The reception of Avowed, the latest offering from Obsidian Entertainment, has been overall positive, yet it hasn’t quite matched the acclaim earned by some of the studio’s previous titles. A common point of contention among players and critics is the game’s perceived lack of innovation. As a first-person fantasy RPG, Avowed follows a rather traditional path, echoing styles from The Outer Worlds but doesn’t shake up the RPG genre in a manner akin to recent heavyweights like Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2. Many feel the game plays it too safe within its established parameters.
Despite these critiques, Avowed has a lot to offer to its audience. While it may not break new ground, the game achieves its intended goals admirably. After a six-year break from AAA RPG development, Obsidian brings to Avowed the hallmark features it’s known for—compelling storytelling, immersive exploration, and choices that carry weight. On top of these beloved elements, Avowed introduces a fresh gameplay feature that might remind fans of a standout mechanic from Final Fantasy 16.
In the game’s character lineup, Kai emerges as the standout figure with his engaging background, endearing personality, and battlefield prowess making a significant impression on players.
Avowed also introduces a captivating feature reminiscent of Final Fantasy 16’s Active Time Lore. Both games excel with richly detailed lore. While Final Fantasy 16 is set in the vividly complex world of Valisthea, Avowed takes players into the ever-expanding universe from the Pillars of Eternity series.
Final Fantasy 16’s Active Time Lore feature aids players by serving as an encyclopedia, filling gaps in understanding as they explore the intricate political landscapes and creature lore of Valisthea. This feature is particularly useful during gameplay and cutscenes, allowing players to pause and delve deeper into character backgrounds and plot specifics.
Mirroring this utility, Avowed presents its own in-game glossary. Players notice highlighted terms in conversations with NPCs, terms that tie back to the lore of Pillars of Eternity. Those unfamiliar with the franchise can rely on Avowed’s Dialogue History & Lore feature, which deciphers these terms on the spot. While Avowed’s implementation might not be as organized as Final Fantasy 16’s, lacking detailed categorization, it is still effective. This feature serves not only as a conduit to learning without external resources but also makes the game accessible to newcomers unfamiliar with its predecessors.
Avowed is set in the fascinating Living Lands, a world full of mystery and peril. As an envoy from Aedyr, players must navigate this island’s secrets while grappling with a looming plague. With Obsidian’s acclaim in crafting engaging RPG experiences, Avowed poses the question: can players unravel the island’s mysteries and stave off the threats jeopardizing its future?
