The fantasy RPG world is buzzing with excitement about Avowed, Obsidian Entertainment’s new first-person RPG set in the rich world of Eora. Fans of the genre can’t help but wonder: Is Avowed the Elder Scrolls killer we’ve been waiting for? After all, Skyrim and Oblivion have set a monumental standard, and Obsidian, the studio behind hits like Pillars of Eternity and The Outer Worlds, is known for its deep storytelling and rich role-playing mechanics.
In this extensive review, we will dissect Avowed’s gameplay, story, worldbuilding, graphics, and much more, to see if it truly delivers on its promise as a fantasy RPG powerhouse.
A Fresh First-Person Perspective in a Sea of Isometric RPGs
Obsidian’s previous major RPGs like Pillars of Eternity were isometric and party-based, beloved for their deep mechanics but with a more traditional tabletop feel. Avowed takes a radical turn by embracing first-person perspective. This shift is not just cosmetic—it transforms the way players experience the world and combat.
Imagine wielding a sword and shield in immersive first-person combat, not just clicking on enemies but timing blocks, parries, and dodges. The inclusion of magic spells that visually explode around you, combined with archery and melee, creates a dynamic and visceral combat system. Early gameplay reveals a fluid, fast-paced combat experience where your reflexes matter, but so does strategic planning.
The Vast and Varied World of Eora
Avowed’s world, Eora, is not new to Obsidian fans; it’s the same universe as Pillars of Eternity, but now explored in stunning 3D. The world’s lore is incredibly rich, full of political intrigue, ancient mysteries, and multiple factions vying for power.
Players can expect a wide range of environments, from eerie swamps and enchanted forests to treacherous mountains and cursed ruins. The scale of the world is massive, encouraging exploration. And it’s not just about surface-level exploration—the dungeons and hidden caves promise challenging encounters and lore-heavy secrets that reward curiosity.
Storytelling at Obsidian’s Finest
If you know Obsidian, you know story matters. Avowed is built around a compelling narrative where player choices carry real weight. The protagonist wakes up in a world torn by war and supernatural forces, and your decisions will shape alliances, political outcomes, and even the fate of entire regions.
Branching storylines and complex NPC interactions add layers of replayability. Unlike Elder Scrolls, which often lets you roam freely with minimal consequences, Avowed emphasizes that your words and actions matter—giving you both freedom and meaningful agency.
Character Customization and Role-Playing Depth
Customization is another area where Avowed shines. Beyond appearance, players develop their character’s skills in multiple disciplines:
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Combat styles: melee warriors, agile rogues, or spellcasters mastering elemental magic.
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Skill trees: players can specialize or mix and match abilities to craft unique builds.
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Morality and reputation: your decisions impact how factions and characters perceive you, influencing story paths and even gameplay options.
This RPG depth appeals to both newcomers and veterans, as it offers rewarding complexity without becoming overwhelming.
Graphics and Technical Performance
From early trailers, Avowed looks stunning. The lighting effects, detailed character models, and atmospheric environments push the limits of modern gaming hardware. Weather systems and day-night cycles add realism and impact gameplay—for example, some monsters become more aggressive at night or hide in fog.
Obsidian also promises a seamless open world, minimizing loading times and encouraging uninterrupted exploration.
How Does Avowed Compare to Elder Scrolls?
Elder Scrolls games are famous for their open-world sandbox style, where players can follow quests or simply wander off the beaten path. Avowed seems to blend this open-world freedom with a stronger narrative backbone.
While Skyrim offers countless side quests and emergent gameplay, it sometimes suffers from shallow character interactions. Obsidian’s expertise in dialogue and story depth could give Avowed an edge in delivering a richer RPG experience. Combat is more refined and tactical here, moving away from Skyrim’s occasionally clunky mechanics.
The Multiplayer Question: Single Player or Beyond?
Currently, Avowed is confirmed as a single-player RPG, which may please fans of story-driven games. However, some speculate if Obsidian will later add multiplayer elements or expansions, given the trend in RPGs today. For now, the focus is on delivering a polished, narrative-rich solo adventure.
Challenges and Risks Ahead
No game is without risks. Avowed is a huge leap for Obsidian, entering a genre dominated by giants like Bethesda and now newcomers like Elden Ring. Expectations are sky-high.
Potential challenges include:
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Balancing deep RPG mechanics with accessibility
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Avoiding bugs and performance issues common in open-world games at launch
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Meeting fan expectations without sacrificing creative vision
But if anyone can pull it off, Obsidian can—based on their history.
A Promising New Chapter in Fantasy RPGs
Avowed looks set to become a landmark title in fantasy RPGs. With its blend of first-person combat, deep narrative, vast world, and player choice, it has all the ingredients to stand alongside or even surpass Elder Scrolls in certain aspects.
For RPG fans hungry for an immersive, story-rich adventure, 2025 cannot come soon enough.
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