Avowed isn't a revolutionary game, but it's a truly delightful RPG that perfectly captures the spirit of exploration. It evokes strong memories of Morrowind, that iconic RPG which redefined immersive worlds long before modern standards. Morrowind instilled a sense of adventure in every rock, bush, mountain, and even the ocean floor; Avowed successfully recreates this feeling of discovery.
Table of Contents
- The World of Pillars of Eternity
- A Chaotic Welcome to Paradise
- Treasures Beneath Every Stone
- Stories Waiting to Be Discovered
- Endless Possibilities and Exploration
Set in the richly detailed world of Pillars of Eternity, Avowed welcomes players regardless of their familiarity with the series. While prior knowledge enhances the experience, the story unfolds organically through dialogue and environmental clues. You play an emissary chosen by the Emperor of Aedyr, sent to the Living Lands to investigate a strange fungal plague affecting souls and driving people mad. In this world, souls have a life cycle, passing into oblivion and eventually reincarnating. Your character is unique, touched at birth by a god—though which one remains a mystery—manifesting as unusual plant-like growths on their head, a feature that inspires fear in some.
A Chaotic Welcome to Paradise
Arriving in the Living Lands, your ship is attacked by maddened Aedyran guards, setting a chaotic tone. Reaching the port city of Paradise—a name both ironic and fitting—you find high-ranking officials missing, the gates closed, and chaos reigning. A classic RPG setup, indeed!
Exploration immediately reveals the game's charm. My first impulse? Diving into the sea near the port, where I found sunken treasure while narrowly avoiding a watery grave. From there, I stumbled upon a smugglers' camp, overheard their plans, and made a hasty retreat after being spotted. Back in the port, I eagerly accepted quests and began exploring every nook and cranny.
Treasures Beneath Every Stone
One highlight: breaking into a locked house, looting its contents, then scaling scaffolding like a mountain goat to reach a lighthouse. At the top: a treasure map, rare yellow-tier boots with a unique backstory, and breathtaking views. As night fell, the surrounding mushrooms illuminated, revealing new paths and secrets. The surprises are everywhere. Beneath the lighthouse, in the sewers, a chest lay hidden under spiderwebs, waiting to be burned away. Nearby, a nest perched precariously on beams held coins. A backpack filled with goodies hung from a cliff edge, while below, a skeleton basked in the sun. Even throwing an ice grenade into the water temporarily froze it, allowing me to retrieve submerged loot.
Stories Waiting to Be Discovered
These moments of discovery are plentiful. Supplies appear unexpectedly on rooftops, behind waterfalls, and atop hills, leading to new quests, rare relics, and intriguing scenarios. In the slums, I broke into a shack and met a blind man and his grieving wife, whose lives were threatened by mercenaries. Elsewhere, I helped a nobleman retrieve a lost ring from a sewer—a ring that boosted health regeneration, which I happily kept. I also found two lovers who had died together, near a lift leading to the northern outskirts where guards examined a dead smuggler. Following the trail, I fought through a reptilian camp and faced a formidable giant, testing my combat skills and equipment.
Endless Possibilities and Exploration
In just eight hours, I experienced countless adventures without focusing on the main questline or repetitive grinding. I explored, experimented with different builds, and learned how items interacted. Whether wielding a shield and staff or heavy armor and melee weapons, each choice opened new possibilities. With many unanswered questions and systems to explore, my journey is far from over. Ahead lie hidden chests, untold stories, and forgotten treasures. Avowed delivers an endless sequence of discoveries, reminding me why RPGs remain captivating.
