Avowed for Xbox Series X|S

A full version program for Xbox Series X|S, by Obsidian Entertainment.

Avowed is an open-world fantasy role-playing game from Obsidian. Set in the original world of Eora, this game will have two large cities with major landmarks and diverse zones that you can explore. It will also have first-person combat, which focuses on casting spells in addition to sword-wielding.

Like the other titles from Obsidian, Avowed will have ambitious physics simulation when it comes to magic. This game is said to be like the popular RPG, The Elder Scroll V: Skyrim, but several times bigger and denser, and with an increased focus on storytelling.

A prequel to Pillars of Eternity?

Although set in an original world, players need to note that Eora takes place in the same world as Obsidian’s Pillars of Eternity franchise. Though unconfirmed, it is said that the game will function as a prequel to the series, filling the gap in its lore. There are lots of connective tissue in features, such as the use of Aedyran, a fictional language in the Pillars canon. Fans of the series will also notice the symbol for the god Woedica used on the castle flag in this game. 

The creatures and wildlife are also based on the Pillars lore, but some additions are original to the game. Avowed will feature a real-time weather system, where fog plays a big role. The developer also makes use of updated AI systems to create a more reactive world, with a special focus on physics with magic systems. On top of that, the character creation in the game will also be very advanced and detailed.    

Like Skyrim, there will be lots of factions in this game. However, how it works won’t be similar to Skyrim. In the game, the players must work to fight against an incoming threat of tyranny. They will face lots of boss battles—some of which are larger than them. If you like killing other characters, the game has an option to kill everyone—even key NPCs. 

Skyrim, but more story-driven

Whereas Skyrim focuses more on a massive open-world experience, with the story being a loose guide to the world, Avowed is set to take a different approach. Although both games are steeped in high fantasy lore, Avowed is poised to tie its narrative and its gameplay progression closer together. One focus of the game is the companion system, filled with characters whose backstories also drive the game’s storytelling.

The same core difference also extends to combat mechanics. Granted, both games are the sword and magic variety of RPGs, but Avowed surprised a lot of eager fans when it decided to include guns in the game. Beyond that, this game promises more mix-and-match possibilities for gameplay between the melee, ranged, and magic skills available. Also, the difference between its Companions and Skyrim’s Followers remains to be seen.

A mix of similar features

For a new game, Avowed seemed to be a game already released for years. The game shares a lot of similarities—not just to the games created by its developer, but to other action-RPGs, as well. However, that does not derail the game from providing its players with an interesting action-packed experience.