[Xbox Exclusive Avowed Unveils Plague of Decay]

A colossal statue of a decaying knight, his armor ravaged by time and adorned with unsettling, realistic mushrooms, has materialized in London. This striking installation, a creation of Xbox, serves as both a chilling work of art and a stark warning, immersing onlookers in the bleak reality of the Dreamscourge plaguing the world of Avowed. Accompanying posters advertising the game for Xbox Series X|S enhance the immersive experience, transforming a commonplace London street into a gateway to Avowed's grim universe.

To unveil the meticulous process behind this ominous display, Xbox has released an official behind-the-scenes video on YouTube, offering fans an intimate glimpse into the making of this unique promotional stunt.

Simultaneously, Avowed has garnered significant acclaim from Steam users. A remarkable 81% of Deluxe Edition players offered positive recommendations even before the game's official release, generating considerable anticipation for today's launch of the Standard Edition.

Renowned gaming journalist Jason Schreier shared his enthusiastic appraisal of Avowed, highlighting its exceptional world design, compelling narrative, and engaging combat system. However, his praise focused particularly on the game's exploration:

"Avowed has completely captivated me. Obsidian's storytelling and combat are predictably excellent, but the world design truly shines. Every path leads somewhere, every rooftop is accessible, and hidden details abound. Even after 40 hours of gameplay, I'm still eager to explore more."

Schreier also acknowledged a disparity in opinions between critics and players, drawing parallels to Fallout: New Vegas:

"Some of the critical reception surprises me. It's reminiscent of Fallout: New Vegas—critics were divided, yet players elevated it to legendary status. Avowed might follow a similar path."

Considering Fallout: New Vegas' initial Metacritic score of 83 and its subsequent ascension to classic RPG status, the question remains: Could Avowed be destined for a comparable trajectory towards RPG immortality?