Avowed may not redefine the RPG genre, but it certainly charms fans of exploration with its delightful gameplay. It evokes the nostalgic thrill of Morrowind, a pioneering RPG that set new standards for immersive worlds. In Morrowind, every corner of the environment promised adventure, from rocks to the ocean floor. Obsidian Entertainment has embraced the challenge of recapturing this sense of discovery, and early impressions suggest they've achieved it with finesse.
The World of Pillars of Eternity
Image: x.com
Set within the expansive universe of Pillars of Eternity, Avowed welcomes players into a meticulously crafted world, even if they're new to the series. While knowing the backstory can enrich the experience, the game's narrative unfolds seamlessly through dialogues and environmental storytelling.
You play as an emissary sent by the Emperor of Aedyr to the Living Lands, tasked with unraveling the mystery of a fungal plague that's corrupting souls and causing insanity. In this world, souls follow a cycle of life, death, and rebirth. Your character, marked by a divine touch from birth, sports unique plant-like growths on their head, which can evoke fear or curiosity in others.
A Chaotic Welcome to Paradise
Image: x.com
Your journey begins tumultuously as your ship is assaulted by maddened Aedyran guards upon reaching the Living Lands. Arriving at the ironically named port city of Paradise, you're met with closed gates and rampant chaos, a classic scenario beloved by RPG aficionados.
The thrill of exploration is immediate. I plunged into the sea near the port, uncovering sunken treasures while dodging the risk of drowning. A chance encounter at a smugglers' camp led to eavesdropping on their schemes and a narrow escape. Back in the city, I eagerly took on quests, eager to explore every hidden corner.
Treasures Beneath Every Stone
Image: x.com
A standout moment was breaking into a locked house, pilfering its contents, and then climbing scaffolding to reach a lighthouse. At its peak, I found a treasure map, rare yellow-tier boots with a fascinating backstory, and stunning vistas. As dusk fell, glowing mushrooms illuminated new paths and hidden secrets.
The world is brimming with surprises. Beneath the lighthouse, a chest awaited discovery under spiderwebs that needed to be burned away. Perched on beams, a nest held coins, while a cliff's edge sported a backpack full of goodies. Even the water could be temporarily frozen with an ice grenade to retrieve submerged loot.
Stories Waiting to Be Discovered
Image: x.com
Such moments of discovery are plentiful. Supplies unexpectedly appear on rooftops, behind waterfalls, and atop hills, leading to new quests, rare relics, and intriguing scenarios. In the slums, I broke into a shack to find a blind man and his mourning wife, threatened by mercenaries. Another adventure saw me helping a nobleman retrieve a lost ring from a sewer, which I kept for its health regeneration benefits.
I stumbled upon the tragic scene of two lovers who died together, near a lift leading to the northern outskirts where guards inspected a dead smuggler. This trail led me to confront a reptilian camp and battle a formidable giant, testing my combat prowess and gear.
Endless Possibilities and Exploration
Image: x.com
Within just eight hours of gameplay, I encountered numerous adventures without touching the main questline or engaging in repetitive grinding. My focus was on exploring, experimenting with various character builds, and understanding item interactions. Whether wielding a shield and staff or switching to heavy armor and melee weapons, each decision opened new possibilities.
With many mysteries still unsolved and systems yet to be explored, my journey in Avowed is far from over. The promise of hidden chests, untold stories, and forgotten treasures lies ahead. This game offers an unending sequence of discoveries, reminding us why RPGs continue to captivate gamers.
