Avowed: A Delightful RPG That Rekindles the Spirit of Exploration
Avowed isn't a revolutionary game, but it's a captivating RPG that will resonate deeply with exploration enthusiasts. It successfully evokes the spirit of Morrowind, the seminal RPG that set a new standard for immersive digital worlds. Like Morrowind, Avowed imbues every element of its environment – rocks, vegetation, mountains, even the ocean floor – with the promise of adventure. Obsidian Entertainment has masterfully recreated this 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
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Set within the Pillars of Eternity universe, Avowed welcomes players to a richly detailed world without demanding prior knowledge of the series. While familiarity with previous installments enhances the experience, the narrative unfolds organically through in-game interactions and environmental storytelling.
The player takes on the role of an emissary dispatched by the Emperor of Aedyr to the Living Lands to investigate a strange fungal plague that corrupts souls and drives individuals to madness. In this world, souls follow a cyclical journey, passing into oblivion after death before eventually reincarnating. The protagonist is unique; marked at birth by a deity (whose identity remains a mystery), they bear distinctive plant-like growths on their head, a feature that instills fear in some.
A Chaotic Welcome to Paradise
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The protagonist's arrival in the Living Lands is anything but peaceful, beginning with an attack on their ship by deranged Aedyran guards. Reaching the port city of Paradise (a name both fitting and ironic), they find the city in disarray: high-ranking officials are missing, the gates are sealed, and chaos reigns. This classic RPG trope sets the stage for adventure.
Exploration quickly reveals the sheer joy of discovery. Early explorations led to underwater treasure, a thrilling encounter with smugglers, and a wealth of quests within the port city itself.
Treasures Beneath Every Stone
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One standout moment involved breaking into a house, finding hidden loot, and then scaling a lighthouse, revealing a treasure map, unique boots, and stunning vistas. The nighttime illumination of surrounding mushrooms unveiled further secrets and pathways.
The game consistently rewards exploration. Hidden chests are found in sewers, coins nestled in precarious locations, and valuable supplies hidden on rooftops and cliffs. Even simple actions, like throwing an ice grenade into the water, open up new opportunities for discovery.
Stories Waiting to Be Discovered
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These moments of discovery are plentiful. Unexpected supplies lead to new quests, rare artifacts, and compelling stories. Helping a blind man and his wife, retrieving a nobleman's ring (which unexpectedly boosts health regeneration), and following the trail of a dead smuggler to a reptilian camp and a giant all highlight the richness of the narrative.
Endless Possibilities and Exploration
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In just eight hours, numerous adventures unfolded without focusing on the main questline or repetitive tasks. Experimenting with different character builds and item interactions opened up a world of possibilities, whether wielding a shield and staff or opting for heavy armor and melee combat.
With countless mysteries remaining and numerous systems yet to explore, the journey in Avowed is far from complete. A path of untold stories and forgotten treasures awaits. Avowed masterfully captures the enduring appeal of RPGs.