Dense, meaningful and simply phenomenal, an RPG that does everything right.
Disclosure: Xbox and Obsidian Entertainment provided the game for review.
Avowed had people worried. The reveal blew everyone away, the next showing looked like a step back, and skepticism hung around right up to launch. Forget all that. Obsidian’s RPG set in the world of Pillars of Eternity is dense, meaningful and simply phenomenal, an RPG that does everything right. It’s a game of the year contender, and it’s on Game Pass.
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Story
You’re a godlike and the Emperor’s envoy, sent to the Living Lands to rid them of a disease called the Dreamscourge. Your status leads to some funny moments, like people just letting you take their stuff because of who you are. We took a lot of stuff. Underneath, the story digs into regret, power, forgiveness and self-acceptance, and your choices shape it in big ways, from small calls like getting someone out of jail to major world-altering decisions later on.
Character creation is top notch, and your godlike birthmark is a cool touch you can hide if you want. The writing is so well done. Each of the four main companions has unique skills that affect gameplay and a personal story worth exploring, and side missions and bounties are full of characters with compelling tales of their own. You can go as deep or as surface level as you want. It took about 70 hours to finish, and there’s easily another 30 in side content.
Gameplay
Combat is where Avowed really shines, with weight and satisfaction behind every hit. It’s intuitive and deep in first or third person. I played the whole thing in first person after trying third for a bit. Independent dual wielding is the standout: swing a sword with one hand while casting a spell or firing a pistol with the other. Melee feels visceral, bows, pistols and rifles demand precision and positioning, and magic can reshape the battlefield. Swapping mid-fight from a great hammer to sniping with a bow to a magical storm keeps every battle fresh.
The skill tree is vast and supports any build, whether you’re a stealth archer, a spell-slinging mage or a tanky warrior. Exploration rewards you constantly, with hidden areas that mix combat with environmental tricks like using magic to clear a path or precise shots to hit distant mechanisms. Climbing and platforming are smooth, and sending excess items back to camp means over-encumbrance never stops your momentum. My only wish is a New Game+ mode, because you’ll want to keep playing in this world.
Visuals
Built on Unreal Engine 5.3, Avowed is one of the best-looking games out there. Lighting, textures, hair and fur are beautifully rendered, and pops of color sell the fantasy. In quality mode, stepping from bright daylight into a dark cave looks like your eyes adjusting in real life. The art direction is where it truly shines, turning gorgeous concept art into a world that’s unique and varied around every corner. At night the sky fills with stars and fungi glow, every biome has its own look, and the clouds alone are stunning. You’ll stop just to admire the view. A lot.
Sound
Wind and wildlife build an authentic atmosphere, and the score rises and falls with the action, highlighting guitar or violin at key moments. Subtle audio cues for nearby items guide exploration without being intrusive, and little touches like wet footsteps after leaving water add immersion. Your character isn’t voiced, but the NPC cast is top notch, and you can overhear companions chatting at camp.
Verdict
Avowed is amazing. Stunning visuals, an engaging story, fun gameplay and deep combat make it one of the most enjoyable RPGs we’ve played, the kind of game where you feel empowered by your choices and enjoy every moment, whether you’re fighting, talking or just taking in the scenery.
Image: Obsidian Entertainment / Xbox Game Studios
More on OnPoint: The Outer Worlds 2 Review: Obsidian’s Masterpiece and Gears of War: E-Day Review: The Coalition Built a Showpiece With a Heart.
The verdict: Masterpiece
Dense, meaningful and simply phenomenal, an RPG that does everything right.
Pros
- Gorgeous Unreal Engine 5.3 visuals and art direction
- Dynamic combat with independent dual wielding
- Choices that genuinely shape the story
- Well-written companions and side content
- Huge skill tree supporting any build
Cons
- No New Game+ mode
Platform played: Xbox
Where to buy
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