Avowed Review: Exactly What RPG fans Expect and Love

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After spending more than 100 hours playing it, we’ve evaluated Avowed – an impressive RPG that offers a wealth of lore and exciting exploration opportunities. However, it seems to fall short in terms of depth.

In the realm of Eora, “Avowed” is an engaging First-Person role-playing game from the Pillars of Eternity series. Crafted by Obsidian Entertainment, devotees of Fallout: New Vegas and The Outer Worlds might find a touch of familiarity in its complex moral dilemmas, immersive world-building, and vividly depicted characters. Adhering to the classic RPG formula, “Avowed” places players on an adventure to unravel a perplexing local phenomenon. Along this journey, you’ll gain insights into the history, folklore, and deities shaping the world, empowering you with significant, player-determined decisions.

What immediately caught my attention was the striking resemblance between the vibrant hues of the game world and that of The Outer Worlds. The landscape, saturated with blues and greens, seems to pulse with life. Despite its familiar mechanics, the game offers a distinct experience due to its unique twist. As a critic, I was provided with a game code and played for approximately 100 hours, but I didn’t receive any compensation for this review. I am an avid fan of Obsidian Entertainment, but I will strive to provide an honest assessment of the game’s strengths and weaknesses. I aim to help you decide whether Avowed is worth your time based on this article.

Let’s get started, but first, below are some details about my Avowed review:

  • Platforms: Xbox Series X|S / PC / Cloud
  • Reviewed: PC
  • PC Specs
    • GPU: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4070
    • Processor: AMD Ryzen 9 7940HS
    • RAM: 16 GB
    • OS: Windows 11 Home
  • Release Date: February 18, 2025
  • Developer: Obsidian Entertainment
  • Publisher: Xbox Game Studios
  • Gametime: 100 hours

What is the Avowed Game About?

In “Avowed,” you’ll assume the role of an emissary sent by Aedyr to explore a distant land beset by a puzzling illness. This is a First-Person RPG set in an open world, divided into four distinct regions within the Living Lands. Each region offers a distinct atmosphere, with unique characters, storylines, and environments that make them feel separate and engaging. You’ll have the freedom to revisit earlier locations, uncovering hidden secrets, quests, and non-player characters (NPCs) along the way.

For me, the primary allure of Avowed RPG lies in the element of decision-making. With Baldur’s Gate 3 now out, players anticipate a rich experience from their RPGs, and it is here that Avowed truly excels. Unlike other game developers, Obsidian Entertainment has earned a reputation for its morally ambiguous decision-making. In simpler terms, these choices are not just good or bad, but rather shades of grey, requiring players to trust their instincts. Sometimes, the outcomes of these decisions can be surprising and unpredictable, much like real life.

Among gamers like myself, it takes just 1-2 hours to either adore or dislike a game. For me, Avowed fell into the former category, leading me to rise early or delay bedtime by 30-60 minutes for another session. In contrast, Kingdom Come Deliverance 2 felt more hardcore, frustrating, and time-consuming. However, Avowed offers an immediate immersion, letting you dive right into the main story, explore freely across the Living Lands, and uncover treasures, monsters, and hidden gems at your leisure.

Exploration

In Avowed, it’s the Parkour system that truly shines, inviting and almost compelling players to traverse, leap, and delve endlessly. I may not be your typical gamer who hunts down every secret trinket, but this game makes exploration enjoyable. By employing grenades and spells to blast open doors, uncover hidden caverns, and consult the minimap during expeditions, you’re rewarded with valuable loot.

Subsequently, the game shifts into a vertical dimension, urging you to think expansively as you traverse it. This involves scaling trees and leaping across rooftops, thereby significantly expanding the game world’s footprint when considering height in three-dimensional terms.

In contrast to games such as Destiny 2, the parkour system in Avowed offers an enjoyable and innovative experience rather than being harsh. Unlike some games where missing a jump might lead to my death or my entire team waiting for 10 minutes while I figure things out, the challenge in Avowed feels invigorating and exciting when it comes to exploration.

An advantage is that numerous collectibles such as totems, memory pieces, and treasure maps are available. As you uncover these hidden gems, not only does your power grow, but they also contribute to the main plot by offering a coherent narrative and purpose for exploring every corner of the area thoroughly.

Prolonged gameplay may lead to a sense of monotony setting in, particularly when multiple playthroughs are involved. Yet, most players tend to relish the thrill of jumping, discovering new areas, and uncovering secret treasures.

Worldbuilding

In the captivating realm of Avowed, I find myself continually amazed by its deep-rooted history that echoes the Pillars of Eternity series. This rich tapestry unfolds into an immense universe brimming with lore, creating a setting that pulsates with life – visually and mechanically. From the moment I set foot in this world, it’s clear that every corner is ripe for exploration, teeming with resources to gather, treasures to uncover, and adversaries to vanquish.

Even more enticing, my trusty companion Marius comes equipped with a treasure-seeking device reminiscent of those found in other games. With a subtle red glow, it highlights items that remain untouched, adding an exciting layer of discovery to my journey through this enchanting land.

