Avowed: Morrowind's Spiritual Successor Unveiled

Avowed isn't a revolutionary game, but it's a delightful RPG that truly captures the spirit of exploration. It evokes strong memories of Morrowind, that iconic RPG which redefined immersive worlds long before modern standards. Morrowind made every rock, bush, mountain, and even the ocean floor feel like a potential adventure, and Obsidian Entertainment has masterfully recreated that sense of discovery in Avowed.

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 rich 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 engaging conversations and environmental storytelling. You play an emissary chosen by the Emperor of Aedyr, tasked with investigating a mysterious fungal plague that's twisting souls and driving people mad. In this world, souls have a life cycle, passing into oblivion and eventually reincarnating. The protagonist isn't ordinary; they were touched by a god at birth—which god remains a mystery—leaving them with unique plant-like growths on their head, a feature that inspires fear in some.

A Chaotic Welcome to Paradise

Arrival in the Living Lands is anything but peaceful. The protagonist's ship is attacked by maddened Aedyran guards, and upon reaching the port city of Paradise (a fittingly ironic name), they find high-ranking officials missing, the gates sealed, and chaos reigning supreme. It's a classic RPG setup, but executed brilliantly.

Exploration quickly reveals the game's joy. My initial foray into the sea near the port yielded sunken treasure (after a near-drowning experience!). I then stumbled upon a smugglers' camp, overheard their plans, and made a daring escape. Back in the port, I eagerly accepted quests and explored every corner.

Treasures Beneath Every Stone

One highlight involved breaking into a house, looting its contents, and then scaling scaffolding to reach a lighthouse. The reward? A treasure map, rare boots with a unique history, and stunning views. As night fell, the bioluminescent mushrooms illuminated new paths and secrets. This is typical of the game; every location holds surprises. A chest hidden under spiderwebs in the sewers (requiring a bit of fire magic), a coin-filled nest precariously perched on beams, a backpack filled with goodies hanging from a cliff—even freezing the water with an ice grenade to retrieve submerged loot. The possibilities are endless.

Stories Waiting to Be Discovered

These moments of discovery are constant. Supplies unexpectedly appear on rooftops, behind waterfalls, and atop hills, leading to new quests, rare items, and compelling stories. I helped a blind man and his grieving wife, rescued a nobleman's ring (which boosted my health regeneration!), and followed a trail leading to a reptilian camp and a challenging encounter with a giant.

Endless Possibilities and Exploration

In just eight hours, I experienced countless adventures without even touching the main questline. I focused on exploration, experimenting with different builds and item interactions. Whether wielding a shield and staff or heavy armor and melee weapons, each choice opened up new possibilities. With many unanswered questions and unexplored systems, my journey is far from over. Avowed offers a constant stream of discoveries, reminding me why RPGs remain a captivating genre.