Avowed isn't a revolutionary game, but it's a truly delightful RPG that perfectly captures the spirit of exploration. It evokes strong memories of Morrowind, the iconic RPG that redefined immersive worlds long before modern standards. Morrowind’s sense of adventure—present in every rock, bush, mountain, and even the ocean floor—has been masterfully recreated by Obsidian Entertainment.

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 richly detailed world of Pillars of Eternity, Avowed welcomes players regardless of their familiarity with the series. While prior knowledge enhances the experience, the story unfolds organically through dialogue and environmental clues. You play an emissary chosen by the Emperor of Aedyr, tasked with investigating a strange fungal plague that's affecting souls and driving people mad. In this world, souls have a life cycle, passing into oblivion and eventually reincarnating. Your character is unique; touched by a god at birth (though which one remains a mystery), they bear peculiar growths resembling plants or fungi, a feature that causes fear in some.

A Chaotic Welcome to Paradise

Your arrival in the Living Lands is anything but peaceful; your ship is attacked by maddened Aedyran guards. Reaching the port city of Paradise (a name both ironic and fitting), you find chaos reigns supreme: high-ranking officials are missing, the gates are closed, and the city is in disarray. It's a classic RPG setup, and a perfect jumping-off point for adventure.

Exploration immediately reveals the game's joy of discovery. My first act? Diving into the sea near the port, uncovering sunken treasure while narrowly avoiding a watery grave. From there, I stumbled upon a smugglers' camp, overheard their plans, and made a hasty retreat after being spotted. Back in the port, I eagerly accepted quests and began a thorough exploration.

Treasures Beneath Every Stone

One highlight involved breaking into a locked house, looting its contents, and then scaling scaffolding like a mountain goat to reach a lighthouse. The reward? A treasure map, rare yellow-tier boots with a unique backstory, and stunning views. As night fell, the surrounding mushrooms illuminated, revealing hidden paths and secrets. The surprises are everywhere. Beneath the lighthouse, in the sewers, a chest lay hidden under spiderwebs (easily dealt with by a well-placed torch). Nearby, a nest perched precariously on beams held coins. A backpack full of goodies hung from a cliff edge, while below, a weary skeleton basked in the sun. Even throwing an ice grenade into the water temporarily froze it, allowing me to retrieve submerged loot.

Stories Waiting to Be Discovered

These moments of discovery are constant. Supplies appear unexpectedly on rooftops, behind waterfalls, and atop hills, leading to new quests, rare items, and captivating stories. In the slums, I broke into a shack and met a blind man and his grieving wife, whose lives were threatened by mercenaries. I helped a nobleman retrieve a lost ring from a sewer (which, conveniently, boosted my health regeneration—I kept it!). I also found two lovers who had died together, near a lift leading to northern outskirts where guards examined a dead smuggler. Following the trail, I fought through a reptilian camp and faced a formidable giant, testing my combat skills and equipment.

Endless Possibilities and Exploration

In just eight hours, I experienced countless adventures without focusing on the main quest or repetitive grinding. I explored, experimented with different builds, and learned how items interacted. Whether wielding a shield and staff or heavy armor and melee weapons, each choice opened new possibilities. With many unanswered questions and systems to explore, my Avowed journey is far from over. Ahead lies a path of hidden chests, untold stories, and forgotten treasures. Avowed delivers a constant stream of discoveries, a testament to why RPGs remain a captivating genre.