.
• If you're an Obsidian fan: If you've enjoyed previous Obsidian games like Fallout: New Vegas or Pillars of Eternity, you'll likely find something to appreciate in Avowed. The game shares Obsidian's signature style of storytelling and world design.
• If you're after groundbreaking combat: Be warned, some reviews suggest the combat might not be the game's strongest point. If you prioritize innovative and highly polished combat mechanics, you might be disappointed.
• If you have Game Pass: If you're already a Game Pass subscriber, trying Avowed is a no-brainer. You can experience the game without any additional cost.

Avowed is a promising RPG with a lot to offer, particularly in its narrative and world-building. However, potential players should be aware of the criticisms regarding combat and exploration before diving in. Keep an eye on post-launch updates, as Obsidian may address these issues and further improve the game. Whether it's a must-play for you depends on your individual preferences and tolerance for gameplay flaws in exchange for a compelling story.