Avowed isn't a revolutionary game, but it's a delightful RPG that perfectly captures the spirit of exploration. It evokes strong memories of Morrowind, the iconic RPG that set the gold standard for immersive worlds long before modern gaming conventions. Morrowind's sense of adventure—present in every rock, bush, mountain, and even the ocean floor—has been masterfully recreated by Obsidian Entertainment.
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 richly detailed world of Pillars of Eternity, Avowed welcomes players regardless of their familiarity with the series. While prior knowledge enhances the experience, the story unfolds organically through engaging conversations and environmental storytelling. The plot centers on an emissary, chosen by the Emperor of Aedyr, tasked with investigating a mysterious fungal plague that's corrupting souls and driving people to madness. In this world, souls have a cyclical existence, passing into oblivion and eventually reincarnating. Our protagonist is unique, touched at birth by one of the gods—though their identity remains a mystery. This divine mark manifests as unusual plant-like growths on their head, arousing fear in some.
A Chaotic Welcome to Paradise
The protagonist's arrival in the Living Lands is anything but peaceful; their ship is attacked by crazed Aedyran guards. Reaching the port city of Paradise—a name both ironic and fitting—they find high-ranking officials missing, the gates locked, and chaos reigning supreme. A classic RPG setup, executed perfectly.
Exploration immediately reveals the game's joy of discovery. My first instinct was to explore the sea near the port, leading to the discovery of sunken treasure (and a near-drowning experience!). This led to a smugglers' camp, eavesdropping, a close call, and the acceptance of quests, setting the stage for a deep dive into every corner of the city.
Treasures Beneath Every Stone
One unforgettable moment involved breaking into a locked house, finding loot, and then scaling scaffolding like a mountain goat to reach a lighthouse. The reward? A treasure map, rare yellow-tier boots with a unique history, and breathtaking panoramic views. As night fell, the bioluminescent mushrooms illuminated new paths and secrets. This pattern of discovery continues relentlessly. A chest hidden under spiderwebs in the sewers (requiring a torch), a nest of coins precariously perched on beams, a backpack filled with goodies hanging from a cliff, and even a sun-baked skeleton—all yielding rewards.
Stories Waiting to Be Discovered
These moments of unexpected discovery are abundant. Supplies appear on rooftops, behind waterfalls, and atop hills, often leading to new quests, rare items, and compelling narratives. Exploring the slums led to a poignant encounter with a blind man and his grieving wife, whose lives were threatened by mercenaries. Another quest involved retrieving a lost ring from a sewer for a nobleman—a ring that unexpectedly boosted my health regeneration! Following a trail of clues led to a reptilian camp and a challenging encounter with a formidable giant, testing my combat skills and equipment.
Endless Possibilities and Exploration
In just eight hours, I experienced countless adventures without focusing on the main quest. The focus was on exploration, experimentation with different character builds, and discovering item interactions. Whether wielding a shield and staff or heavy armor and melee weapons, each choice opened new possibilities. With many mysteries unsolved and systems unexplored, my journey is far from over. The game offers a continuous stream of discoveries, reminding us why RPGs remain a captivating genre.
