Obsidian’s ‘Avowed’ Offers Familiar RPG Comforts with Stunning Visuals

REDMOND, Wash. — Obsidian Entertainment has returned to its action RPG roots with the highly anticipated release of ‘Avowed‘, launched on February 18, 2025. Set in the fantastical universe of Eora, the game transports players into the vibrant and perilous Living Lands, where they take on the role of a Godlike envoy tasked with unraveling the mysteries behind a devastating plague known as the Dreamscourge.

At its core, ‘Avowed’ embodies the familiar RPG tropes that fans have come to love, such as gathering loot from fallen enemies, engaging in richly scripted dialogues, and exploring expansive open-world environments. Players may find themselves exchanging dark backstories around campfires with companions, an homage to classic RPG storytelling.

The game begins as players delve into the Living Lands, an expansive environment filled with majestic landscapes, including lush forests, desolate deserts, and intricately designed caves. Obsidian’s signature world-building shines through as players encounter a variety of side quests, each involving quirky characters and moral dilemmas that impact the game’s narrative.

“Unraveling the mystery of the Dreamscourge is a journey well worth experiencing,” said lead designer Charlie Fong. “Your choices throughout the game can lead to substantial changes in the fate of the Living Lands, making each playthrough uniquely yours.”

Combat in ‘Avowed’ presents a satisfying blend of melee and magical abilities. Players can choose from an array of character builds, utilizing spells and weapons to defeat various adversaries, from vile undead creatures to anthropomorphic foes. “While the combat mechanics are solid, some players may find the variety of foes lacking,” noted gaming critic Sarah Lee. “Repeated encounters with certain enemy types can become tedious, diluting the initial thrill of battle.”

The game’s dialogue system stands out as a highlight, allowing players to make meaningful choices that influence relationships with companions and locals. “The depth of interaction and story choices feels vibrant and engaging, reminiscent of other hits from Obsidian,” remarked reviewer Tim Robinson.

However, some critiques have emerged regarding the combat experience. Despite the extensive arsenal available, players have reported that the mechanics can feel imprecise. “Combat may not always reward player skill, as outcomes often rely on gear quality rather than tactical choices,” stated gamer blog ‘RPG Insights‘.

Visually, ‘Avowed’ offers a stunningly crafted world, with biomes rich in detail that encourage players to explore. “The Living Lands are alive, colorful, and filled with unique sights,” commented critic Megan White. “Yet, players may find that the exploration can lead to moments of emptiness if revisiting areas where enemies do not respawn.”

Players can enjoy some modern conveniences too, such as a stamina system that allows unlimited running and generous encumbrance limits when collecting loot. “These features enhance the overall gameplay experience by reducing annoyances typically associated with RPG mechanics,” mentioned Fong.

In sum, ‘Avowed’ offers a blend of nostalgia for veteran RPG fans with fresh, delightful storytelling and character development. While it may not break new ground in terms of gameplay innovation, its captivating visuals and engaging narrative remind players why they fell in love with Obsidian’s work. “It’s not a revolutionary step forward, but it’s a wonderfully nostalgic adventure that fans of traditional RPGs will appreciate,” added Lee.