"Avowed: The Enchanting Successor to Morrowind"
Avowed might not revolutionize the gaming landscape, but it certainly captures the essence of what makes RPGs so beloved, especially for those who cherish exploration. The game brings back fond memories of Morrowind, a groundbreaking RPG known for its immersive world that set the standard for open-world exploration long before current benchmarks were established.
In Morrowind, every element of the landscape—from rocks and bushes to mountains and the ocean floor—promised adventure. Obsidian Entertainment has taken up the mantle to recreate this sense of discovery in Avowed, and they've done so with remarkable success.
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
The World of Pillars of Eternity
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Set within the expansive universe of Pillars of Eternity, Avowed welcomes players into a richly detailed world. No prior knowledge of the series is necessary, though familiarity with previous games can enrich the experience. The narrative unfolds naturally through engaging dialogues and contextual clues encountered throughout the game.
The story follows an emissary appointed by the Emperor of Aedyr, tasked with investigating a mysterious fungal plague in the Living Lands that corrupts souls and drives people to madness. In this universe, souls follow a cycle of life, death, and reincarnation. The protagonist, marked by a divine touch at birth, sports unique growths resembling plants or fungi, which can instill fear in others.
A Chaotic Welcome to Paradise
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Upon arrival in the Living Lands, the protagonist faces a tumultuous welcome as their ship is attacked by deranged Aedyran guards. Landing in the ironically named port city of Paradise, players find the city in disarray with high-ranking officials missing and the gates shut tight—a scenario that resonates with fans of classic RPGs.
The joy of exploration is immediately apparent. My first adventure led me to dive into the sea near the port, uncovering sunken treasures while narrowly escaping drowning. From there, I stumbled upon a smugglers' camp, eavesdropped on their plans, and narrowly escaped detection. Back in the port, I eagerly accepted quests and began to explore every hidden corner.
Treasures Beneath Every Stone
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One of my most memorable experiences was breaking into a locked house, looting its contents, and then climbing scaffolding to reach a lighthouse. At the top, I discovered a treasure map, rare yellow-tier boots with a fascinating backstory, and stunning views. As night fell, the surrounding mushrooms illuminated, revealing new paths and secrets.
The game world is brimming with surprises. Beneath the lighthouse, in the sewers, a chest hidden under spiderwebs awaited discovery. Nearby, a nest perched on beams held coins, while a backpack filled with goodies hung on a cliff's edge. Below, a skeleton basked in the sun. Even throwing an ice grenade into the water allowed me to retrieve submerged loot temporarily.
Stories Waiting to Be Discovered
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The game is filled with moments of discovery. Supplies appear unexpectedly on rooftops, behind waterfalls, and atop hills, leading to new quests, rare relics, and intriguing scenarios. While scavenging in the slums, I broke into a shack and met a blind man and his grieving wife, threatened by mercenaries. Another time, I helped a nobleman retrieve a lost ring from a sewer, which I kept for its health regeneration benefits.
Another poignant encounter involved finding two lovers who had died together, near a lift leading to the northern outskirts where guards examined a dead smuggler. Following the trail, I fought through a reptilian camp and battled a formidable giant, testing my combat skills and equipment.
Endless Possibilities and Exploration
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In just eight hours of playtime, I experienced countless adventures without focusing on the main questline or repetitive grinding. Instead, I explored, experimented with different character builds, and learned how various items interacted. Whether wielding a shield and staff or switching to heavy armor and melee weapons, each choice opened new possibilities.
With many questions still unanswered and numerous systems left to explore, my journey in Avowed is far from over. The game promises a path filled with hidden chests, untold stories, and forgotten treasures. Avowed offers an endless sequence of discoveries, reminding us why RPGs remain one of gaming's most captivating genres.
