Atti Abderrahim
Table of Contents
Obsidian Entertainment, the legendary studio known for creating some of the most beloved RPGs like Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic II and Fallout: New Vegas, is set to make waves again in 2024 with their latest title, Avowed. This new project is as ambitious as it is risky, but does it have what it takes to captivate a broader audience while staying true to its RPG roots?
A New Chapter in the Pillars of Eternity Universe
Obsidian’s vision with Avowed is clear: to expand their audience by creating a game that’s accessible to both longtime fans and newcomers. To achieve this, they’ve chosen to set Avowed in the world of Eora, the same universe as their acclaimed Pillars of Eternity series. However, this isn’t just a rehash of old material. While those familiar with Pillars of Eternity will recognize certain references, Avowed is designed to welcome new players with open arms, offering a fresh take on the RPG experience.
Set a few years after the events of Pillars of Eternity, Avowed invites players to explore the new and uncharted region of Living Lands, a place created specifically for this game. Rather than presenting a fully open world, Avowed offers a series of interconnected open zones, each brimming with primary and secondary quests, dungeons, and secrets waiting to be uncovered. The first thing that strikes you about Living Lands is its vibrant visuals, a refreshing departure from the often drab and gray tones that dominate the Heroic Fantasy genre.
While Avowed may not push the boundaries of cutting-edge technology, it more than compensates with its stunning art direction. The game is visually expressive and immersive, transporting players to a world that’s both beautiful and full of life. Unfortunately, the demo presented at Gamescom focused on a dungeon crawl, showcasing a closed environment with a series of objectives to complete. This limited glimpse left us longing to explore the open zones, as Obsidian is renowned for creating worlds that feel alive and filled with intrigue. We eagerly await the chance to wander through these fictional mountains and valleys, soaking in the atmosphere with no particular goal in mind other than to enjoy the journey.
A First-Person Action-RPG
One of the most significant changes in Avowed is its shift from the tactical gameplay of Pillars of Eternity to a more action-oriented approach. Perhaps the most noticeable difference is that Avowed is played from a first-person perspective, rather than the isometric view that fans of the series are used to. This change enhances the feeling of immersion, making players feel as though they are truly part of the world.
But the innovations don’t stop there. The first-person perspective is paired with real-time combat, a departure from the strategic, pause-based combat of Pillars of Eternity. In the demo, we had the opportunity to try out one of three different character builds—Barbarian, Mage, or Rogue—all of which were at level 6. Due to time constraints, we only had the chance to test the Barbarian, but it was clear that players won’t be locked into a single class. Avowed offers three skill trees and a variety of equipment options, allowing players to customize their character to suit their playstyle.
Role-playing in Avowed goes beyond combat, with meaningful interactions with NPCs, some of whom may become your companions. Building lasting friendships is a core part of the experience, and the developers have made it clear that player choices will have a significant impact on the story, ensuring that each playthrough feels unique.
First Impressions
At first glance, Avowed seems to have all the makings of a well-crafted Action-RPG. There’s a palpable love for the RPG genre that shines through in every aspect of the game, from its colorful world to its robust progression and customization systems. While the combat may lack some excitement, the game’s vibrant universe, the depth of its character development, and its narrative, where your choices shape the story, are all incredibly promising. We can only hope that the exploration and storytelling will live up to our high expectations.
