Alexander "peter bjorn" Fadin Avowed might not be a revolutionary game, but it is undoubtedly a delightful RPG that captures the heart of exploration enthusiasts. The game evokes memories of Morrowind, the iconic RPG that redefined immersive digital worlds long before modern standards emerged.
In Morrowind, every rock, bush, mountain, and even the ocean floor held the promise of adventure. Obsidian Entertainment has taken on the challenge of recreating this sense of discovery, and so far, they seem to have succeeded brilliantly.
The World of Pillars of Eternity
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Set in the Pillars of Eternity universe, Avowed invites players into a richly detailed world without requiring prior knowledge of the series. While familiarity with the previous games can enhance your experience, the story unfolds naturally through conversations and contextual clues encountered during gameplay.
The plot follows an emissary chosen by the Emperor of Aedyr and sent to the Living Lands to investigate a mysterious fungal plague affecting souls and driving people mad. In this universe, souls undergo a life cycle, passing into oblivion after death and eventually reincarnating. The protagonist is no ordinary individual; at birth, they were touched by one of the gods: though which one remains unknown. This divine touch manifests as peculiar growths resembling plants or fungi on their head, causing fear among some who encounter them.
A Chaotic Welcome to Paradise
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Upon arriving in the Living Lands, the protagonist experiences a chaotic welcome when their ship is attacked by Aedyran guards gone mad. Arriving at the port city of Paradise (a name both ironic and fitting), you find high-ranking officials absent, the city gates closed, and chaos reigning supreme. It’s a familiar setup for fans of classic RPGs.
Exploring the world quickly reveals the joy of uncovering hidden treasures. My first instinct was to dive into the sea near the port, where I discovered sunken riches while narrowly avoiding drowning. From there, I stumbled upon a smugglers' camp, eavesdropped on their plans, and narrowly escaped after being spotted. Back in the port, I eagerly accepted quests and began exploring every nook and cranny.
Treasures Beneath Every Stone
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One memorable moment involved breaking into a locked house, raiding its contents, and then scaling scaffolding like a mountain goat to reach a lighthouse. At the top, I found a treasure map, rare yellow-tier boots with a unique backstory, and breathtaking views. As night fell, the surrounding mushrooms lit up, revealing new paths and secrets.
Every corner of the game world holds surprises. Beneath the lighthouse, in the sewers, lies a chest hidden under spiderwebs waiting to be burned away. Nearby, perched precariously on beams, sits a nest containing coins. On the edge of a cliff hangs a backpack filled with goodies, while below, a weary skeleton basks in the sun. Even throwing an ice grenade into the water freezes it temporarily, allowing me to retrieve submerged loot.
Stories Waiting to Be Discovered
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These moments of discovery are abundant throughout the game. Supplies appear unexpectedly on rooftops, behind waterfalls, and atop hills, leading to new quests, rare relics, and intriguing scenarios. For instance, while scavenging in the slums, I broke into a shack and met a blind man and his grieving wife, whose lives were threatened by mercenaries searching for them. Another time, I helped a nobleman retrieve a lost ring from a sewer, only to discover it boosted my health regeneration—a valuable item I decided to keep for myself.
Another touching encounter involved finding two lovers who had died together, near a lift that led to northern outskirts where guards examined a dead smuggler. Following the trail further, I fought through a reptilian camp and faced off against a formidable giant, testing my combat skills and equipment.
Endless Possibilities and Exploration
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In just eight hours of playtime, I experienced countless adventures without delving into the main questline or worrying about repetitive grinding. Instead, I focused on exploring, experimenting with different character builds, and learning how various items interacted. Whether wielding a shield and staff or switching to heavy armor and melee weapons, each choice opened new possibilities.
With many questions still unanswered and plenty of systems left to explore, my journey in Avowed is far from over. Ahead lies a path of hidden chests, untold stories, and forgotten treasures. For now, the game offers an endless sequence of discoveries that remind me why RPGs remain one of gaming's most captivating genres.
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