Avowed is Obsidian’s newest venture into the world of fantasy RPGs. Set in the lively and colourful Living Lands of Eora, it offers a more approachable experience compared to the complex mechanics of their Pillars of Eternity series. Picture a streamlined version of Skyrim, it’s smaller in scale but brimming with personality and charm.
Experience a flexible combat and class system that lets you seamlessly mix and match skills, freeing you from the constraints of a single playstyle. The gameplay is sharp and refined, striking a perfect balance between magic and weapon-based combat. While the world isn’t fully open, it’s divided into diverse, vibrant zones, each teeming with character, rich world-building, and unique ecosystems.
Grimoires are used in your off-hand so you’ll need to choose between magic or a shield. You’ll have 4 spells to choose depending on which one you are using. The spell types are glorious and feel very Dungeons and Dragons right down to their version of the Magic Missile which they call Minor Missiles and are a must to level up early to give you great ranged attack at a minimal cost.
Companions are easy to manage, featuring engaging side stories that add depth to the experience. Their skill trees and equipment are intentionally streamlined, allowing you to stay focused on the action and conversations with them mainly happen back at camp when you get some downtime. Choices carry meaningful narrative consequences, without the complexity of a reputation system. Meanwhile, gear upgrades are intuitive and rewarding, striking the perfect balance between simplicity and satisfaction.
The game impresses visually with its vibrant and distinctive environments, although the character models and lip-syncing show their age. Beards, for instance, appear unnaturally attached, as if simply glued on.
I also found it didn’t run great in “Quality Mode” on the Xbox Series X. It was a bit janky but ran perfectly fine in “Performance Mode” even though when walking into rooms that had natural light beams shining through the windows would show as horrible dots rather than blended beauty.
The standout performance in character voice acting comes from Brendan Keener, who brings the companion Kai to life. Fans of the Mass Effect series will recognise Keener as the voice behind Garret, showcasing his exceptional talent once again.
Avowed is a fantasy lover’s dream, blending intricate politics, compelling storytelling, and diverse combat mechanics, all while remaining accessible to newcomers.
While it may not revolutionise the genre, Avowed is a well-crafted and thoroughly enjoyable RPG that stays true to its promise of adventure. For those seeking a more accessible, lighter alternative to Skyrim, Avowed stands out as a top choice, and it’s conveniently available on Xbox Game Pass.
