Avowed: Obsidian’s Familiar RPG Adventure with a Touch of Magic

SEATTLE, Wash. — Obsidian Entertainment returns to its role-playing game roots with “Avowed,” set to release on February 18, 2025. Rooted in the fantasy universe of the “Pillars of Eternity” series, the game presents a familiar, action-packed RPG experience that merges traditional tropes with Obsidian’s signature writing and world-building.

Players take on the role of a Godlike character, endowed with magical abilities and tasked with investigating the Dreamscourge, a plague of madness affecting the continent of the Living Lands. The narrative sets the stage for epic quests, with players engaging in combat against a variety of foes including reanimated skeletons and lizard folk, a hallmark of the genre.

As characters embark on their journey, they must explore richly crafted environments, ranging from stunning caves to treacherous landscapes, while mastering spells and melee combat. “Avowed” features a dynamic combat system, allowing combatants to switch between ranged attacks and magical spells, and edit their playstyle with unique character builds.

The dialogue and story, praised for their depth, drive the experience as players make choices that impact the unfolding narrative and the fate of the Living Lands. Players described interactions with companions as lively, with each character exuding unique personalities. “Bantering alongside your four companions is delightful,” noted one early player, highlighting the appeal of character dynamics within the context of the game.

However, some critics have pointed out that the game leans heavily on conventions from past RPGs, which may result in a lack of innovative storytelling. With a mixture of side quests and main plotlines, the game offers tons of lore for exploration, engaging those willing to dive deep into the world.

While combat mechanics have been improved, allowing for both magic and melee skills to shine, players expressed that a repetitive set of enemies detracted from the sense of challenge. “For the vast majority of my 50-hour completionist run, I found myself fighting the same handful of enemy types,” stated one reviewer, who noted the excessive presence of bears throughout the game.

Exploration remains rewarding, with hidden treasures and side quests waiting to be uncovered in the open-world hubs. Players can traverse this expansive terrain using a new parkour system, adding verticality and movement options not traditionally seen in the genre.

In a landscape crowded with complex RPGs, “Avowed” aims to attract players looking for a more streamlined experience. It achieves praise for its technical stability, with few reported glitches during initial gameplay. As the release date approaches, anticipation builds for this latest entry from Obsidian, a studio known for creating captivating worlds filled with nuanced choices.