Enchanting World of Avowed: A Spiritual Successor to Morrowind

Avowed may not be a groundbreaking title in the world of RPGs, but it certainly captures the essence of what makes exploration in video games so enchanting. This game brings to mind the legendary Morrowind, an RPG that set new standards for immersive digital worlds well before contemporary benchmarks were established. In Morrowind, every element of the environment, from rocks and bushes to mountains and the ocean floor, promised adventure. Obsidian Entertainment has ambitiously attempted to replicate this sense of discovery in Avowed, and from what we've seen, they've achieved this goal with remarkable success.

The World of Pillars of Eternity

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Set within the universe of Pillars of Eternity, Avowed invites players into a meticulously crafted world that stands on its own, even if you're new to the series. While knowing the backstory of the previous games can enrich your experience, Avowed's narrative unfolds seamlessly through in-game conversations and contextual clues. The storyline follows an emissary appointed by the Emperor of Aedyr, tasked with investigating a mysterious fungal plague that's corrupting souls and driving people to madness. In this universe, souls cycle through life, death, and reincarnation. Our protagonist, touched by a god at birth (the identity of which remains a mystery), exhibits unique growths on their head that resemble plants or fungi, often causing apprehension among those they meet.

A Chaotic Welcome to Paradise

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Upon reaching the Living Lands, the protagonist is met with chaos as their ship is attacked by Aedyran guards, now driven mad. Arriving in the ironically named port city of Paradise, you find it in disarray: high-ranking officials are missing, the gates are sealed, and anarchy prevails—a scenario that will resonate with fans of traditional RPGs. The joy of exploration becomes evident as you delve into the world. My first venture was into the sea near the port, where I discovered sunken treasures while narrowly escaping drowning. I then stumbled upon a smugglers' camp, overheard their schemes, and barely escaped after being spotted. Eagerly, I returned to the port to pick up quests and explore every hidden corner.

Treasures Beneath Every Stone

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A standout moment was breaking into a locked house, looting its contents, and then climbing scaffolding to reach a lighthouse. At the top, I found a treasure map, rare yellow-tier boots with a fascinating backstory, and stunning views. As darkness fell, the surrounding mushrooms illuminated new paths and secrets. The game's world is filled with such surprises. Beneath the lighthouse, in the sewers, a chest lay hidden under spiderwebs, waiting to be uncovered. Nearby, coins nestled in a nest on precarious beams, while a backpack filled with goodies dangled from a cliff edge. Even the act of throwing an ice grenade into water to freeze it temporarily for retrieving submerged loot added to the thrill of discovery.

Stories Waiting to Be Discovered

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These moments of discovery are plentiful across Avowed. Supplies can be found unexpectedly on rooftops, behind waterfalls, or atop hills, often leading to new quests, rare relics, and intriguing narratives. While exploring the slums, I broke into a shack and met a blind man and his grieving wife, whose lives were threatened by mercenaries. Another quest led me to retrieve a nobleman's lost ring from the sewer, which surprisingly boosted my health regeneration—an item I chose to keep. A poignant encounter involved finding two lovers who had died together, near a lift to the northern outskirts where guards inspected a dead smuggler. Following this trail, I battled through a reptilian camp and confronted a formidable giant, testing my combat prowess and gear.

Endless Possibilities and Exploration

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In just eight hours of gameplay, I embarked on numerous adventures without touching the main storyline or engaging in repetitive grinding. My focus was on exploring, experimenting with various character builds, and understanding how different items interacted. Whether I wielded a shield and staff or switched to heavy armor and melee weapons, each choice opened new avenues of play. With many mysteries still unsolved and systems yet to be explored, my journey in Avowed is far from complete. The game promises a continuous stream of discoveries that reaffirm why RPGs are among the most engaging genres in gaming.