Avowed by Obsidian Entertainment invites players into the expansive world of Eora, previously explored in the Pillars of Eternity series. Set in the uncharted Living Lands, the game offers a fresh perspective within this beloved universe.
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When Pillars of Eternity first launched in 2015, it was a love letter to the classic isometric RPGs of the late ‘90s and early 2000s, inspired by titles like Baldur’s Gate and Planescape: Torment. Developed by Obsidian Entertainment and crowdfunded through Kickstarter, Pillars of Eternity was a massive success, proving that there was still a ionate audience for deep, narrative-driven role-playing experiences. The game introduced players to the world of Eora, a land of warring nations, powerful deities, and a rich metaphysical system based on souls. Unlike many fantasy settings that borrow heavily from Tolkien, Eora was built around a more philosophical and morally complex foundation, where the nature of life, death, and the afterlife played central roles in the story. Players took on the role of a Watcher, a person capable of seeing and interacting with souls, allowing them to peer into past lives and uncover hidden truths.
The game’s lore was one of its greatest strengths. Eora was a world where gods were real, but their nature was shrouded in mystery. The central conflict of the game revolved around the Hollowborn Crisis, a phenomenon in which children were being born without souls, leading to widespread panic and religious upheaval. The player’s journey took them through ancient ruins, war-torn regions, and bustling cities, each filled with factions vying for power. One of the most fascinating aspects of the setting was the existence of the Engwithans, an ancient civilization that had once ruled over Eora and had a direct connection to the gods themselves. Through intricate storytelling and weighty moral choices, Pillars of Eternity created a world that felt both alive and deeply layered, cementing its place as one of the finest RPGs of its time.
A New Chapter in the World of Eora
The Living Lands are divided into distinct biomes, each with its own unique environment. Paradis, a coastal region, features the bustling port city where the Aedyran Empire has established its presence. Further inland lies the Emerald Stair, a lush, hilly area home to the town of Fior, known for its community of animancers. Shatterscarp, an arid landscape, houses the Rauataian settlement of Thirdborn, perched on coastal cliffs. Galawain’s Tusks, a mountainous zone dominated by an active volcano, contains the pargrun dwarven keep of Solace. These diverse regions provide a backdrop for exploration and adventure.
The Call of a Godlike
In Avowed, you assume the role of an envoy from the Aedyran Empire, dispatched to investigate a mysterious plague known as the Dreamscourge that is corrupting the Living Lands. As a Godlike—an individual touched by the gods at birth—you possess unique abilities and a personal connection to the land. Throughout your journey, you’ll uncover ancient secrets and face choices that will determine the fate of the Living Lands and its inhabitants.
Familiar Yet Refined Combat
Avowed draws clear inspiration from titles like Skyrim, offering both first-person and third-person perspectives. Combat is fluid and intuitive, allowing players to seamlessly switch between melee and magical attacks. You can wield two-handed weapons or dual-wield a sword and a spellbook, tailoring combat to your preferred playstyle. The system is designed to be accessible, ensuring that players can quickly adapt and find their preferred combat methods.
For those more interested in the narrative, a Story Mode is available, making combat encounters less challenging. This mode can be toggled on and off without penalty, providing flexibility for players who wish to focus on the story or adjust the difficulty as needed.
A World of Wonders and Limitations
The game’s world is expansive, with each biome accessible through gates that lead to loading screens. While this design choice may feel a bit dated and can momentarily disrupt immersion, the richness of each area compensates for it.
Throughout your journey, you’ll gather various flora and fauna, indicated by hand icons, which can be used for crafting and cooking. At your camp, you can prepare health potions and food recipes to aid you in your adventures. Weapons can also be upgraded and enchanted, though acquiring the necessary materials may require dedicated effort and exploration.
Companions and Choices That Matter
Avowed features a diverse cast of companions, each with their own abilities and backgrounds. You can have up to two companions accompany you at a time, and dialogue options may change depending on your party composition. Some quests require specific companions to complete, adding depth to party selection and strategy.
While there are no romance options in Avowed, you can engage in flirtatious dialogue, though it won’t lead to romantic relationships.
The game presents powerful and compelling female characters throughout its story. Notably, Inquisitor Lödwyn, a returning character from Pillars of Eternity II: Deadfire, plays a significant role. Additionally, Captain Ruiki serves under the Inquisitor, adding depth to the narrative. These characters contribute to a narrative rich in female empowerment.
A Beautiful Yet Flawed Experience
For all its strengths, Avowed isn’t without its shortcomings. While the world is vast and immersive, it suffers from modernist aesthetic choices that feel slightly out of place, particularly the neon UI elements reminiscent of Dragon Age: The Veilguard. Navigation can also be frustrating, as the map doesn’t always provide clear paths to quest objectives, leading to unnecessary detours and moments of trial and error.
The menu system, too, feels like an afterthought. Accessing important features, such as the map or inventory, requires multiple tab switches, making it less intuitive than it should be. For controller s, button mapping feels incomplete, and the inability to fully customize controls is an oversight that may hinder some players.
Final Verdict – A Strong Contender, But Not a Skyrim Killer
Avowed is an ambitious RPG that delivers an engaging world, solid combat, and meaningful player choice. While it may not dethrone Skyrim, it offers a satisfying experience for those yearning for a fresh take on the fantasy genre. Fans who were disappointed by Dragon Age: The Veilguard will find Avowed to be a breath of fresh air—proof that high-quality, narrative-driven RPGs still have a place in the industry.
With its strong storytelling, captivating characters, and deep role-playing elements, Avowed is well worth the journey. It may not be the ultimate Skyrim successor, but it certainly proves that Obsidian knows how to craft an RPG that feels both familiar and fresh.
Avowed is an enthralling adventure in the Living Lands, proving that the spirit of classic RPGs is alive and well.
Full Disclosure: We received a promotional copy of Avowed on PC for the purposes of this review.