Avowed isn't a revolutionary game, but it's a delightful RPG that will capture the hearts of exploration enthusiasts. It evokes the spirit of Morrowind, that iconic RPG which redefined immersive worlds long before modern standards. Morrowind promised adventure everywhere – in every rock, bush, mountain, even the ocean floor. Obsidian Entertainment has brilliantly recreated that sense of discovery.
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 Pillars of Eternity universe, Avowed immerses players in a richly detailed world, requiring no prior knowledge of the series. While familiarity enhances the experience, the story unfolds naturally through dialogue and environmental clues.
You play an emissary chosen by the Emperor of Aedyr, sent to the Living Lands to investigate a mysterious fungal plague affecting souls and driving people mad. In this world, souls have a life cycle, passing into oblivion and eventually reincarnating. The protagonist is unique, touched at birth by a god (though which one remains a mystery). This divine touch manifests as peculiar 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 maddened Aedyran guards. Reaching the port city of Paradise (ironic, yet fitting), you find high-ranking officials missing, gates closed, and chaos reigning. A classic RPG setup!
Exploration immediately reveals the joy of discovery. My first act was diving into the sea near the port, uncovering sunken treasure (while narrowly avoiding drowning!). From there, I stumbled upon a smugglers' camp, eavesdropped, and made a hasty retreat after being discovered. Back in the port, I eagerly accepted quests and explored every corner.
Treasures Beneath Every Stone
One highlight: breaking into a locked house, looting it, then scaling scaffolding like a mountain goat to reach a lighthouse. At the top: a treasure map, rare boots with a unique backstory, and stunning views. As night fell, the surrounding mushrooms illuminated, revealing new paths and secrets. The surprises never end. Beneath the lighthouse, in the sewers, a chest lay hidden under spiderwebs (easily burned away!). Nearby, a nest of coins perched precariously on beams. A backpack full of goodies hung from a cliff edge, with a sun-baked skeleton below. Even throwing an ice grenade into the water temporarily froze it, allowing me to retrieve submerged loot.
Stories Waiting to Be Discovered
These moments of discovery are plentiful. Supplies appear unexpectedly on rooftops, behind waterfalls, atop hills, leading to new quests, rare items, and intriguing scenarios. 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 also found two lovers who died together, near a lift leading to northern outskirts where guards examined a dead smuggler. Following the trail, I battled through a reptilian camp and faced a formidable giant, testing my combat skills and equipment.
Endless Possibilities and Exploration
In eight hours, I experienced countless adventures without focusing on the main quest or repetitive grinding. I explored, experimented with character builds, and learned 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. The game offers a constant stream of discoveries, reminding me why RPGs remain so captivating.
