As someone who has spent countless hours immersed in the rich narratives and intricate gameplay mechanics of Obsidian Entertainment’s previous works, I must say that my two-hour hands-on with Avowed left me absolutely smitten. The game might not be a full-blown open world experience, but it certainly scratches that itch with its expansive explorable zones.
Back in 2020 during the Xbox Games Showcase, I, along with many others, anticipated that Obsidian Entertainment’s new title, Avowed, would be similar to Skyrim. However, contrary to expectations, instead of an expansive open-world RPG like Skyrim, Obsidian opted for a more concentrated gameplay experience with Avowed. Those concerned that this shift in direction might make the game feel “limited” can relax. I’ve had the opportunity to play a beta build of Avowed, which begins with a tutorial dungeon before unfolding into an expansive explorable zone. Despite not being a full-blown open world experience, it still manages to satisfy that open world craving for exploration.
To begin with, Avowed allows players to design their own character, a common feature in role-playing games nowadays. The game offers a multitude of choices for customization, not just for the character’s physical appearance but also for their background story. I opted for the War Hero background, which granted me exclusive dialogue options as I delved into the game world and began interacting with its characters.
After creating their characters, players enter the tutorial level where they learn the fundamentals of ‘Avowed’. As they progress, they are equipped with healing potions, armor, a spear, a bow, and a spell book, providing them with a comprehensive understanding of the game’s combat mechanics by the dungeon’s end.
The combat in Avowed is lively and enjoyable. Players can carry two distinct weapon sets concurrently and effortlessly switch between them, offering an array of possibilities in any given battle. The equipment choices made by players for each hand influence their strategy in each fight. For instance, a player might opt to wield a spellbook in the left hand while brandishing a spear in the right, but this decision eliminates the option of using a shield, making it harder to block enemy attacks.
As a gamer, mastering my stamina, strategizing stagger bars, and selecting the perfect weapon for each situation has been vital for my victories, especially against formidable foes. There’s an element of stealth too, allowing me to catch enemies off guard with surprise attacks while blending into tall grass. Frankly, I found the combat more engaging than I anticipated from the trailers, and I believe many others will be pleasantly surprised as well. Avowed may not revolutionize combat mechanics, but it excels in its execution.
Avowed Is All About Player Choice
In the game Avowed, combat is expected to grow increasingly engaging as players progress, acquiring new types of weapons and abilities. However, Obsidian RPGs are not just about fighting; they heavily emphasize player decision-making. This aspect also applies to Avowed. During the tutorial phase, I encountered an intriguing situation involving a prisoner named Ilora. I was offered the choice between freeing her or leaving her in captivity, and I chose to save her, despite Garryck’s reservations. Rescuing Ilora proved beneficial in the final boss fight of the dungeon, as she provided additional assistance due to my effort to find the key to her cell and escort her to the end.
It remains uncertain whether helping Ilora could lead to significant future events in the game, but I am undeniably thrilled about what lies ahead. Additionally, I can’t wait to delve deeper into the expansive world of Avowed. Following the completion of the tutorial dungeon, I was transported to a vast open area that offered considerable freedom for exploration. This expansive region housed a small settlement where an NPC presented me with a side mission. This particular side quest took me to a cabin teeming with adversaries and featured an intriguing twist that I won’t reveal, but it suggests that the side missions in Avowed will indeed be worth pursuing.
In my escapades beyond the training cave, I was accompanied by a fellow named Kai, a unique character resembling a fish, with his distinct personality, aspirations, and objectives. During combat, players can leverage Kai’s abilities to gain an advantage over their foes, and they can also converse with him at camp to gather insights about the events that have occurred and learn more about him. In the game Avowed, there are no romantic options, which is slightly disappointing, but it doesn’t prevent players from forming bonds with companions like Kai as they progress through the game.
The game titled “Avowed” is set to debut on February 18, 2025, and it’s playable on both PC and Xbox Series X/S platforms. The Premium Edition of this game priced at $90 offers a five-day head start for players. Those who prefer a later start can enjoy the full Avowed experience by subscribing to Xbox Game Pass Ultimate or PC Game Pass.
Accompanied by Kai, I embarked on the primary mission of the game Avowed. Set within the Living Lands, this title grapples with the Dream Scourge epidemic. This enigmatic plague torments the main character through a mysterious voice, and it afflicts unfortunate inhabitants and beasts with a peculiar fungus that drives them mad. During my playtime of Avowed, I didn’t delve too deeply into the origins of the Dream Scourge, but I am eager to discover more about the storyline. I must admit that some dialogues were lengthy and could have been presented in a more engaging manner than straightforward exposition, yet the foundation for an intriguing mystery is certainly established.
Ultimately, the primary mission in ‘Avowed’ guided me to the city of Paradis. Upon my arrival, I was instantly struck by an arrow in the abdomen, creating a nerve-wracking cliffhanger for my journey. Despite having barely explored the game, as someone initially hesitant about ‘Avowed’, it has now become one of my most eagerly awaited games of 2025. If the rest of the game is as engaging as its initial stages, Obsidian enthusiasts should expect another fantastic RPG from this esteemed studio.
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2024-11-21 17:05