Introduction: Obsidian Entertainment, the studio behind acclaimed RPGs like The Outer Worlds and Pillars of Eternity, is set to release Avowed, a first-person role-playing game (RPG) that has captured the attention of the gaming community. Set in the world of Eora, the same universe as Pillars of Eternity, Avowed promises an immersive experience blending deep storytelling with compelling gameplay. Here’s everything we know about Avowed, including its anticipated features, gameplay mechanics, and what fans can expect from the release.
1. The World of Eora in Avowed
Obsidian’s Avowed takes place in the fictional world of Eora, a richly developed setting from the Pillars of Eternity series. Known for its intricate lore and diverse environments, Eora is a perfect playground for an RPG focused on exploration, magic, and mythology. Unlike Pillars of Eternity, which is an isometric RPG, Avowed brings players closer to the action with a first-person perspective, which is expected to heighten immersion and make exploration more engaging.
This world is filled with ancient ruins, mythical creatures, and a complex social hierarchy that players will have to navigate carefully. Fans of The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim might find similarities here, as Avowed is expected to offer an open world filled with quests, hidden locations, and endless exploration opportunities.
2. Gameplay Mechanics and RPG Elements
The gameplay mechanics in Avowed seem to focus heavily on player choice and immersive combat. From the early trailers and developer insights, it’s clear that Obsidian is putting a lot of effort into crafting a robust combat system that incorporates a mix of melee, ranged, and magical attacks. Weapons appear customizable, and spellcasting is set to be a core feature, allowing players to choose between various schools of magic to suit their preferred play style.
One standout feature is the dual-wielding combat style, allowing players to hold weapons in one hand while casting spells with the other. This setup gives players the freedom to create unique combat combinations, offering a personalized approach to battle. For example, you might want to wield a sword while casting a fire spell for additional damage or use a shield and defensive spells to enhance protection.
3. Deep Storytelling and Choice-Driven Narrative
As with other Obsidian games, Avowed will place a strong emphasis on storytelling and moral choices. The player’s actions and dialogue choices are expected to influence the storyline, leading to multiple endings based on the paths taken. Obsidian’s storytelling approach is renowned for offering complex, morally ambiguous scenarios where choices aren’t always black and white.
The developers have hinted that factions will play a significant role in the game, allowing players to align with different groups, each with unique goals and ideologies. These factions will influence not only how the story unfolds but also the type of quests players can embark upon and the allies or enemies they’ll make along the way.
4. Graphics and Visuals: A New Look for Obsidian
One of the most exciting aspects of Avowed is its visual style. While Pillars of Eternity had a more traditional fantasy RPG look, Avowed appears to push the boundaries with highly detailed graphics and dynamic lighting. The first-person perspective combined with these visuals aims to deliver a truly immersive experience.
From the trailers, we can see realistic environmental details, intricate character designs, and spell effects that promise to be visually stunning. The game will reportedly use Unreal Engine 5, a powerful tool that can bring Obsidian’s vision to life with high-quality graphics, lifelike animations, and smooth transitions.
5. Multiplayer or Single-Player Focus?
While Obsidian hasn’t confirmed whether Avowed will have a multiplayer mode, the game is primarily designed as a single-player experience. However, some speculation has hinted at the possibility of co-op gameplay or multiplayer modes being introduced post-launch or as part of an expansion.
For fans of classic single-player RPGs, Avowed is set to deliver a rich, standalone experience that doesn’t require an internet connection to enjoy. This approach allows players to delve deeply into Eora’s lore and the intricate plot without any external distractions.
6. Release Date and Platform Availability
Obsidian has been relatively quiet about the exact release date for Avowed. However, industry insiders suggest that the game is likely to launch in 2024, as it’s currently in the advanced stages of development. Obsidian has been dedicated to creating a polished experience, and with Microsoft’s backing, the studio has access to the resources necessary to deliver a high-quality game.
Avowed will be available on Xbox Series X/S and Windows PC. Given that Obsidian is now a Microsoft-owned studio, it’s unlikely that the game will appear on PlayStation. As with other Microsoft titles, Avowed may also be available on Game Pass from day one, providing players with a cost-effective way to experience the game.
7. Comparisons to Skyrim and Other RPGs
Since the first teaser trailer, Avowed has drawn comparisons to The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim, one of the most beloved RPGs in gaming history. Both games offer an open-world experience with a fantasy setting, first-person perspective, and a focus on exploration and character customization. However, Avowed aims to stand out with its unique story, a distinct lore rooted in the Pillars of Eternity series, and Obsidian’s renowned focus on choice-driven storytelling.
While similarities exist, Avowed brings fresh ideas to the RPG genre, with more intricate magic systems, deeper faction involvement, and a setting that allows for morally complex decision-making.
8. Why Gamers Are Excited for Avowed
For fans of Pillars of Eternity, Avowed offers a new perspective on the familiar world of Eora, allowing them to explore it up close and personal. Avowed presents an opportunity to engage with Eora’s lore on a grand scale, with graphics, storytelling, and gameplay that could elevate the series to new heights. For RPG enthusiasts in general, Avowed promises to deliver a world rich with quests, unique characters, and challenges that make every choice meaningful.
Obsidian Entertainment’s proven track record for creating memorable RPGs has many gamers excited. Whether it’s The Outer Worlds or Fallout: New Vegas, Obsidian has consistently delivered games that balance humor, complex plots, and immersive gameplay mechanics. Avowed is shaping up to be the studio’s most ambitious project yet, and players worldwide are eagerly anticipating its release.
Conclusion
Avowed is shaping up to be a must-play title for RPG fans. With its compelling mix of storytelling, exploration, and innovative combat mechanics, it could very well become one of the standout games of its release year. Obsidian’s dedication to creating a polished experience means Avowed has the potential to raise the bar for RPGs.
As we await further news on Avowed, fans can look forward to exploring Eora’s mysteries, forging alliances, and discovering the game’s vast world and engaging lore. Whether you’re a veteran RPG player or a newcomer to Obsidian’s worlds, Avowed promises an unforgettable journey.