Upon opening this, I found a multitude of hidden treasures, plants, and hidden aspects that I had overlooked earlier, as I hadn’t been considering things from different angles, and it made me appreciate even more the excitement of simply thinking creatively.

Story & Lore

In terms of the main plot of the game (avoiding spoilers), it was gradually revealed to you piece by piece. To enhance this experience in Avowed, they’ve included a ‘Dialogue & History’ button. This means that if an NPC uses a term you’re unsure about, just hover your mouse over it for more details. Additionally, if you tend to rush through conversations and miss crucial information in RPGs like I do, you can review the entire conversation before making a decision by simply clicking the space bar. This feature is a thoughtful inclusion that helps players avoid missing important dialogue.

Initially, as the game begins, you’re tasked with solving a puzzle. As you progress, you discover the setting, history, deities, and your main goal. It remains uncertain whether these gods will aid or hinder you. They bestow upon you abilities that amplify your strength, mirroring the Emperor Mind Flayer in Baldur’s Gate 3. The constant feeling of discomfort adds an extra layer of suspense to each quest, leaving you eager to decipher their real motives – a detail I won’t reveal!

Decision Making

In Avowed, what I find most intriguing is the complex decision-making segment of the narrative, though it’s not without flaws. As you progress through the game, you’ll face challenging dialog choices that branch off in different directions. Yet, Obsidian Entertainment doesn’t provide a clear “right” option. For instance, you might need to halt the spread of a plague, but doing so will inevitably claim lives. Do you sacrifice one village for the sake of another or try to save both, knowing that either choice will have consequences? This dilemma mirrors real-life leadership decisions, which are often debated and second-guessed long after they’ve been made.

In Avowed, the drawback lies in its decision-making process as it necessitates multiple playthroughs to fully grasp the impact of initial choices on subsequent events. During your first playthrough, it’s hard to determine if a past choice affected your current quest. Essentially, Avowed is designed for repeat plays rather than a single session. This can be frustrating for players seeking a quick resolution and a peek at all possible outcomes. However, for those who relish games like BG3, this design offers endless gaming hours as minor changes in choices can significantly alter the course of an entirely new campaign.

Companions

In this game, companions play a crucial role alongside combat and gameplay mechanics, much like in Dragon Age or Baldur’s Gate 3. Kai serves as your tank, Marius deals ranged damage, Giatta heals, and Yatzli is a DPS spellcaster – similar to how they function in Dragon Age. Additionally, you’ll find yourself returning to camp for rest, crafting, and chats with companions, as seen in Baldur’s Gate 3. What sets this game apart is the engaging dialogue between the companions, including self-conversations that make it feel more organic – akin to my beloved RPG series, Mass Effect.

During your journey, you’ll have an opportunity to pick two allies who can assist you during battles. This setup encourages you to embody the classic trio – healer, tank, and damage dealer roles. Your companions can be managed either manually or autonomously, offering substantial aid in combat. However, they lack armor and advanced optimization options beyond their story development and basic combat mechanics.

The characters in this game offer additional missions (side quests) that can enhance your character and the experience. However, some characters’ stories, like Marius’, seem less engaging compared to Kai’s. This is because Kai shares a voice actor with Garius from Mass Effect, which makes his story more appealing. Consequently, you might find yourself using the same characters repeatedly in each playthrough due to their rich narratives and charm.

Romance

In my opinion, one of the main issues I encountered while evaluating Avowed was the scarcity of romance options for companions. There wasn’t much room for flirting, developing relationships beyond master and apprentice, or romantic entanglements. Although many role-playing game enthusiasts don’t focus on romance, it’s crucial to some players, and this aspect of companionship is underrepresented compared to games like Baldur’s Gate 3 and Mass Effect. Nevertheless, the dialogues, stories, and voice acting of the companions are exceptional, making them valuable additions to a powerful RPG experience.

Gameplay & Mechanics

As an avid gamer immersed in the world of Avowed, I’ve noticed that its combat system shares many traits with other role-playing games. You accumulate levels, acquire new skills, passive abilities, and build your character by choosing from three distinct skill trees. The beauty lies in its flexibility, enabling you to effortlessly switch builds and weapon types according to your preferred playstyle.

However, it’s important to note that Avowed’s combat system isn’t as intricate as some other RPG games out there. Yet, it does offer a degree of choice and decision-making, making each encounter feel unique.

In the game Avowed, one notable feature lies in its flexibility. It doesn’t compel you to commit to a single skill tree exclusively. Instead, it encourages you to blend abilities from various skill sets, without imposing penalties for your choices.

In this game, much like New World, there is a variety of weapons available, including magical grimoires for spells, heavy weapons for warriors, as well as guns, bows, and pistols for ranged combat. Similar to the skill system, Avowed encourages you to try out various weapon types by letting you quickly switch between them. For instance, you can swap from a longbow to a two-handed weapon or from double pistols to a sword and shield.

