Avowed Review: Welcome to the Living Lands 3
Publisher: Microsoft Game Studios
Developer: Obsidian Entertainment
Release date: 18 February 2025
Format: PC (reviewed), Xbox Series X/S
Platform: Unreal Engine 5
It would be easy to assume that Avowed is merely Obsidian Entertainment’s take on Skyrim, given that it’s also a first-person fantasy role-playing game – and it arguably fills a certain void since there’s been a nary a peep on what’s happening with The Elder Scrolls 6. That would however be a reductive take, as it’s really a spin-off of the studio’s acclaimed Pillars of Eternity series, also set in the same fantasy world of Eora, but given the AAA treatment and realised in breathtaking detail with Unreal Engine 5.
Avowed Review: Godlike Power and Wonder 3
Despite quite a focus on action and combat, which may have accounted for me favouring a more physical and might-based build, violence isn’t always the answer. True to Obsidian’s style, many quests offer multiple solutions and choices, and you’ll find yourself torn in dilemmas where whatever you decide it’s almost certainly going to upset someone or have unintended consequences. It’s very much the kind of RPG where you’ll be tempted to make multiple saves just so you can go and see what the other outcome would have been.
Avowed Review: Verdict
Avowed may not reinvent the RPG wheel or be the next game that takes over your life but it still does a good job of giving the Pillars of Eternity universe the AAA treatment. With flexible action-packed combat, vibrant world and characters, and engaging moral dilemmas, it’s a blast while it lasts.
FAQs
Q: What is Avowed?
A: Avowed is a first-person fantasy role-playing game developed by Obsidian Entertainment and published by Microsoft Game Studios.
Q: Is Avowed similar to Skyrim?
A: While Avowed shares some similarities with Skyrim, it’s a spin-off of the Pillars of Eternity series and offers a unique gameplay experience.
Q: How long does it take to complete the game?
A: The game can be completed in around 20 hours, but its numerous choices and playstyles make it worth replaying to see how different outcomes might affect the story.
Q: Is Avowed available on PC and Xbox?
A: Yes, Avowed is available on both PC and Xbox Series X/S platforms.
