Game On: A solid fantasy RPG with innovative combat mechanics

A review of Obsidian’s 'Avowed', a first-person fantasy RPG

Hyderabad: Set in the world of Eora, a fantasyland also shared by the ‘Path of Exile’ franchise, Obsidian’s new IP ‘Avowed’ is a solid offering – it seems like a logical extension to games like ‘Dragon Age’ and with a weapon system that allows for a wide range of combat and strategic approaches, there is little to dislike here.

However, despite its amazing visuals and a large amount of lore, there is also little in the game that isn’t standard fare in most RPG experiences. From the dated dialogue system to the standard character tropes and game mechanics that seem a bit too ‘Skyrim’-like, it almost feels like stepping into nostalgic fare.

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The game’s plot seems to borrow quite liberally from ‘Dragon Age’ when it makes you “godlike” and you are expected to help manage the Living Lands for the kingdom of Aedyr as its envoy. However, just when you set sail for your destination, your ship is attacked by an Aedyr fort and as you somehow manage to reach dry land, you find that the empire’s soldiers had killed themselves after losing their minds.

The game uses this opening sequence to acquaint you with Eora and the various in-game mechanics, and by the time you figure out how to proceed here, you come to terms with the game’s new combat system. I found the new system quite fluid and responsive, and in my playthroughs as an archer and a mage, I found it worked nearly flawlessly. I really enjoyed using grimoires and wands to unleash some heavy damage with lightning. Other reviewers have already observed how the lightning in ‘Avowed’ can resemble Emperor Palpatine in ‘Star Wars’.

In terms of the main plot and characters, the writing came across as a little superficial and stereotypical, and despite the rich amount of lore in Eora, I couldn’t care much for the challenges that my party was facing. This is a game that could be your next RPG, and is something definitely worth considering if you have access to the Xbox game pass. However, bear in mind this is no ‘Kingdom Come: Deliverance II’.