Avowed isn't a revolutionary game, but it's a delightful RPG that truly captures the spirit of exploration. It evokes strong memories of Morrowind, that iconic RPG which redefined immersive worlds long before modern standards. Morrowind's sense of adventure permeated every element, from rocks and bushes to the ocean floor. Obsidian Entertainment has masterfully recreated this feeling 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 within the rich Pillars of Eternity universe, Avowed welcomes players to a detailed world without requiring prior knowledge of the series. While familiarity enhances the experience, the story unfolds organically through gameplay and conversation. 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 by a god at birth (though which god remains a mystery), this divine touch manifests as unusual growths on their head, causing fear in some.
A Chaotic Welcome to Paradise
Arrival in the Living Lands is anything but peaceful; your ship is attacked by crazed Aedyran guards. You arrive in the port city of Paradise—a name both ironic and fitting—to find chaos reigns supreme: high-ranking officials are missing, the city gates are closed, and pandemonium rules. A classic RPG setup, indeed.
Exploring quickly reveals the sheer joy of discovery. My first impulse? 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 accepted quests and explored every corner.
Treasures Beneath Every Stone
One memorable moment 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 new paths and secrets. The surprises are everywhere. Beneath the lighthouse, in the sewers, a chest hidden under spiderwebs awaits a fiery demise. Nearby, a nest perched precariously on beams holds coins. A backpack filled with goodies hangs from a cliff edge, while below, a weary skeleton basks in the sun. Even throwing an ice grenade into the water temporarily freezes it, allowing access to submerged loot.
Stories Waiting to Be Discovered
These moments of discovery are constant. Supplies appear unexpectedly on rooftops, behind waterfalls, atop hills—leading to new quests, rare relics, and intriguing scenarios. While scavenging in the slums, I broke into a shack and met a blind man and his grieving wife, whose lives were threatened by mercenaries. I also helped a nobleman retrieve a lost ring from a sewer (which, conveniently, boosted my health regeneration—I kept it!). Another touching encounter involved two lovers who died together, near a lift leading to northern outskirts where guards examined a dead smuggler. Following the trail further, I fought through a reptilian camp and faced a formidable giant, testing my combat skills and equipment.
Endless Possibilities and Exploration
In just eight hours, I experienced countless adventures without even touching the main questline or grinding. I focused on exploration, experimenting with different builds, and discovering item interactions. Whether wielding a shield and staff or heavy armor and melee weapons, each choice opened new possibilities. With many unanswered questions and unexplored systems, my Avowed journey is far from over. Ahead lie hidden chests, untold stories, and forgotten treasures. For now, the game provides an endless stream of discoveries, reminding me why RPGs remain so captivating.
