Obsidians legacy is so locked with Bethesdas efforts over the past 10 years.
The developer must know these comparisons will come up.
But then, this game feels more in Obsidians wheelhouse than any possible comparison you could make.
© Image: Obsidian Entertainment
Its world and characters are bathed in a bright, ultraviolet (and occasionally ultra-violent) kind of nuance.
Still, beyond that, Avowed is a game that simply plays better than many of its contemporaries.
Eora, the setting for both Pillars andAvowed, is already odd.
© Image: Obsidian Entertainment
Peoples souls are tangible things.
Your player is Godlike, a mortal being somehow born touched by a god.
All you know is you have mushroom-like growths and antler-like tree limbs growing out of your head.
© Image: Obsidian Entertainment
Its enough for most people to distrust you, but luckily, you have authority on your side.
These Lands are, indeed, very Living.
you might immediately grasp the themes at hand.
© Image: Obsidian Entertainment
Youre a representative of an empire, a colonizing force bringing civilization to people who may not want it.
Not only are people wary of you because of your looks, but because of what you represent.
However, theres nothing like that inAvowed.
Instead, your dialogue choices are dictated by your background and your six attributes.
At one point in my demo, I ran across a group of graverobbers.
This fine group of ruffians just happened to be at the gravesite I planned to rob.
I asked if we couldnt just let bygones be bygones, but their leader didnt like that idea.
That wasnt the case all the time.
You will find groups of Lizardmen-like Xarips who dont ask questions before throwing knives in your direction.
This isnt the RPG where it’s possible for you to just start murdering civilians.
I slashed and stabbed at dockworkers and merchants alike, and nothing happened.
Thats clear with your first companion, the affable, sardonic Kai.
Kai is an Aumaua, a race of beings with a large, mostly navy-based empire.
He joined his countrys navy, only to become disillusioned and desert.
Hes not exactly ashamed of his past, but you’re free to tell he has regrets.
One of my initial quests involved a woman who claimed a hoard of Xaurips invaded her home.
It was a short but subtly interesting twist on a very mundane quest.
In Obsidians RPG, your attacks are practically homing missiles at the enemy before you.
Each swipe with a blade hits with a meaty crunch.
Best of all, the criticals have their own special animation, depending on the weapon.
Its quick and satisfying, though I wouldnt exactly call it tactical.
you’re free to duel wield anything that takes up a single hand.
That includes dual wands, but also a wand and shield.
The grimoire is especially interesting.
This uses up the character Essence, which you refill withyou guessed ita potion.
You have true freedom to throw your skill points wherever you want.
I only wonder how well it can sustain itself for a full runtime.
I guess all I want is that Skyrim sense of whats over the next hill?
but with Obsidians dialogue and attention to detail.
Based on what I played,Avowedis almost there.
Avowedis currently slated to release on PC and Xbox Series S/X on Feb. 18, 2025.
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