Avowed finally arrives after more than 5 years since Obsidian Entertainment’s last big epic, The Outer Worlds. Set in the world of Pillars of Eternity, Avowed is a first-person action RPG that brings a medieval fantasy setting closer to Outer Worlds. While not reaching the epic status of Bethesda’s titles, Avowed is still a lot of fun despite its errors and quirks. Obsidian has warned players to expect some “jank,” but for many, that’s part of the charm.
### Impactful Narrative with Player Choices
Avowed showcases Obsidian’s signature narrative style, allowing players to have an impact on the world and main storyline. The game delves into political, social, and ecological issues within a fantasy realm, presenting players with choices that affect the outcome of the game. Exploring different areas and completing missions reveal the consequences of your decisions, making each playthrough unique.
### Dynamic and Engaging Combat System
The combat gameplay in Avowed is a standout feature, offering a good level of challenge while maintaining accessibility for all players. Players can choose from different classes and customize their character’s abilities to suit their playstyle. Combat encounters, especially boss fights, require quick reflexes and strategic thinking, adding depth to the gameplay experience. The ability to mix and match weapons and spells creates a dynamic combat system that keeps players engaged throughout the game.
Despite its technical shortcomings, Avowed’s gameplay and storytelling make it a worthwhile experience for fans of action RPGs. With its engaging combat system and impactful narrative, Avowed offers a fun and immersive gaming experience that will keep players entertained for hours.
After spending almost 40 hours playing Avowed for the first time and completing about 80% of the optional content, it’s safe to say that Obsidian’s visual component leaves much to be desired. The weak animations, especially evident during conversations or in third-person view, may make you question if you’re playing a game from 2025 by a major publisher. The real disappointment, however, lies in the image quality.
On an Xbox Series X, you have three different modes to choose from, none of which are particularly convincing in terms of performance or image quality. The quality mode offers good graphic quality with sharp images and textures, but the 30fps performance is lacking. The performance mode, aiming for 60fps, improves gameplay but sacrifices image quality. It’s a trade-off where you wish for the best of both worlds.
The texture quality can be lacking at times, with basic graphics and dated moments. However, the main issue lies in the lack of image sharpness and visual artifacts that can make playing Avowed for extended periods challenging. Combined with poor animations, the game feels surprisingly outdated technically.
There are occasional errors that can test your patience, from glitches with item redemption to disappearing loot after defeating mini-bosses. The AI in the game, both allies and enemies, is not the best, leading to awkward moments in combat and exploitable strategies.
Final Verdict
Despite its flaws, Avowed still offers engaging gameplay and an intriguing storyline. While there are areas for improvement, the overall experience can be enjoyable for those willing to overlook some technical issues.
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