When Avowed made its debut at the Xbox Games Showcase back in 2020, it immediately sparked chatter among gamers, drawing plenty of comparisons to The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim. The game’s trailer, with its brooding atmosphere, muted colors, first-person action, and spell-casting combat, had the hallmarks of the iconic Bethesda RPG. Many speculated that Avowed would echo Skyrim in both gameplay and scope, especially since Obsidian Entertainment—a developer seasoned in crafting Bethesda-style experiences like Fallout: New Vegas—was at the helm.
However, as development progressed, Obsidian pivoted from their original vision of Avowed as a Skyrim successor, morphing it into something uniquely different. While it still boasts the immersive features of a AAA RPG, its scale is noticeably more focused than sprawling adventures like Skyrim or Fallout: New Vegas. Instead of offering a vast open world or endless companionships and side quests, Avowed opts for a hub-based design, reminiscent of Obsidian’s The Outer Worlds. This more concentrated approach may suggest limited optional content, unlike the content-rich Baldur’s Gate 3. Still, as clarified by an Obsidian developer, the game won’t lack in surprises and optional endeavors.
The commitment to deliver a personalized gaming experience is clear. In a conversation with GamesRadar+, senior area designer Bergo Ritger emphasized the importance of missable elements in Avowed. By weaving such content into the game’s fabric, Obsidian hopes to personalize playthroughs, encouraging players to explore different paths and ignite discussions about overlooked adventures. Ritger highlighted that missable content is pivotal, stating it’s “the core of RPGs that makes them special.”
This philosophy draws parallels with Baldur’s Gate 3, a successful Dungeons & Dragons RPG teeming with optional, often easily missed content. Despite its main storyline clocking in at around 70 hours, exploring every nook and cranny of BG3 can take more than twice that time. With its narrative shaped by player choices and consequences, it demands multiple playthroughs to fully unravel its depth.
Having significant missable content, like in Baldur’s Gate 3, certainly has its perks and drawbacks. For some, it enhances replayability, making choices feel substantial when access to certain content hinges on those decisions. If everything’s handed to players from the start, replaying a game loses its charm. Yet, not all gamers are fans of this design. Many prefer less labyrinthine paths in RPGs due to time constraints or simply wanting to soak up a game’s offerings in one run. For them, diving into multiple plays to catch everything isn’t appealing. While Avowed might not cater to this group, for those who thrive on choice-driven narratives, it’s poised to be a captivating journey.
Set in the enchanting and perilous Living Lands, Avowed is a first-person fantasy RPG from the acclaimed team at Obsidian Entertainment, set in the vibrant world of Eora introduced in the Pillars of Eternity saga. You step into the shoes of an envoy from Aedyr, drawn into a mystery involving a spreading plague on this mysterious island—an adventure promising deep secrets and consequential choices. Your journey uncovers a threat that could doom both the frontier and your very soul. Can you rise to the challenge and conquer the dangers that lay ahead?
