Obsidian Entertainment’s Avowed may come off as just another fantasy, but it is packed with philosophical dilemmas that need addressing. What questions does Avowed ask? It dares to ponder its players with whether humanity’s dependence on nature can aid in protecting it, and if there is an achievable equilibrium where nature and civilization can merge without causing havoc to one another.
Avowed as a Role-Playing Game
As expected from a first-person RPG published by Microsoft, Avowed offers entertaining action and seamless integration of fast-paced combat with narrative. This becomes even more captivating when one adds the complexity of additional fundamental topics that Avowed attempts to touch upon such as the meaning of freedom, the interaction between humanity and the environment, and nature itself.
Approach these philosophical questions deeply and you realize the clash between nature and civilization. Everything comes at a cost, and while nature may seem bountiful, mankind’s endeavors to create or expand puts nature under duress. On the other hand, civilized societies simply perched at the top of the hierarchy do not provide a tangible solution either. They impose order and rules that dilutes creativity and opportunity for growth. In reality, it’s a rich tapestry full of varying shades of beauty intertwined with chaos. The truth is that neither of the two extremes can one-sidedly take the role of hero in this reality.
This duality isn’t surface-level; it’s laced throughout the story and gameplay. While players may be accustomed to access nature as window dressing in other games, Avowed flips that perception on its head. Players are presented nature as a key player to the plot, and depending on the actions, they could either suffer or be left amazed.
The World of Eora: Where History and Intricate Details Contain Everything
In the same universe as the Pillars of Eternity, Avowed takes players to The Living Lands, an island dotted with untamed forests, strange fauna, and even more strange flora along side tumoultuous faction warfare. This region houses a variety of populations including the massive reptilian Aumaua and the scanty, furry Orlan. Unlike the rest of fantasy worlds, Avowed features its own version of reincarnation through “The Wheel,” which is a cycle that cosmic beings go through as they die, only for their souls to be reborn into fundamentally different forms.
Essence or soul energy is an important pillar for the worldbuilding of the game. There are several other concepts like animancy – the use of controlling souls as a power source, – which adds another level of ethical concern with how animancy is fueled. These things contribute to a setting where the dilemma is not only about morality but also about the understanding the far-reaching implications of one’s actions.
A Narrative Based on Political and Social Conflict
An interpreter of the Aedyr Empire appears in the form of an Envoy, for example, whose duty is to solve the enigma of a plague dubbed Dreamscourge, which is a disease that jeopardizes the entire realm and not just the Living Lands. The primary goal of the mission exceeds just a search and destroy approach to a pestilence; it focuses on control, emerging from a contestation between colonizers and the antagonists of their domination.
Inhabitants of the Living Lands…eschew domination by external forces, have built communities of outcasts, freebooter the others. As a player, one becomes an outsider to this heap of cold turbulence, but every decision one makes threatens to destroy both colonists and the aboriginal populace. The power base of Aedyran empire, while inviting people by appealing security infrastructure, is a castrating sentence for nobody thriving under their reign. Avowed captures the other side of the conflict, and compels players to experience every possible angle, from the settlements to people’s ideals around fighting against domination.
Dynamic Combat: Freedom in Playstyle
Those new to Avowed will be impressed by what is perhaps the most versatile fighting system we’ve ever seen in a video game. Unlike other RPGs that force players into choosing a single class structure, here, players mash together Weapons and classes at will. In other words, players can slice enemies using a sword wielded on one hand while a magic wand is in the other hand, engage in ranged and close combat, or just cast damaging spells endlessly.
This breathtaking flexibility does come at a price, however. Sometimes, gear scaling can reduce the challenge of some encounters, making them less engaging. Moreover, there is so much weaponry and skills that exists that balance will never be perfect, and some tactics will be far too easy to gain victory through.
Combat remains fluid for every fighter which is perfect since it rewards those willing to try and change their strategies. Whether players prefer engaging in brutal, up-close hand-to-hand combat, shooting enemies from afar, or using elemental magic to jump the foes, every player will find their own way to enjoy the game.
Deep Role-Playing That Places Value on Character Development
Avowed possesses complex roleplaying features which let players enjoy nuanced roleplay instead of just “good,” “evil,” or “neutral” options that most modern day RPGs provide. While traditional speech skills do not exist in the game, factors such as Perception, Strength, and Intelligence influence character interactions. These attributes modify NPC reactions as well as the available options, resulting in different playthroughs.
The companions in Avowed steer clear of one dimensional characters by being well written and multi-faceted. One memorable companion who offers plenty of comic relief and wise insight during the adventure is Kai. The bonds formed with allies are more than just transactional, which adds to the emotional complexity of the game.
Being able to customize the character’s backstory through gameplay decisions such as trading a personal memory for a powerful item is another example of the game’s commitment to meaningful roleplaying. “What aspect of their past are they willing to sacrifice?” is a question that truly engages the player. That is why this game is a masterclass in roleplaying.
The game’s smooth performance puts it as one of Obsidian’s most refined releases in years, alongside its lacking technical issues. Mid-range hardware users can still experience great bugs including NPCs occasionally forgetting how to navigate as well as audio disarray. This game remains stable despite infrequent crashes and is a smooth experience overall.
Technical Performance and Final Verdict
Avowed is a success of modern RPG design despite having some flaws. It approaches roleplaying in a way that not only challenges players to make decisions, but deeply understand their implications. The game’s emblems of liberty, strife, and the wild power of nature intertwine with the story, transforming it into a compelling must-watch for great immersion enthusiasts.
Final Score: 9/10
