Obsidian Entertainment, the studio behind Fallout: New Vegas and The Outer Worlds, invited a select group of journalists to go hands-on with their upcoming first-person fantasy RPG, Avowed, for a solid six hours. And let me tell you, stepping into the world of Eora, the same universe as their Pillars of Eternity series, was an experience that left me utterly captivated. From the lush, vibrant environments to the deep, reactive combat system, Avowed is shaping up to be a truly special game. In this article, I’ll break down my experience, exploring everything from character creation and combat to the game’s potential and what sets it apart from other fantasy RPGs.
What is Avowed?
Avowed is an upcoming first-person RPG being developed by Obsidian Entertainment and published by Xbox Game Studios. It’s set in the fantasy world of Eora, previously explored in the Pillars of Eternity series, but this time players experience the world through a first-person perspective. Think Elder Scrolls meets Pillars of Eternity with a dash of Obsidian’s signature wit and dialogue choices.
My First 6 Hours in Eora
Walking into Obsidian’s studio, I was immediately struck by the passion and enthusiasm the developers had for Avowed. They spoke about the game with a sense of pride, emphasizing their desire to create a truly immersive and reactive RPG experience. And after spending six hours with the game, I can confidently say that their passion is evident in every aspect of Avowed.
Character Creation and the Living Land of Eora
One of the first things that grabbed me was the character creation system. Avowed offers a wide range of options, allowing you to craft a unique character that truly feels like your own. From choosing your race and background to customizing your appearance and attributes, the level of detail is impressive.
Once I created my character, I was thrust into the vibrant world of Eora. The region I explored, known as the Living Lands, was a breathtaking sight. Lush forests, towering cliffs, and crystal-clear rivers painted a picture of a world teeming with life and magic. The attention to detail in the environment is remarkable, with every nook and cranny begging to be explored.
Combat: A Dance of Steel and Spells
Avowed’s combat system is where the game truly shines. It’s a dynamic and engaging mix of melee and magic, offering a variety of ways to approach each encounter. I experimented with different weapons and spells, finding unique synergies and strategies. The dual-wielding system is particularly satisfying, allowing you to combine weapons and spells for devastating effects.
One encounter that stood out involved a group of Xaurips, reptilian creatures with a penchant for fire. I initially charged in with my sword and shield, but quickly realized I was outmatched. Switching tactics, I equipped a fire-resistant shield and a frost spell in my off-hand. The ensuing battle was a thrilling dance of dodging fire blasts, blocking attacks, and unleashing icy spells. It was a testament to the depth and flexibility of Avowed’s combat.
Choice and Consequence: The Obsidian Touch
No Obsidian RPG would be complete without meaningful choices and consequences, and Avowed seems to be no exception. During my playthrough, I encountered several situations where my decisions had a tangible impact on the world around me. From resolving disputes between factions to making moral choices with lasting repercussions, Avowed promises a reactive narrative that adapts to your playstyle.
In one instance, I stumbled upon a conflict between a group of settlers and a band of poachers. I had the option to side with either group or try to find a peaceful resolution. Ultimately, I chose to help the settlers, which led to a confrontation with the poachers. This decision not only affected the immediate outcome of the situation but also had ramifications later in my playthrough, as the settlers I aided provided me with valuable information and assistance.
The Potential for Greatness
While my time with Avowed was limited, it left me incredibly excited for the game’s future. The combination of a rich world, engaging combat, and meaningful choices has all the makings of a truly special RPG. Obsidian has a proven track record of creating compelling narratives and immersive worlds, and Avowed seems to be building on that foundation in exciting ways.
What Sets Avowed Apart?
- First-Person Perspective: While Eora has been explored before in the Pillars of Eternity series, Avowed offers a fresh perspective with its first-person viewpoint. This shift creates a more immersive and visceral experience, allowing players to truly inhabit their character and experience the world through their eyes.
- Dynamic Combat: Avowed’s combat system is a standout feature, offering a fluid and reactive blend of melee and magic. The ability to dual-wield weapons and spells opens up a wealth of tactical possibilities, allowing for diverse playstyles and experimentation.
- Obsidian’s Storytelling Prowess: Obsidian Entertainment is renowned for its exceptional storytelling and character development. Avowed promises to continue this tradition, offering a narrative filled with intriguing characters, meaningful choices, and impactful consequences.
- A Familiar Yet Fresh World: Returning to the world of Eora provides a sense of familiarity for fans of Pillars of Eternity, but Avowed introduces new locations, factions, and lore, expanding upon the established universe in exciting ways.
Looking Ahead
Avowed is still in development, but my six hours with the game have left me incredibly optimistic. It has the potential to be one of the defining RPGs of 2025, offering a captivating world, engaging combat, and a narrative that will keep players hooked for hours on end. I, for one, can’t wait to delve deeper into the world of Eora and uncover all its secrets.
My Predictions for Avowed:
- A Massive World to Explore: Given Obsidian’s ambition and the scope of the Living Lands, I anticipate a vast and detailed world filled with secrets, dungeons, and unique encounters.
- Deep Replayability: With multiple character builds, branching storylines, and impactful choices, Avowed will likely offer significant replay value, encouraging players to experience the game from different perspectives.
- A Strong Community: Avowed’s engaging gameplay and rich lore will likely foster a passionate community of players, sharing their experiences, discussing theories, and creating mods to further expand the game’s content.
- A Game of the Year Contender: Considering the quality of what I’ve seen so far, I wouldn’t be surprised if Avowed finds itself among the top contenders for Game of the Year in 2025.
Final Thoughts
My time with Avowed was a tantalizing glimpse into what promises to be an extraordinary RPG experience. Obsidian Entertainment is crafting something special, and I have no doubt that Avowed will leave a lasting impact on the gaming landscape. If you’re a fan of fantasy RPGs, keep a close eye on this one – it’s shaping up to be something truly remarkable.
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