While Avowed is a branch off the Pillars of Eternity series, its first appearance at the Xbox Games Showcase in 2020 sparked conversations likening it to The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim. From the dark, haunting atmosphere and muted color scheme to its first-person view and spell-casting combat, the reveal trailer was undeniably reminiscent of Bethesda’s iconic RPG. Given that Obsidian Entertainment, a studio with a history of crafting Bethesda-style games like Fallout: New Vegas, was at the helm, it seemed logical to assume Avowed might follow in Skyrim’s footsteps in terms of gameplay and scale.
Initially envisioned by Obsidian as a spiritual successor to Skyrim, Avowed has since carved out its own identity during development. The game still features the grandeur and complexity expected from a top-tier RPG, yet it operates within a more confined scope than giants like Skyrim or Fallout: New Vegas. Contrary to some early assumptions, Avowed doesn’t feature an open-world design, a myriad of companions to romance, or an overflow of side quests. Instead, it functions as a hub-based RPG, reminiscent of Obsidian’s earlier work, The Outer Worlds. Even though Avowed might seem more compact, leading some to suspect a lack of optional content compared to recent hits like Baldur’s Gate 3, developers from Obsidian assure that this isn’t the case.
In a chat with GamesRadar+, Bergo Ritger, the senior area designer, explained that crafting missable content was integral to Avowed’s design. By making not everything easily accessible, Obsidian aimed to offer a unique and personal adventure for each player. This approach encourages players to explore varied locations, engage in different activities, and spark discussions about what they might have missed. Ritger highlighted that the essence of RPGs lies in such depth and variability, making each journey special.
This philosophy mirrors the design of Baldur’s Gate 3, a highly successful RPG based on Dungeons & Dragons that debuted in 2023. For those unfamiliar, BG3 is teeming with optional, often-missable content. While its main narrative spans about 70 hours, fully experiencing the game requires well over double that time due to its choice-driven nature. Players are encouraged to embark on multiple playthroughs to truly uncover all its secrets.
The inclusion of missable content brings both benefits and drawbacks. For many, the chance to replay a game with different outcomes makes every decision more impactful. If everything were readily accessible regardless of choices, going through the game multiple times would lose its appeal. However, there are players who prefer a more straightforward experience without having to invest countless hours to see everything. For them, the ability to access most of the game’s content in one go is more desirable. While Obsidian’s choice-and-consequence approach in Avowed might not be everyone’s cup of tea, those who enjoy such dynamics in RPGs are likely to find the game genuinely engaging.
Set in the enchanting world of Eora introduced in the Pillars of Eternity series, Avowed transports players to the captivating yet perilous Living Lands. As an envoy from the distant realm of Aedyr, you’re tasked with investigating a mysterious plague spreading across this enigmatic island. Teeming with secrets and dangers, your mission unravels personal connections and unearths ancient mysteries threatening destruction. The challenge lies in saving both your soul and this foreign frontier from impending doom. With its planned launch in February 2025 on systems like PC and Xbox, Avowed stands poised to be a highly anticipated addition from the award-winning team at Obsidian Entertainment.
