Avowed isn't a revolutionary game, but it's a delightful RPG that perfectly captures the spirit of exploration. It evokes the magic of Morrowind, that iconic RPG which redefined immersive worlds long before modern standards. Morrowind made every rock, bush, mountain, and even the ocean floor feel like a potential adventure, and Obsidian Entertainment has brilliantly recreated that sense of discovery in Avowed.
Table of Contents
- The World of Pillars of Eternity
- A Chaotic Welcome to Paradise
- Treasures Beneath Every Stone
- Stories Waiting to Be Discovered
- Endless Possibilities and Exploration
Set in the richly detailed world of Pillars of Eternity, Avowed welcomes players regardless of their familiarity with the series. While prior knowledge enhances the experience, the story unfolds organically through dialogue and environmental clues. You play an emissary chosen by the Emperor of Aedyr, sent to the Living Lands to investigate a strange fungal plague affecting souls and driving people mad. In this world, souls have a life cycle, passing into oblivion and eventually reincarnating. Your character is unique, touched at birth by one of the gods—though which one remains a mystery. This divine touch manifests as unusual growths on their head, causing fear among some.
A Chaotic Welcome to Paradise
Arriving in the Living Lands, your ship is attacked by crazed Aedyran guards, setting a chaotic tone. You arrive in Paradise—a fittingly ironic name—to find high-ranking officials missing, the city gates locked, and utter pandemonium. A classic RPG setup, and a perfect launchpad for exploration.
The joy of discovery is immediate. My first instinct? Diving into the sea near the port, uncovering sunken treasure while narrowly avoiding a watery grave. From there, I stumbled upon a smugglers' camp, overheard their plans, and made a hasty retreat after being spotted. Back in the port, I eagerly took on quests and explored every corner.
Treasures Beneath Every Stone
One highlight involved breaking into a locked house, looting its contents, and then scaling scaffolding like a mountain goat to reach a lighthouse. At the top: a treasure map, rare yellow-tier boots with a unique history, and breathtaking views. As night fell, the surrounding mushrooms illuminated, revealing hidden paths and secrets. The game is full of these moments. A chest hidden under spiderwebs in the sewers (burn them away!), coins in a nest perched precariously on beams, a backpack full of goodies hanging from a cliff, and a sun-baked skeleton below. Even throwing an ice grenade into the water freezes it, allowing access to submerged loot.
Stories Waiting to Be Discovered
These moments of discovery are constant. Supplies appear on rooftops, behind waterfalls, atop hills, leading to new quests, rare items, and compelling stories. I broke into a shack in the slums and met a blind man and his grieving wife, threatened by mercenaries. I helped a nobleman retrieve a lost ring from a sewer (which boosted my health regeneration—I kept it!). I found two lovers who died together, near a lift leading to the northern outskirts where guards examined a dead smuggler. Following the trail further, I battled through a reptilian camp and fought a giant, testing my skills and equipment.
Endless Possibilities and Exploration
In just eight hours, I experienced countless adventures without even touching the main questline. I focused on exploration, experimenting with different builds, and discovering item interactions. Shield and staff? Heavy armor and melee weapons? Each choice opened new possibilities. With unanswered questions and unexplored systems, my Avowed journey is far from over. Ahead lie hidden chests, untold stories, and forgotten treasures. Avowed delivers a constant stream of discoveries, a perfect reminder of why RPGs remain so captivating.
