Avowed may not be groundbreaking, but it's a captivating RPG that resonates with those who love to explore. It evokes the spirit of Morrowind, the legendary RPG that set the standard for immersive worlds before current benchmarks were established. In Morrowind, every element of the landscape, from rocks to ocean floors, promised adventure. Obsidian Entertainment has embraced the challenge of recapturing that sense of discovery, and their efforts appear to be triumphantly successful.

Table of Content ---

• The World of Pillars of Eternity
• A Chaotic Welcome to Paradise
• Treasures Beneath Every Stone
• Stories Waiting to Be Discovered
• Endless Possibilities and Exploration

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Set within the Pillars of Eternity universe, Avowed welcomes players into a meticulously crafted world, accessible even to newcomers. While knowing the backstory of the series can enrich your experience, the narrative unfolds seamlessly through in-game dialogue and environmental storytelling.

The storyline follows an emissary, chosen by the Emperor of Aedyr, dispatched to the Living Lands to probe a mysterious fungal plague that corrupts souls and incites madness. In this realm, souls cycle through life, death, and rebirth. The protagonist, marked by a divine touch at birth from an unknown god, bears unique growths resembling flora or fungi on their head, which can evoke fear in others.

A Chaotic Welcome to Paradise

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Upon reaching the Living Lands, the protagonist faces a tumultuous arrival as their ship is assaulted by deranged Aedyran guards. Landing in the ironically named port city of Paradise, you encounter a city in disarray, with absent leaders and closed gates—a classic RPG scenario.

The thrill of exploration is immediate. My initial foray led me to dive into the sea near the port, uncovering sunken treasures while dodging the risk of drowning. From there, I stumbled upon a smugglers' camp, overheard their schemes, and narrowly escaped detection. Back in the port, I eagerly took on quests and began scouring every corner of the environment.

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. There, I discovered a treasure map, rare yellow-tier boots with a compelling backstory, and stunning vistas. As dusk set in, the surrounding mushrooms illuminated, unveiling new paths and secrets.

The game world is brimming with surprises. Beneath the lighthouse, in the sewers, a chest lies hidden under spiderwebs, waiting to be revealed by fire. Nearby, a nest on precarious beams holds coins. A cliff-edge backpack brims with goodies, while below, a sunbathing skeleton rests. Even tossing an ice grenade into the water creates a temporary bridge to submerged loot.

Stories Waiting to Be Discovered

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The game is rich with moments of discovery. Supplies appear in unexpected places like rooftops, behind waterfalls, and atop hills, leading to new quests, rare relics, and intriguing narratives. For example, while exploring the slums, I entered a shack and met a blind man and his grieving wife, threatened by mercenaries. In another instance, I retrieved a nobleman's lost ring from a sewer, which unexpectedly boosted my health regeneration—a valuable item I chose to keep.

Another poignant encounter involved finding two lovers who had perished together, near a lift leading to the northern outskirts where guards inspected a dead smuggler. Following this trail, I battled through a reptilian camp and confronted a formidable giant, challenging my combat prowess and gear.

Endless Possibilities and Exploration

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In just eight hours of gameplay, I encountered numerous adventures without touching the main questline or engaging in repetitive grinding. My focus was on exploration, experimenting with different character builds, and understanding item interactions. Whether using a shield and staff or switching to heavy armor and melee weapons, each decision opened new avenues.

With many mysteries yet to unravel and systems to explore, my journey in Avowed is far from complete. The path ahead promises hidden chests, untold stories, and forgotten treasures. For now, the game offers an endless stream of discoveries that remind me why RPGs continue to be one of gaming's most enthralling genres.