With Avowed, Obsidian Entertainment chooses to come back to its roots in RPGs, and it does so by creating a universe in the Pillars of Eternity as an action role-play game in first person perspective. Obsidian has always been known for making elaborate worlds and engaging stories, which makes us ready for another massive new journey. However, does Avowed stand up to the familiar 'Obsidian' legacy or does it fall into the trap of being another generic fantasy RPG? It is my assertion that enacting range through the fabric of this genre is near impossible, however, providing something worth your time is achievable and Avowed does deliver on that front. 

Gameplay & Mechanics

As with any foreign yet advanced RPG, at its center Avowed has RPGs fundamentals into place. You take on the role of a Godlike character with magical abilities, whose job is to uncover the reason behind the dreadful pandemic nicknamed as 'The Dreamscourge'. The gameplay loop is typical for a fantasy RPG: investigate various locations, use melee weapons and ranged bows in addition to magic spells to fight, and interact with the world so as the decisions made have meaningful consequences.

Avowed features satisfying and smooth combat that accommodates a variety of styles. It does not matter if you prefer casting elemental spells or using a sword and shield. Everyone has their own combat style. Spellcasters, specifically, will have a good time trying out various spells ranging from black holes to lightning storms. Although it may require some level of skill to excel in at the highest difficulty, the level of fairness makes it stand out. 

The game's exploration mechanics have also received a positive structural change, allowing for a freer form of movement. In The Living Lands, players are rewarded with hidden items after jumping on edges, climbing, and solving puzzles. Having this much verticality opens the door for adding more layers to the mechanics.

Lack of enemy diversity is one of the areas where the game fails. The boss fights may offer a bit of variety, but in general you'll be fighting the same assortment of skeletons, spiders, and oddly enough, bears most of the time. Such lackluster design serves to undermine the effort that went into crafting the lore rich world.

Story & Writing

What never fails to amaze is how Obsidian handles storytelling, and in Avowed, it is no different. The plot revolves around your search for the Dreamscourge, a peculiar disease that poses a danger to the Living Lands. While you do that, you will encounter many companions, each with their own purpose and a good share of backstory.  

The experience is enriched more so thanks to the companions. While Kai provides a dose of sarcasm through his witty banter as a reptilian mercenary, the no-nonsense approach from Yatzli, the flirtatious feline mage, keeps the jokes rife with relenting innuendos. Though romance options are non-existent, the variation in team members coupled with the rich dialogue is enough to develop strong bonds.  

Avowed fails to deliver value in romance but excels with the player's ability to influence the world. The choices you make in Avowed have tangible and definite consequences. Replay value is added thanks to the different endings that can be obtained due to how players choose to finish. The twist and turns of some plots lack originality, showing predictability but the journey is satisfying because of the storytelling.  

Verdict  

Avowed knows where action RPGs will not step foot into but manages to buffer the experience rather than redefining the genre. Polish along with enjoyment is guaranteed. From the captivating world full of danger and creativity comes the character writing and worldbuilding of Obsidian. The exploration leaves much to be desired while the combat is satisfying. There is also the matter of the genuine impact your decisions make.

As far as the cons are concerned, it can be noted that there are not enough enemies in the game to fight against. If you are looking for an innovative RPG, Avowed might not be the answer. However, if you want an entertaining adventure packed with lore and game-changing decisions, then it is practically mandatory.

Final Score: 8/10