Enchanting World of Avowed: A Spiritual Successor to Morrowind

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's sense of adventure permeated every element – rocks, bushes, mountains, even the ocean floor held the promise of discovery. Obsidian Entertainment has successfully recreated this feeling, and the results are impressive.

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 Pillars of Eternity universe, Avowed welcomes players to a richly detailed world without demanding prior knowledge of the series. While familiarity enhances the experience, the story unfolds organically through dialogue and environmental clues.

The plot follows an emissary sent by the Emperor of Aedyr 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. The protagonist is unique, touched at birth by a god (though which one remains a mystery). This divine touch manifests as unusual growths on their head, causing fear in some.

A Chaotic Welcome to Paradise

Arriving in the Living Lands, the protagonist's ship is attacked by maddened Aedyran guards. Reaching the port city of Paradise (a fittingly ironic name), they find chaos reigns: high-ranking officials are missing, the gates are closed, and the city is in disarray – a classic RPG setup.

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 hasty retreat after being discovered. Back in the port, I eagerly accepted quests and explored every corner.

Treasures Beneath Every Stone

One highlight involved breaking into a house, looting it, 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, glowing mushrooms illuminated new paths and secrets. The world is full of such surprises. A chest hidden under spiderwebs in the sewers, a coin-filled nest, a backpack on a cliff edge, even a skeleton – all yield rewards. Even throwing an ice grenade into the water temporarily freezes it, allowing access to 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, relics, and intriguing scenarios. I encountered a blind man and his grieving wife threatened by mercenaries, helped a nobleman retrieve a health-boosting ring (which I kept!), and discovered two lovers who had died together near a lift leading to a northern area where guards examined a dead smuggler. Following this trail led to a reptilian camp and a challenging battle with a giant.

Endless Possibilities and Exploration

In just eight hours, I experienced countless adventures without focusing on the main quest. I explored, experimented with different builds, and learned how items interacted. Whether using a shield and staff or heavy armor and melee weapons, each choice opened new possibilities. With many unanswered questions and systems unexplored, my Avowed journey is far from over. Ahead lie hidden chests, untold stories, and forgotten treasures – a testament to the enduring appeal of RPGs.