Avowed

Avowed: Obsidian's New RPG Adventure – Is It Worth the Hype for Aussie Gamers?

Obsidian Entertainment, renowned for its immersive storytelling and RPG expertise, has unleashed its latest creation upon the gaming world: Avowed. This new Xbox exclusive is already generating significant buzz, with a traffic volume of around 2000, indicating strong initial interest. But does Avowed live up to the hype, and is it a worthwhile investment for Australian gamers looking for their next fantasy fix? Let's delve into the details, separating verified reports from speculative information to give you a clear picture.

What's Avowed All About? A Journey to the Living Lands

Avowed transports players to the Living Lands, a mysterious and visually striking island within the established world of Eora (familiar to fans of Obsidian's Pillars of Eternity series). While official descriptions from Obsidian were initially sparse, a clearer picture has emerged thanks to recent reviews. You take on the role of an envoy from Aedyr, tasked with investigating a spreading plague known as the Dreamscourge. Your mission? To uncover the source of this affliction, save the island, and potentially, your own soul. The game promises a blend of magic, melee combat, firearm usage, and a robust skill tree system, all set within a narrative framework where your choices genuinely matter.

Recent Updates: What the Critics Are Saying

The initial reviews are in, and they paint a picture of a game with both strengths and weaknesses. Here's a breakdown of the key takeaways from verified news reports:

• Forbes: Paul Tassi, in his Forbes review, calls Avowed "an excellent 'Elder Scrolls' intermission." He suggests that while it might not completely redefine the genre, it's a worthwhile adventure, particularly for those looking for a fantasy experience to tide them over. He highlights it as a solid investment of time.

• The Guardian: The Guardian's review offers a more nuanced perspective, drawing comparisons to both Annihilation (for its unsettling atmosphere) and Oblivion (for its open-world exploration). They praise the game's "huge, heavily detailed fantasy world" and the interesting characters you'll encounter. However, they also note that the combat and exploration can become repetitive, suggesting that the gameplay loop might not be as consistently engaging as other RPGs.

These early reviews highlight a game that prioritizes story, character interaction, and world-building, potentially at the expense of groundbreaking combat mechanics or unparalleled open-world freedom.

Contextual Background: Obsidian's Pedigree and the Eora Setting

Obsidian Entertainment has a long and respected history in the RPG genre. They're the studio behind critically acclaimed titles like Fallout: New Vegas, Pillars of Eternity, and The Outer Worlds. This pedigree brings with it certain expectations. Players anticipate deep narratives, meaningful choices, and well-developed characters. Avowed is set in the world of Eora, previously established in the Pillars of Eternity games. This pre-existing lore provides a rich tapestry for Avowed's story, offering returning players familiar factions, deities, and historical events. However, newcomers shouldn't feel intimidated; Obsidian has designed Avowed to be accessible to those unfamiliar with the Pillars universe.

Immediate Effects: Initial Player Reactions and Sales

While concrete sales figures are not yet available, the "traffic volume" of 2000 suggests a healthy level of initial interest. The game's availability on both Xbox and PC (via platforms like Steam and Battle.net) broadens its potential audience. The "play anywhere" feature, allowing players to switch between Xbox and PC versions by linking accounts, is a welcome addition for those who enjoy gaming on multiple platforms.

Diving Deeper: Gameplay, Story, and the Dreamscourge

Based on the available information, Avowed's gameplay revolves around first-person (or potentially third-person) exploration, combat, and character development. Players will wield a variety of weapons, from traditional swords and shields to firearms and magical abilities. The skill tree system allows for character customization, enabling players to tailor their builds to their preferred playstyle.

The central narrative revolves around the Dreamscourge, a mysterious fungal plague that threatens to consume the Living Lands. Unraveling the mystery behind this affliction and the otherworldly forces at play forms the core of the game's story. Expect to encounter a diverse cast of characters, forge alliances (or deadly rivalries), and make choices that will shape the fate of the Living Lands – and your own.

Addressing Potential Concerns: Combat and Exploration

While the story and world-building seem to be strong points, some reviews raise concerns about the combat and exploration. The Guardian review, in particular, suggests that these aspects can become repetitive. It's crucial to remember that these are early impressions, and individual experiences may vary. However, potential buyers should be aware that Avowed might not offer the most innovative or groundbreaking combat system.

Future Outlook: What to Expect from Avowed

Based on the available evidence and initial reviews, here's a potential outlook for Avowed:

• A strong narrative focus: Expect a compelling story with intriguing characters and meaningful choices. The Dreamscourge plotline promises to be a central draw.
• A rich and detailed world: The Living Lands, set within the established Eora universe, offer a visually stunning and lore-rich environment to explore.
• Potentially repetitive gameplay: Be aware that the combat and exploration might not be the game's strongest suits. If you prioritize innovative gameplay mechanics, Avowed might not fully satisfy.
• Continued support and updates: As an Xbox exclusive, Avowed is likely to receive ongoing support and updates from Obsidian. This could address some of the initial criticisms and further expand the game's content.

Avowed: Is It Worth Buying for Australian Gamers?

So, is Avowed worth your hard-earned Aussie dollars? The answer, as always, depends on your individual preferences. If you're a fan of Obsidian's previous work, enjoy story-driven RPGs, and are intrigued by the world of Eora, then Avowed is definitely worth considering. However, if you're primarily looking for groundbreaking combat or unparalleled open-world freedom, you might want to temper your expectations.

Ultimately, Avowed appears to be a solid RPG that offers a compelling narrative, a rich world, and meaningful choices. While it might not be a genre-defining masterpiece, it's a worthwhile adventure for those seeking a fantasy experience with depth and intrigue. Keep an eye out for further reviews and player impressions as the game settles into the market to make a fully informed decision.

Key Takeaways for Australian Gamers:

• Avowed is a new first-person fantasy RPG from Obsidian Entertainment.
• It's set in the Living Lands, a mysterious island within the Eora universe.
• The story revolves around investigating a plague called the Dreamscourge.
• Reviews suggest a strong narrative and world-building, but potentially repetitive combat and exploration.
• Avowed is available on Xbox and PC, with a "play anywhere" feature.
• Consider your personal preferences before buying – it's a good fit for story-driven RPG fans.