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Say Your Vows: A Marriage Between Skyrim and Pillars of Eternity

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Video Game Review: Avowed

Overall Rating: 8.2/10

  • Gameplay: 8.0/10
  • Graphics and Art Design: 9.0/10
  • Sound and Music: 8.5/10
  • Replayability: 7.5/10
  • Performance and Optimization: 8.0/10

Avowed, developed by Obsidian Entertainment and released on February 18, 2025, is an action role-playing game set in the richly woven universe of Eora, previously explored in the Pillars of Eternity series. This title marks Obsidian’s ambitious foray into a first-person RPG experience, blending deep narrative elements with expansive exploration. ​

Prequels: The Legacy of Pillars of Eternity 1 & 2

Before Avowed, Obsidian Entertainment crafted two critically acclaimed RPGs that laid the groundwork for its world and lore: Pillars of Eternity (2015) and Pillars of Eternity II: Deadfire (2018). Both games were isometric RPGs inspired by the classic Baldur’s Gate series, focusing on deep storytelling, rich character interactions, and complex tactical combat.

Pillars of Eternity (2015)

  • Critical Reception: 89/100 (Metacritic)
  • Sales: Over 1 million copies sold (as of 2018)
  • Major Features:
    • Set in the world of Eora, where players take on the role of a Watcher—someone who can interact with souls and see echoes of past lives.
    • Features a choice-driven narrative where decisions significantly impact the story and world.
    • Tactical, party-based combat inspired by Baldur’s Gate.
    • Strong faction-based storytelling, where players must navigate political and moral dilemmas.

Pillars of Eternity II: Deadfire (2018)

  • Critical Reception: 88/100 (Metacritic)
  • Sales: Slightly lower than its predecessor but still regarded as a top-tier RPG.
  • Major Features:
    • Set in the Deadfire Archipelago, a maritime world filled with pirates, powerful factions, and ancient gods.
    • Players captain their own ship, managing crew, resources, and engaging in naval combat.
    • Expands on the original’s narrative depth, allowing for even greater player choice and consequences.
    • Introduces multi-classing and subclass systems, offering deeper character customization.
    • Features some of the most well-written and voice-acted companions in modern RPGs.

Both Pillars of Eternity games cemented Eora as a richly developed setting with intricate lore, setting the stage for Avowed to transition into a first-person action RPG, akin to The Elder Scrolls series. Absolutely worth playing prior if you have the time.

Gameplay (8.0/10)

Avowed offers a blend of combat styles, allowing players to wield melee weapons, firearms, and a diverse array of spells. The flexibility to switch between first-person and third-person perspectives adds a customizable touch to the gameplay experience. ​

Strengths:

  • Combat Diversity: The integration of various combat styles, including magic and firearms, provides players with multiple approaches to encounters.​
  • Companion Dynamics: Players can interact with and recruit companions, each bringing unique abilities and personalities, enriching the narrative depth.​

Weaknesses:

  • Lack of Depth in Systems: Some critics noted that while the game is enjoyable, it doesn’t introduce groundbreaking mechanics or innovations within the RPG genre. ​
  • Repetitive Quest Structure: Certain quests and combat scenarios may feel monotonous over time, potentially diminishing player engagement. ​

Graphics and Art Design (9.0/10)

Avowed showcases a visually stunning world, with environments that captivate and immerse players in the fantasy setting.​

Strengths:

  • Detailed Environments: The game’s landscapes are richly designed, offering a variety of biomes that enhance exploration. ​
  • Artistic Consistency: The visual elements cohesively reflect the game’s dark fantasy theme, contributing to a compelling atmosphere.​

Weaknesses:

  • Performance Variations: Some players on lower-end systems may experience performance issues, affecting visual fidelity.​

Sound and Music (8.5/10)

The auditory experience in Avowed complements its visual and narrative elements, enhancing immersion.​

Strengths:

  • Atmospheric Soundtrack: The music aligns well with the game’s themes, enriching the overall ambiance.​
  • Quality Voice Acting: Characters are brought to life through strong vocal performances, adding depth to interactions.​

Weaknesses:

  • Limited Language Support: The absence of voiceovers in certain languages may hinder accessibility for some players. ​

Replayability (7.5/10)

While Avowed offers a substantial initial experience, its replay value may be limited for some players.​

Strengths:

  • Branching Narratives: Player choices can lead to different outcomes, encouraging multiple playthroughs to explore alternative storylines.

Weaknesses:

  • Predictable Progression: Some players may find that the game lacks unique ideas, leading to a predictable adventure. ​

Performance and Optimization (8.0/10)

Avowed generally performs well across platforms, though some areas could benefit from optimization.​

Strengths:

  • Stable Performance: The game maintains consistent performance on recommended hardware configurations.​

Weaknesses:

  • Optimization Gaps: Players with lower-end hardware may encounter performance issues, indicating room for further optimization.​

Expansions Overview

As of its release, Avowed has not yet introduced expansions. However, Obsidian Entertainment has a history of supporting their titles post-launch, suggesting potential future content updates or expansions.​

Conclusion

Avowed stands as a commendable addition to the action RPG genre, offering a richly detailed world and engaging combat mechanics. While it may not revolutionize the genre, it provides a solid and enjoyable experience for fans of fantasy RPGs. With potential future expansions, Avowed could further solidify its place in the RPG landscape.​

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