A colossal statue of a decaying knight, his armor ravaged by time and adorned with unsettling, realistic mushrooms, has materialized in London. This striking installation, a chilling testament to the plague afflicting the world of Avowed, is the work of Xbox. Serving as both a captivating art piece and a stark warning, it plunges onlookers into the grim reality of the game's Dreamscourge infection. Accompanying posters promoting Avowed for Xbox Series X|S further immerse the urban landscape, transforming a typical street into a gateway to the game's captivating world.
To showcase the creation of this ominous display, Xbox has unveiled an official behind-the-scenes video on YouTube, providing fans with an intimate glimpse into the making of this unique promotional endeavor.
The game itself has already garnered significant acclaim from Steam users. A remarkable 81% of Deluxe Edition players gave it a thumbs-up even before its official release, generating considerable anticipation for today's Standard Edition launch.
Industry veteran Jason Schreier shared his enthusiastic appraisal of Avowed, highlighting its exceptional world design, compelling narrative, and engaging combat system—but particularly its unparalleled exploration:
"Avowed has completely captivated me. Obsidian's storytelling and combat are, as expected, superb, but the world design is truly exceptional. Every path leads somewhere, every rooftop is accessible, and there's always a hidden gem waiting to be discovered. Even after 40 hours, I'm still eager to explore more."
Schreier also acknowledged a disparity between critical reception and player enthusiasm, drawing parallels to Fallout: New Vegas:
"Some reviews have taken me by surprise. It mirrors the Fallout: New Vegas situation—critics were divided, yet players elevated it to legendary status. Avowed might follow a similar trajectory."
Fallout: New Vegas, despite an initial Metacritic score of 83, ultimately achieved iconic RPG status. Could Avowed be destined for a similar ascent to RPG greatness?