The moment I stepped into the Living Lands as Avowed’s Aedyran envoy, I felt the weight of the empire’s boots on my neck. Obsidian Entertainment’s latest RPG isn’t just a fantasy adventure—it’s a haunting interrogation of colonialism, identity, and the cost of "civilization." Set in the Pillars of Eternity universe but accessible to newcomers, Avowed delivers a story that lingers long after the credits roll, even if its gameplay occasionally stumbles under the burden of its ambition.
A World That Hates You (And You Might Deserve It)
You’re no hero here. As the envoy of the Aedyran Empire—a colonizing force occupying the untamed Living Lands—your arrival is met with disdain, fear, or outright violence. The Dreamscourge, a psychedelic fungal plague warping minds and landscapes, is your mission to solve, but the locals see you as just another imperial pawn. Every interaction crackles with tension: merchants spit at your coin, rebels ambush you in foggy forests, and even allies question your motives. This isn’t Skyrim’s power fantasy—it’s a raw, uncomfortable exploration of systemic oppression, where "saving the day" feels morally murky at best.
The brilliance lies in how Obsidian weaves your Godlike heritage (think divine powers with fungal face-growths) into this dynamic. NPCs react to your otherworldly appearance, and your unknown patron god whispers cryptic guidance, blurring the line between salvation and manipulation. Turning off the fungal visuals in character creation doesn’t spare you from judgment—a clever metaphor for the inescapability of privilege.
Combat: Spell-Slinging Chaos With a Dash of Jank
Avowed’s combat is a frenetic dance of elemental explosions, parries, and parkour. Dual-wielding lets you mix a fireball-chucking grimoire with a frost-enchanted sword, or pair a pistol with a lightning-spewing wand. The classless system encourages experimentation: I pivoted from a stealthy archer to a two-handed axe berserker mid-game without missing a beat.
But it’s not all smooth sailing. Companions like Kai (a lovable brute) and Yatzli (a chaos-loving mage) charm with sharp writing but falter in battle. Their AI often freezes or ignores commands, leaving you to solo swarms of enemies. Performance dips on Xbox Series X in crowded zones, and PC players report frustrating bugs, like quest-breaking loot glitches 38. Still, when combat clicks—like sending a bandit flying with a well-timed arquebus shot—it’s pure, unadulterated fun.
A Living, Breathing World (With a Few Cracks)
The Living Lands are Obsidian’s most vibrant creation yet. Emerald Stair’s bioluminescent fungi and Galawain’s volcanic Tusks feel ripped from a surrealist painting while crumbling ruins hide lore-rich journals and tragic tales. Side quests shine brightest: saving a brothel from imperial censors or mediating a feud between a farmer and his Xaurip (lizard-folk) "admirers" left me grinning for hours.
Yet the seams show. The lack of a day/night cycle and Bethesda-style immersion (no pickpocketing, limited NPC routines) reminds you this isn’t a truly open world. Filler fetch quests occasionally disrupt pacing, and the final act’s rushed consequences undermine earlier choices. Still, these flaws feel minor against the backdrop of Eora’s rich storytelling.
Verdict: A Flawed Gem That Demands Your Attention
Avowed isn’t perfect, but it’s unforgettable. Its narrative gutsiness—forcing players to confront their role in oppression—sets it apart in a sea of sanitized RPGs. While technical hiccings and companion AI hold it back from greatness, Obsidian’s signature wit, world-building, and moral complexity make this a must-play for RPG fans.
Score: 8.5/10
Perfect for: Fans of The Outer Worlds, Dragon Age, or anyone craving a story that challenges as much as it entertains.
Skip if: You prioritize polish over ambition, or need clear-cut heroes/villains.
