Avowed: The Unsung Xbox RPG Finally Gets Its Due on PS5
Avowed, a game that debuted on Xbox and PC over a year ago, is a hidden gem that deserves more attention, especially with its recent release on PS5. Obsidian Entertainment crafted this RPG with the intention of captivating fans of the Elder Scrolls series, and it's a strategy that Microsoft likely embraced.
Avowed is set in the same universe as the Pillars of Eternity series but takes a different approach, focusing on action-packed combat and open-world exploration. It's an accessible RPG, allowing players to traverse vast zones, gather leads in nearby cities, and engage in combat across the countryside while unraveling the main plot.
The story revolves around the Envoy, a fully customizable character representing the Aedyr Empire, tasked with bringing order to The Living Lands. While not a traditional role-playing game, Avowed offers meaningful player choices that significantly impact the main story and numerous side quests.
The game's choices are often morally ambiguous, adding depth and preventing the story from becoming overly predictable. The Living Lands, with its breathtaking environmental art, is a standout feature, showcasing Obsidian's exceptional visual prowess.
However, the game's dialogue system falls short, hindered by robotic animations and unengaging writing. This is a recurring issue in Obsidian's recent games, as seen in The Outer Worlds 2, where the dialogue feels dull and uninspiring.
Avowed's party members, though a small group, are adequately developed, and their presence is felt throughout the story and side quests. They voice their opinions and challenge the player's decisions, creating compelling friction that adds depth to the RPG experience.
While the story, writing, and characters may not be groundbreaking, Avowed shines in its gameplay. Exploring stunning environments, engaging in diverse combat encounters, and collecting unique loot create a captivating loop that remains engaging even after 50 hours.
The combat system is versatile, allowing players to devise their own fighting styles using various weapons and skill tree unlocks. The combat is satisfyingly impactful, reminiscent of Skyrim but with a more intense feel.
Avowed's PS5 release introduces new difficulty and accessibility settings, allowing players to customize their experience. The much-criticized equipment upgrade system, which previously hindered progression, can now be adjusted to suit players' preferences, enhancing the overall experience.
Obsidian has clearly listened to feedback, as evidenced by the Anniversary Update, which includes fan-requested features like New Game+, new races, a new weapon type, photo mode, and improved quality-of-life settings.
In summary, Avowed is a standout modern RPG from Obsidian, not because of its writing or storytelling, but due to its exceptional gameplay, offering an engaging combat system, meaningful choices, and the exploration of captivating fantasy worlds.