Experimenting with various weapon types provided an enjoyable experience, yet they lacked significant impact until you fine-tuned your passive abilities. Consequently, you can construct a “pistol” or gun-focused build, but it doesn’t offer the same level of complexity as other role-playing games.

Loop and Replay

In the realm of Avowed, I embark on a fresh adventure in a new zone every time, delving into its secrets, accomplishing quests, and furthering the main narrative. As I advance, I’m faced with decisions that shape the next zone and ultimately determine the ending. The estimated playtime for completing this game ranges from 20 to 40 hours, but it depends on how deep I dive into exploration and collection. However, Avowed encourages me to replay the game multiple times, crafting unique experiences by choosing different characters and making distinct choices each time.

In a nutshell, what keeps players hooked is the variety offered in trying out distinct weapons and abilities alongside choosing diverse dialogue options and companions. Picture yourself immersed in games like Baldur’s Gate 3, Mass Effect, Dragon Age, or any other RPG with branching narratives. This is what makes you want to replay these games again and again to see how the storyline changes, and Avowed will provide that very experience.

Graphics

In terms of appearance, Avowed is an eye-catching blend of blues, greens, and purples. It’s this color scheme that really drew me to The Outer Worlds, as it sets it apart from other games. Although it’s a fantasy RPG, it carries a Sci-Fi tint, giving Avowed its unique style. Unlike Act 2 of BG3, it doesn’t have an immediate sense of foreboding until you enter instanced areas.

As a passionate gamer, I must admit that while playing Avowed, I rarely encountered crashes, but there were instances where I got stuck mid-air during certain jumps. Given that Avowed was primarily designed for Xbox, it’s understandable that it may not boast the same graphical prowess as the latest Battlefront game. However, it runs flawlessly on my 4070 Laptop. The game truly shines in its vibrant color palette, which is sure to either captivate or divide players.

Sound & Performance

Regarding audio aspects, I discovered that Avowed shares some similarities with other RPGs. The voice acting, particularly Kai’s, is outstanding. The soundtrack is top-notch, evoking a strong fantasy RPG atmosphere suitable for exploration. However, it lacks the minute details in sound design like Kingdom Come Deliverance 2, where the sound of each footstep varies based on the terrain.

Instead of dwelling excessively on the audio aspect, let me say that it aligns well with contemporary RPG standards and enhances the game’s overall attractiveness.

Avowed Compared to Kingdom Come Deliverance 2

Following 100 hours of gameplay, Avowed seems exceptional as a role-playing game in the year 2025. Having just assessed Kingdom Come Deliverance 2, these titles present stark contrasts. Avowed encourages exploration, leaping, perishing, and tinkering, but with a tenth of the usual harshness. In contrast, KCD2 aims to make you experience the agony of death or regrettable decisions. Avowed offers swift travel, saving options, and common RPG dynamics, whereas KCD2 has you doing laundry tasks.

Straightforwardly stating, I encountered King’s Bounty 2 gameplay to be padded with annoying choirs and tedious tasks, whereas every instant spent on Avowed felt like meaningful progress. For those seeking a realistic simulation set in medieval times, Avowed may not deliver such an experience, so be mindful of this.

Who Should Play Avowed?

As an ardent RPG enthusiast, the burning question that arises is: who should embark on the epic adventure of Avowed? If you’re yearning for a game that immerses you in an expansive world ripe for exploration and offers intricate decision-making opportunities, then Avowed is tailor-made for you.

Avowed resonates profoundly with those who revel in the camaraderie of companions and the thrill of amassing collectibles, much like in Hogwarts Legacy, Dragon Age, or Mass Effect. Or, if you’re seeking a more relaxed, straightforward experience without the pressure, Avowed invites you to join its captivating journey.

If you’re hoping for a challenging experience like Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 or seeking romance within the game, Avowed may fall short of your expectations. Additionally, if you anticipate groundbreaking new mechanics in an RPG, Avowed might not offer what you’re looking for.

For the role-playing game enthusiast seeking an engaging, colorful RPG with recognizable mechanics, features, and narratives, Avowed is the choice. With minor alterations allowing for multiple replays, this game offers a fresh perspective on familiar content, making it stand out. This versatility is its key strength.

Score – Avowed Review

In simple terms, I’d rate Avowed a 9/10 due to its exciting exploration, engaging gameplay, and lively environment. The narrative is user-friendly, making multiple playthroughs enjoyable if you appreciate storytelling in games, and it delivers what one would expect from a quality RPG. The drawbacks include a less engaging companion romance system, a mediocre character build mechanism, and no groundbreaking innovations within the RPG genre. But not every RPG needs to be a masterpiece to be excellent, and with Avowed, it offers exactly what I enjoy in RPGs. I hope this review provided some insight for you.

Avowed Pros

  • Amazing exploration
  • Vibrant world with lore and history
  • Great story that’s easy to follow incentiviing multiple playthrough
  • Overall what you expect from an RPG

Avowed Cons

  • Lower depth
  • Companions Romance
  • Must play multiple playthroughs
  • Nothing ground breaking

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2025-02-13 19:23