Review: Avowed

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Initially, as I entered the captivating universe of Avowed during my initial preview, I found myself spellbound by its dynamic combat system and stunningly beautiful environment. I had no doubt that it would be a strong contender for one of the best RPGs in 2025, and now, after completing my full playthrough, that prediction has proven accurate.

Obsidian Entertainment has unveiled another remarkable creation, extending the acclaimed series known as Pillars of Eternity with Avowed. While this isn’t the third installment in the series we anticipated, it maintains the distinctive ambiance and visuals that define this franchise by inviting us back to the captivating realm of Eora. Whether you’re unfamiliar with Eora or the tales of POE, fear not about getting lost in its lore as Avowed primarily functions as a self-contained narrative. In Avowed, you embark on a dark fantasy adventure where an imminent evil looms, corrupting creatures, people, and the Living Lands. As a divine entity and Aedyr’s envoy, you employ your godly powers to eliminate a scourge called “Dreamscourge.

Avowed (PC, Xbox Series X|S [reviewed])

Developer: Obsidian Entertainment

Publisher: Xbox Game Studios

Released: February 18, 2025

MSRP: $69.99

In simpler terms, Dreamscourge could be imagined as a fungal infection with a fantasy flair, similar to the Clickers in “The Last of Us,” but with a brighter palette. Their design might be unsettling (that initial image of an infected creature remains chilling), yet there’s a certain elegance to them. The godlike attributes available during character customization enable you to craft a unique hero, thanks to the fungal-inspired design. This feature sets Avowed apart from other games in terms of customization, allowing you to decorate your face and hair with vibrant spores. It can be a bit overpowering, but thankfully, you have the option to turn it off if you prefer a traditional RPG character appearance.

In this game, there are various classic role-playing backstories available, ranging from an Arcane Scholar to a War Hero. The origin story you pick significantly shapes the dialogue options that become available to you, potentially leading to advantages or complications. However, regardless of your chosen background, everyone begins with the same initial weapon and equipment. In the early stages, there are numerous tools to unlock, which I found appealing as someone who usually finds it hard to decide on just one.

What truly sets Avowed apart for me is its expansive selection of weapons, skills, and character classes. In most RPGs, we’re bound by our class restrictions, which can make gameplay repetitive with the constant use of familiar tools. However, in Avowed, things are refreshingly different. You have the freedom to change your loadouts and even mix weapons that typically don’t go together. My favorite build, for instance, is a “Wizard with a Gun,” where I wield a grimoire in one hand and a gun in the other. It gives me the feeling of playing a fast-paced fantasy RPG reminiscent of Call of Duty, something I never thought possible before trying out Avowed.

In certain combat situations, if the current build wasn’t suitable, I’d simply switch to another loadout to match the situation better. For instance, if an enemy is at a distance, quickly alter it to your bow and arrow setup, now you’ve transformed into an archer-wizard. As I mentioned in my preview, this feature has long been something I’ve wished for in RPGs, and in video games generally. I’ve often found myself wishing I had a bow or magic to exploit an enemy’s weakness. With Avowed, such issues are eliminated, especially since you can carry multiple weapons and transfer them easily with just a click of the button. The burden of carrying equipment has always been a hassle for me, but fortunately, it won’t be an issue in this game.

Initially, you’ll have a variety of tools to employ, yet the adversaries can prove incredibly formidable. In the early phases of Dawnshore, I felt quite assured, but upon entering the Emerald Stair region in the second stage, I encountered an unprecedented level of ruthlessness that significantly heightened the game’s difficulty. However, there’s no cause for embarrassment if you opt to reduce the challenge when things become too tough. In truth, even on Easy mode, I was finding it challenging, despite investing time in leveling up and acquiring improved equipment. This only serves as a testament to the formidable nature of Avowed, whether it’s through an influx of enemies or the sheer power of a single opponent’s attack. I’m confident that fans of Pillars of Eternity will appreciate this, given that the combat in both POE and POE 2 was frequently tough but ultimately rewarding when victory is achieved.

On a positive note, you’ll be aided by your quartet of associates in the game Avowed, each possessing unique abilities that enhance their individuality. For instance, Kai has the ability to clear obstacles with his fiery talent, while Marius alleviates tension during hunts by highlighting points of interest nearby. Among them, Giatta stands out as my preference due to her frequent assistance in critical situations. While sidekicks can sometimes be questionable (I’m thinking of Donald Duck from Kingdom Hearts), Giatta certainly belongs to the exceptional group. This diverse team often engages in conversations among themselves, both at camp and during battles. I found myself frequently eavesdropping on their discussions as it offered valuable insights into their pasts and personalities.

As a fan, one aspect that truly resonated with me about my teammates was their eagerness to share their insights during crucial decision-making moments. In times of indecision, there was always the comfort of seeking their opinion on the matter at hand. If I needed someone who approached decisions with a calm and measured mindset, Kai was my go-to. On the flip side, if I felt like adding some excitement to the mix, Yatzli’s unpredictable thoughts were just what I needed.

I was struck by the significance of choices in the storyline of Avowed, as they offer numerous chances to be either virtuous or malevolent. These decisions impact not only the responses of characters but also the results of quests. For instance, a seemingly insignificant choice made during the initial phase can affect a later side quest, either simplifying it or adding more tasks. Moreover, companions will offer their thoughts on your handling of certain situations, revealing their attitudes towards your actions.

Apart from being amazed by the decisions in Avowed, I was equally astonished by the abundance of content within its map. Despite investing over 25 hours, there was still so much left unexplored. I found myself often engrossed in the numerous side quests – solving treasure maps, aiding locals to defeat a formidable enemy. Additionally, random events would pop up as I explored, adding more content that wasn’t tied to any specific mission. I stumbled upon a group of people grave digging which eventually led me to discover a powerful new tool.

Wherever you travel, you’ll find yourself in numerous situations similar to these, making exploration a more enticing proposition. I personally prefer maps that are rich with secret treasures and engaging narratives over ones that may appear vast and stunning but leave you feeling unfulfilled. It’s important to note that the world of Avowed is indeed visually appealing, as each region offers its own distinct charm and unique environmental elements.

Exploring various places will lead you to numerous scenarios, making it more tempting overall. I appreciate maps that are full of hidden treasures and intriguing storylines rather than ones that look grand but seem devoid of substance. However, it should be mentioned that the world in Avowed is visually striking, with each region showcasing its own unique allure and environmental features.

There are numerous other aspects of the game worth discussing, but I believe it would be more beneficial for you to explore it yourself. In the year 2025, Avowed has been one of the most impressive RPGs I’ve encountered, surprising even someone like me who isn’t particularly passionate about the role-playing genre. If this recommendation piques your interest enough, you can dive right in and play it on Xbox Game Pass Day One or PC.

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2025-02-13 17:18