Avowed isn't revolutionary, but it's a delightful RPG that perfectly captures the spirit of exploration. It evokes strong memories of Morrowind, that iconic RPG which redefined immersive worlds long before modern gaming standards. Morrowind's sense of adventure permeated every element – rocks, bushes, mountains, even the ocean floor held the promise of discovery. Obsidian Entertainment has masterfully recreated this feeling, and their success is undeniable.
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
Set in the Pillars of Eternity universe, Avowed welcomes players to a richly detailed world, prior knowledge of the series isn't required. While familiarity enhances the experience, the story unfolds naturally through dialogue and environmental storytelling.
The plot follows an emissary sent by the Emperor of Aedyr to the Living Lands to investigate a mysterious fungal plague affecting souls and driving people mad. In this world, souls cycle through life, death, and reincarnation. Our protagonist is unique; touched by a god at birth (though which one remains a mystery), this divine mark manifests as unusual growths on their head, causing fear in some.
A Chaotic Welcome to Paradise
Arrival in the Living Lands is anything but peaceful; the protagonist's ship is attacked by maddened Aedyran guards. Reaching the port city of Paradise (a fittingly ironic name), they find high-ranking officials missing, the gates closed, and chaos reigning supreme. A classic RPG setup, indeed.
Exploration quickly reveals the sheer joy of discovery. My initial foray into the sea near the port yielded sunken treasure (after a near-drowning experience!). I then stumbled upon a smugglers' camp, overheard their plans, and made a hasty retreat after being discovered. Back in the port, I eagerly accepted quests and explored every corner.
Treasures Beneath Every Stone
One memorable moment involved breaking into a house, looting its contents, and then scaling scaffolding to reach a lighthouse. The reward? A treasure map, rare boots with a unique history, and stunning views. As night fell, the bioluminescent mushrooms illuminated new paths and secrets.
Surprises abound. A chest hidden under spiderwebs in the sewers (requiring a bit of fire magic), a coin-filled nest precariously perched on beams, a backpack filled with goodies hanging from a cliff, and a sun-baked skeleton below. Even an ice grenade cleverly froze the water, allowing me to retrieve submerged loot.
Stories Waiting to Be Discovered
Such moments of discovery are constant. Supplies appear on rooftops, behind waterfalls, and atop hills, leading to new quests, rare items, and intriguing scenarios. I encountered a blind man and his grieving wife threatened by mercenaries, helped a nobleman retrieve a health-boosting ring from a sewer (which I kept, of course!), and discovered two lovers who had died together near a lift leading to a northern area where guards examined a dead smuggler. This led to a reptilian camp and a challenging fight against a giant.
Endless Possibilities and Exploration
In just eight hours, I experienced countless adventures without focusing on the main quest. I explored, experimented with different builds, and discovered item interactions. Whether wielding a shield and staff or heavy armor and melee weapons, each choice opened new possibilities.
With many unanswered questions and unexplored systems, my Avowed journey is far from over. A path of hidden chests, untold stories, and forgotten treasures awaits. The game delivers a constant stream of discoveries, reminding me why RPGs remain a captivating genre.
