AVOWED - Full Gameplay Walkthrough / No Commentary【Stream】 - Part 1

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Eora - The World
Eora is a fantasy world where magic, science, and religion intertwine in unique ways. It's a setting where souls are tangible, influencing the cycle of life and death, and where gods are not only real but can interact with or influence the material world through their followers or directly.

The Living Lands
"Avowed" takes place in The Living Lands, a region in the eastern part of the continent of Eora, which wasn't deeply explored in previous games. This area is known for its volatile nature, both environmentally and politically, due to the presence of the Dreamscourge:

"Avowed" from Obsidian Entertainment is a first-person fantasy RPG set in the world of Eora, a setting previously explored in the "Pillars of Eternity" series. Here's a detailed review based on the available information:

"Avowed" brings players back to Eora, specifically to the Living Lands, a new region characterized by its enigmatic beauty and political intrigue. The environment is visually stunning, with a blend of vibrant colors and intricate designs that echo the aesthetic of the Pillars of Eternity games but with a first-person perspective. The world is not an open-world like Skyrim but consists of large, detailed zones, each with its own biome and story elements, reminiscent of "The Outer Worlds" in structure. This approach allows for focused storytelling and exploration within each area, which can be both a boon for immersion and a limitation for those expecting a traditional open-world RPG.

The narrative of "Avowed" revolves around a mysterious plague known as the Dreamscourge, which has begun to corrupt both the land and its inhabitants. As an envoy from Aedyr, your character is sent to investigate this phenomenon, with your status as a 'Godlike'—someone blessed or cursed by the gods—playing a central role. The story is rich with political tension and moral choices, but it has been noted for not being particularly groundbreaking. While the lore and background are deep, the main plot sometimes feels familiar, lacking the innovative twists that might elevate it above peers in the genre.

Character interactions are where "Avowed" shines. Obsidian's renowned writing is evident here, with dialogue options influenced by your character's background, leading to varied outcomes in conversations and relationships. Companions like Kai, with their unique abilities and stories, add depth to the gameplay, though the absence of romance options might disappoint some players accustomed to deeper companion bonds in other RPGs. The game does well in conveying the personalities of NPCs, making interactions feel genuine and impactful.

Combat: Combat in "Avowed" is a highlight, offering a fast-paced, dynamic experience where players can switch between melee, ranged, and magical attacks. The system encourages creativity with loadouts, allowing for significant build diversity. However, there's criticism regarding the balance of the upgrade system, which can make progression feel uneven as gear plays a significant role in overcoming challenges.
Exploration: The game's areas are packed with secrets and treasures that reward exploration, supported by mechanics like parkour for accessing hidden spots. However, some have pointed out that while the world looks beautiful, the actual act of exploration can become routine, with puzzles and hidden areas not always offering the depth or surprise one might hope for.
Choice and Consequence: Obsidian maintains its tradition of impactful choices, where decisions affect the game world, NPC reactions, and quest outcomes. This system is robust, offering a sense of agency, though some feel the consequences could be more nuanced or surprising.

"Avowed" is noted for its graphical fidelity, especially with the implementation of ray tracing for realistic lighting and reflections. However, there are mentions of performance issues in some reviews, suggesting that while visually impressive, optimization might still need work to ensure smooth gameplay across different hardware.

The audio design complements the visual feast, with soundscapes that enrich the atmosphere of each zone. The voice acting is generally praised for bringing characters to life, though some critics noted that not all performances are consistent.

"Avowed" is a solid RPG that fans of Obsidian's work will appreciate for its storytelling, world-building, and engaging combat. It doesn't push the boundaries of the genre but delivers a competent and enjoyable experience. The game's charm, depth in character interactions, and playful combat system make it one of the more pleasant surprises of its release year. However, those looking for a revolutionary take on the RPG formula might find it somewhat familiar. It's recommended for RPG enthusiasts, especially those with a Game Pass subscription, given the value for money and the quality of the adventure it offers.