Avowed reviews

Avowed Reviews Are In: Is Obsidian's New RPG Worth Your Time? (A CA Perspective)

Obsidian Entertainment, the studio behind beloved RPGs like Fallout: New Vegas and Pillars of Eternity, is back with Avowed, a brand new first-person fantasy adventure. As CA gamers, we're always looking for the next great RPG to sink our teeth into, and Avowed, an Xbox exclusive, has been generating a lot of buzz. But is it the next Elder Scrolls killer, or something a bit more modest? Let's break down the reviews and see what the critics are saying.

The Hype is Real, But Manage Your Expectations

Avowed throws players into the Living Lands, a vibrant and dangerous world plagued by a mysterious blight. You play as an envoy from the Aedyr Empire, tasked with investigating the cause and finding a solution. The game promises a deep narrative, compelling characters, and a dynamic combat system.

Early reviews are now in, and while Avowed isn't a perfect 10 across the board, it's generally receiving positive feedback. Critics are praising Obsidian's signature strengths: worldbuilding and character writing.

Forbes' Paul Tassi calls Avowed "an excellent Elder Scrolls intermission," suggesting it's a worthwhile investment, even if it doesn't consume all your time. This is a strong endorsement, especially for those craving a new fantasy RPG experience.

What the Critics Are Saying: A Roundup

Here's a quick rundown of what some major outlets are saying about Avowed:

• IGN (7/10): "With awesome worldbuilding and stellar character writing, Avowed reminds me why I fell in love with Obsidian's RPGs in the first place. However, the bigger picture is that it plays it quite safe, with a by-the-numbers fantasy adventure that's more familiar than evolutionary, and there's bear-ly any enemy variety to keep its swords-and-sorcery battles interesting for long."
• Forbes: "Avowed is a new Xbox exclusive from the storied Obsidian, a fantasy adventure that is a worthwhile investment, even if it doesn't take up all that much of your time."
• PC Gamer: "Avowed felt like a sumptuous embarrassment of riches. But while this is a very good game, with time I came to understand that its ambitions are a touch more humble than some recent genre heavyweights."
• TechRadar: "Avowed is an excellent first-person fantasy RPG that features slick combat feel and moreish exploration. Its setting of the Living Lands is rich in atmosphere and has an ethereal quality that made it a joy to explore."

Obsidian's Strengths Shine Through

The consensus seems to be that Avowed excels in several key areas:

• Worldbuilding: The Living Lands are richly detailed and full of intriguing lore. Obsidian has crafted a world that feels lived-in and believable, with a unique atmosphere that sets it apart from other fantasy RPGs.
• Character Writing: Obsidian is known for creating memorable and complex characters, and Avowed appears to be no exception. Expect to encounter compelling personalities with their own motivations and backstories.
• Combat: While opinions vary, many reviewers praise the combat system in Avowed. It's described as "slick" and "moreish," suggesting it's engaging and satisfying to play.

Areas for Improvement

While Avowed has its strengths, it's not without its flaws. Some common criticisms include:

• Familiarity: Some reviewers feel that Avowed plays it too safe, sticking to familiar RPG tropes rather than pushing the genre forward. It's described as a "by-the-numbers fantasy adventure" by IGN.
• Enemy Variety: A lack of enemy variety is another common complaint. This could lead to combat feeling repetitive over time.
• Ambition: PC Gamer suggests that Avowed's ambitions are "a touch more humble" than some recent genre heavyweights. This doesn't necessarily mean it's a bad game, but it might not reach the heights of something like Elden Ring or Baldur's Gate 3.

Contextual Background: Obsidian's RPG Pedigree

Obsidian Entertainment has a long and storied history in the RPG genre. They've developed critically acclaimed titles like Fallout: New Vegas, Pillars of Eternity, and The Outer Worlds. Their games are known for their deep narratives, complex characters, and player choice.

Avowed represents Obsidian's first major foray into the first-person fantasy RPG space. It's a significant release for the studio, and expectations are high.

The game is set in the world of Eora, the same setting as the Pillars of Eternity series. This allows Obsidian to build upon existing lore and create a richer, more immersive experience.

Immediate Effects: What Does This Mean for CA Gamers?

So, what does all this mean for us CA gamers? Should you rush out and buy Avowed?

Here's a breakdown:

• If you're a fan of Obsidian's previous work: Avowed is likely to appeal to you. The game shares many of the same strengths as Obsidian's other RPGs, including deep worldbuilding, compelling characters, and player choice.
• If you're looking for a new fantasy RPG to sink your teeth into: Avowed is a solid option. The Living Lands are a vibrant and interesting setting to explore, and the combat is generally well-received.
• If you're expecting a revolutionary RPG experience: Avowed might not be for you. Some reviewers feel that the game plays it too safe and doesn't push the genre forward.

Ultimately, whether or not Avowed is worth your time and money depends on your personal preferences. However, based on the reviews, it appears to be a well-made and enjoyable RPG that's worth considering, especially if you're an Xbox Game Pass subscriber.

Future Outlook: What's Next for Avowed?

The launch of Avowed is just the beginning. Obsidian is likely to support the game with post-launch content, including DLC and updates. This could address some of the criticisms leveled at the game, such as the lack of enemy variety.

The success of Avowed could also pave the way for future games set in the world of Eora. Obsidian has created a rich and interesting setting, and there's plenty of potential for further exploration.

The CA Verdict: A Promising RPG with Room to Grow

Avowed appears to be a solid and enjoyable RPG from Obsidian Entertainment. While it may not be a revolutionary masterpiece, it offers a compelling world, engaging characters, and a satisfying combat system. For CA gamers looking for a new fantasy adventure, Avowed is definitely worth checking out. Just manage your expectations and be aware of its limitations. It's a strong contender, but not quite a genre-defining experience. It’s a great game to jump into and experience the world that Obsidian has built and to see where they will take it.