Obsidian Entertainment has built a reputation as one of the finest RPG studios in the industry, responsible for gems like Fallout: New Vegas and Pillars of Eternity. Avowed, their first-person fantasy RPG set in the Eora universe, carries the weight of that legacy on its shoulders. The result is a game that is undeniably competent and frequently enjoyable, but one that never quite reaches the heights of Obsidian's best work.
Combat is where Avowed shines brightest. The first-person melee and magic system is fluid and satisfying, offering a breadth of options that keeps encounters interesting throughout the 30-hour campaign. Dual-wielding wands for devastating spell combinations feels incredible, and the ability to quickly swap between loadouts mid-combat creates a dynamic flow that rewards experimentation. Boss encounters are particularly well-designed, requiring players to learn patterns and adapt their strategies.
The Living Lands, the region of Eora where Avowed takes place, is visually striking. Dense forests give way to bioluminescent caves, crumbling ruins hide ancient secrets, and the art direction consistently impresses. It is a beautiful world to inhabit, even if it feels noticeably smaller and more compartmentalized than the sprawling maps of competitors like Elden Ring or Skyrim.
Companion characters are a genuine highlight. Obsidian's talent for creating memorable party members is on full display, with each companion offering distinct perspectives, personal quests, and meaningful banter that enriches exploration. The relationships you build feel organic and rewarding, and companion choices during key story moments carry real weight.
The main narrative, unfortunately, is where Avowed stumbles most noticeably. The mystery of the Dream Scourge and your role as an envoy from the Aedyr Empire starts with genuine intrigue but loses momentum in its middle act. Political machinations that should feel weighty instead feel rushed, and the final revelations lack the gut-punch impact of Obsidian's best narrative twists. Side quests fare better, with several memorable standalone stories that demonstrate the studio's writing talent.
Technical performance was a sore point at launch. Frame rate drops in dense areas, occasional crashes, and visual bugs undercut the otherwise polished presentation. Post-launch patches have addressed many of these issues, but the launch experience left a sour taste for early adopters. The anniversary update bringing PS5 support and additional content has helped round out the experience considerably.
The progression system offers satisfying depth without overwhelming complexity. Skill trees for each weapon type and magic school provide clear paths for specialization, while the equipment system allows for meaningful customization. The crafting system is serviceable but unremarkable, feeling like an afterthought compared to the combat design.
Quest design follows a familiar Obsidian template: talk to NPCs, investigate a situation, make a choice with consequences. This works well in the first half but becomes noticeably formulaic by the endgame. The lack of truly surprising quest structures or memorable set pieces holds Avowed back from standing alongside Obsidian's greatest achievements.
Avowed is a game that is easy to recommend, especially on Game Pass, but difficult to champion as a must-play. It is a solid, well-crafted RPG that delivers satisfying combat and memorable companions in a beautiful world. It is also a game that feels like it could have been so much more, and the gap between what it is and what it could have been is the source of its most persistent criticism.