A colossal statue of a decaying knight, its armor ravaged by time and adorned with unsettling, realistic mushrooms, has materialized in London. This striking installation, a creation of Xbox, serves as a chilling testament to the pervasive disease plaguing the world of Avowed. The piece functions as both art and ominous forewarning, immersing onlookers in the game's grim Dreamscourge reality. Accompanying posters promoting Avowed for Xbox Series X|S further enhance the immersive experience, transforming a commonplace street into a gateway to Avowed's captivating, yet unsettling, world.

Xbox has released a captivating behind-the-scenes video on YouTube, offering fans an intimate glimpse into the creation of this unique promotional endeavor.

Pre-launch reception on Steam has been overwhelmingly positive, with 81% of Deluxe Edition players offering their enthusiastic recommendation. This impressive approval rating generates considerable anticipation for the Standard Edition's launch today.

Industry veteran Jason Schreier shared his glowing assessment of Avowed, praising its world design, narrative, and combat mechanics. However, he singled out the exploration aspect as particularly noteworthy:

"Avowed has completely captivated me. Obsidian's storytelling and combat are as excellent as expected, but the world design is truly exceptional. Every path leads somewhere, every rooftop is accessible, and there's always a hidden detail waiting to be discovered. Even after 40 hours of gameplay, I'm still eager to explore further."

Schreier also acknowledged a divergence of opinion between critics and players, drawing parallels to Fallout: New Vegas:

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

Given Fallout: New Vegas's initial Metacritic score of 83 and its subsequent elevation to classic RPG status, the question arises: could Avowed be destined for a similar trajectory towards RPG immortality?