5 Things Avowed Should Take From Outer Worlds

5 Things Avowed Should Take From Outer Worlds

As a seasoned gamer with over two decades under my belt, I can confidently say that Obsidian Entertainment has consistently delivered some of the most captivating and immersive role-playing games. Their latest offering, Avowed, has me brimming with anticipation, as it promises to carry on the legacy of their previous masterpieces, The Outer Worlds and Pillars of Eternity.


One of the most renowned and admired game development studios, Obsidian Entertainment, has produced some exceptional modern role-playing games, earning them a rich history filled with captivating titles. Be it breathing new life into the CRPG genre through their creation, “Pillars of Eternity,” or paying homage to classic “Fallout” series with their monumental “New Vegas” project, there’s much to appreciate about this talented team.

Among the esteemed collection of well-liked Obsidian games, The Outer Worlds distinguishes itself as an exceptionally captivating and immersive sci-fi role-playing game (RPG), offering a vast landscape for character development and customization. As another first-person RPG, Avowed, is due to be released in the coming year, here are some aspects from their space-exploration masterpiece that Obsidian may want to preserve.

5 The Companion Style

Outer Worlds Had Some Great, Detailed Companions

5 Things Avowed Should Take From Outer Worlds

In “The Outer Worlds,” you’ll encounter some remarkable travel mates, such as the endearing Felix and the resolute Parvati who are part of an ensemble cast of memorable, well-crafted characters that join you on your adventure across the Halcyon Colony. The companions in “The Outer Worlds” exhibit a sense of authenticity, as they each appear to be real individuals with their unique aspirations, objectives, and lives independent of merely accompanying the protagonist.

In a more casual and straightforward manner, one could say: “Similar to Avowed, the game could gain a stronger position by creating characters that feel genuine and have distinct goals. Additionally, Obsidian might find success in sticking with fewer or no romance options in Avowed, like Metaphor: ReFantazio demonstrates, players are open to deep diving into fantasy worlds without romantic elements.

4 The Leveling System

Classless Skills And Perks Work Best

5 Things Avowed Should Take From Outer Worlds

In the game “The Outer Worlds”, there are numerous advantages, ranging from useful enhancements to significant upgrades that can significantly impact various character builds. Additionally, players can choose from a variety of skills to develop on each level-up, and these skills are essential for a wide range of activities such as fighting, conversations, and crafting. In RPGs with similar design principles, games like “Avowed” tend to favor classless gameplay or flexible classes, which often prove more versatile than predefined skill sets that can limit the character’s experience.

Enhancing Avowed could significantly boost its appeal by introducing additional benefits and a wider variety of skills for players to test out. The experience of assuming roles such as a shotgun-wielding habitual liar or an armored behemoth in The Outer Worlds was exhilarating, but adding magical elements to Avowed opens up a whole new realm of gameplay to delve into.

3 The Flaws System

Flaws Add Mechanical And Narrative Character

5 Things Avowed Should Take From Outer Worlds

In the game The Outer Worlds, there’s a system known as the Flaws system, which is essentially the opposite of the Perks system that defines the main character. Players can acquire negative effects or significant drawbacks during gameplay if they engage in certain behaviors – the trade-off being that they get to choose an extra perk to balance things out. For instance, overusing drugs could lead to a drug addiction flaw, and jumping excessively between platforms because ladders are too slow might result in a broken legs condition!

In a simpler and more conversational style,

2 The Sense Of Humor

Obsidian’s Biting Wit Has A Place In Avowed

5 Things Avowed Should Take From Outer Worlds

Game Rant’s hands-on preview of Avowed indicates that Obsidian is striving to revisit their distinctive style, infusing the dialogue with their signature wit, whether it be from companions or NPCs. This has fueled optimism among fans, suggesting that when Avowed is finally released, it will undeniably inherit The Outer Worlds’ appeal and humorous flair, albeit in a manner tailored to its setting. Given that the Pillars of Eternity games have traditionally been more somber, this could mean that Avowed’s tone might lean slightly towards the lighter side compared to its predecessors.

Among all development teams, none are as capable as Obsidian at bringing their comedic flair from a game like The Outer Worlds into a darker, fantasy world similar to that of Avowed.

1 The Reputation System

An Elegant Way Of Showing Conflicting Opinions

5 Things Avowed Should Take From Outer Worlds

In both “Fallout: New Vegas” and “The Outer Worlds”, Obsidian’s reputation system is an intriguing variation from the traditional good/bad system common in games like BioWare’s Renegade/Paragon dynamic in later “Mass Effect” titles. Unlike other games that only indicate whether a faction views you favorably or not, “The Outer World” has two distinct scales. One scale measures the player’s positive reputation, while another measures their negative reputation.

In a fresh take on the standard gameplay mechanics, this twist alters how gamers interact with factions. In a sprawling environment such as that depicted in Avowed, it could provide a fantastic chance for influencing even minor settlements and significant kingdoms, requiring the player to either uphold or damage their reputation.

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2024-10-15 13:34