Avowed

2025 - 2 - 13

Avowed: Where Fantasy Meets Adventure — But Is It All Just Hype?

Avowed - Elder Scrolls - fantasy gaming - game reviews - Obsidian Entertainment - RPG - Steam Deck

Dive into the enchanting yet puzzling world of Avowed! Join us as we explore its wonders, spectacular lore, and why the combat might leave you yawn-ing!

Avowed has burst onto the gaming scene, capturing the imaginations of RPG fans with its sprawling fantasy world, intricate lore, and characters that stick with you longer than a stubborn piece of gum on your shoe. Created by Obsidian Entertainment, the minds behind hits like Fallout: New Vegas and Pillars of Eternity, this title promises a combination of deep storytelling and immersive mechanics. Players are drawn into choices that genuinely matter, impacting the way the narrative unfolds. You could find yourself making alliances with a motley crew of colorful characters or getting lost in morally complex dilemmas that would make even the most seasoned adventurer scratch their head.

As you traverse the vast landscapes and detailed environments, you’ll encounter everything from lush forests to ominous caverns, all teeming with life and lore. The visual aesthetics are nothing short of beautiful. However, it’s not all rainbows and butterflies. Critics have noted that while the world is enticing and filled with texture, the combat and exploration can feel somewhat repetitive. You might find your sword swinging a little too much—like your mate who can’t stop telling the same old story at the pub about that one time in college.

Then comes the gameplay, the bread and butter of any RPG worth its salt. Avowed’s combat encourages experimentation, giving players a toolkit of spells and abilities that promote tactical play—but sometimes it feels like a dance where one partner is just a bit out of sync. Though many players relish the depth of its mechanics, others find themselves yearning for more finesse in battles. When your fierce dragon-self is ready for combat, it’s disappointing if the clashes leave you feeling flat, like a pint of Guinness that’s been sitting too long.

What makes Avowed stand out is its ability to capture those moments of wonder, reminiscent of our first experiences with gaming legends. It may not always reach the dizzying heights of innovation, yet it has successfully managed to rekindle the spirit of adventurous discovery in players. It’s a world where you can lose yourself, be charmed by quirky townsfolk, and even find a wisp of humor amid the tragedy of loss and battle.

Fun fact: Did you know that Obsidian was founded by former employees of Interplay Entertainment? This powerhouse team has been crafting engaging stories and thought-provoking gameplay for nearly two decades! And for the trivia lovers, the game was conceived during the turbulent time of other major RPG releases. You could say it’s like hosting a party where every guest has brought their unique dish, and while some may be delightful, others might just need a little room to grow!

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Image courtesy of "The Guardian"

Avowed review – Annihilation meets Oblivion in a vast, intricate ... (The Guardian)

Obsidian's huge, heavily detailed fantasy world has a lot of variety and texture, and interesting people to meet - but the combat and exploration wear thin.

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Image courtesy of "BreakingNews.ie"

Avowed review: A gripping fantasy RPG where your choices truly ... (BreakingNews.ie)

Obsidian have delivered a refined RPG with compelling characters and varied combat which rewards experimentation.

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Image courtesy of "IGN"

Avowed Review - IGN (IGN)

Avowed Review · A perfectly competent RPG that showcases Obsidian's writing and worldbuilding chops, but has little else to distinguish itself. · What level of ...

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Image courtesy of "Forbes"

'Avowed' Review (PC): An Excellent 'Elder Scrolls' Intermission (Forbes)

Avowed is a new Xbox exclusive from the storied Obsidian, a fantasy adventure that is a worthwhile investment, even if it doesn't take up all that much of ...

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Image courtesy of "VICE"

'Avowed' Is the First Time I Felt Wonder in a First-Person RPG Since ... (VICE)

'Avowed' is one of those games that took me by surprise, offering an amazing amount of depth, lore, and beauty within its world.

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Image courtesy of "Forbes"

'Avowed' Runs Well On Steam Deck, But Do This First (Forbes)

If you're a Steam Deck owner hoping to explore the Living Lands of Obsidian's Avowed on your favorite handheld, I'm happy to deliver some good news.

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Image courtesy of "IGN Nordic"

Avowed Review Screenshots (IGN Nordic)

Avowed is a perfectly competent RPG that showcases Obsidian's writing and worldbuilding chops, but has little else to distinguish itself among ...

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Image courtesy of "WIRED"

Director of the Game 'Avowed' Says AI Can't Replace Human ... (WIRED)

Good game stories are going to be written by good narrative designers,” says Obsidian's Carrie Patel. The new fantasy RPG she helmed gets an early release ...

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Image courtesy of "The Washington Post"

The biggest twist of 'Avowed': Great in fighting, not the writing (The Washington Post)

Avowed” isn't Obsidian's perfect RPG, but Xbox's first big exclusive of the year is a surprisingly nice combat and exploration vehicle with an uneven ...

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Image courtesy of "PC Gamer"

I grabbed this badass flaming sword in the first 4 hours of Avowed ... (PC Gamer)

This badass fire sword will carry you through the early game and beyond.

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Image courtesy of "Rock Paper Shotgun"

Avowed and the Steam Deck make for uneasy partymates (Rock Paper Shotgun)

Avowed sort-of works on the Steam Deck, though shaky performance means it's not the ideal way to play Obsidian's RPG.

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