Avowed may not revolutionize the genre, but it certainly enchants RPG fans, especially those who cherish exploration. The game harkens back to the legendary *Morrowind*, an RPG that set the bar for immersive worlds before modern gaming standards took hold. In *Morrowind*, every element of the environment—from rocks and bushes to mountains and ocean floors—teemed with potential adventures. Obsidian Entertainment has ambitiously sought to recapture this essence of discovery, and early impressions suggest they've achieved it with flair.

Set within the expansive universe of *Pillars of Eternity*, *Avowed* welcomes players into its richly detailed world, no prior knowledge of the series required. While familiarity with the previous titles can enrich your experience, the narrative unfolds seamlessly through in-game dialogue and environmental storytelling. The plot centers on an emissary, selected by the Emperor of Aedyr, tasked with investigating a mysterious fungal plague in the Living Lands that corrupts souls and incites madness. In this universe, souls follow a cycle of life, death, and reincarnation. Our protagonist, marked at birth by a divine touch from an unknown god, bears peculiar growths resembling plants or fungi on their head, which can evoke fear or intrigue among NPCs.

A Chaotic Welcome to Paradise

The journey begins tumultuously as the protagonist's ship is assaulted by deranged Aedyran guards upon arrival in the Living Lands. Landing in the ironically named port city of Paradise, players find themselves in a city gripped by chaos, with its gates shut and officials missing—a classic RPG scenario that sets the stage for adventure. The thrill of exploration is immediate; my first impulse led me to dive into the sea near the port, where I scavenged sunken treasures while dodging the risk of drowning. Venturing further, I stumbled upon a smugglers' camp, eavesdropped on their schemes, and narrowly escaped detection. Back in the port, I eagerly picked up quests and began to explore every corner of this intriguing world.

Treasures Beneath Every Stone

One standout moment was breaking into a locked house, plundering its contents, and then climbing scaffolding to reach a lighthouse. There, I discovered a treasure map, rare yellow-tier boots with a compelling backstory, and stunning vistas. As dusk set in, the surrounding mushrooms illuminated, revealing new paths and hidden secrets. The world of *Avowed* is teeming with such surprises; in the sewers beneath the lighthouse, a chest awaited beneath spiderwebs that needed to be burned away. Nearby, coins nestled in a precarious nest on beams, while a cliffside backpack and a sunbathing skeleton offered further rewards. Even casting an ice grenade into the water allowed for temporary access to submerged loot.

Stories Waiting to Be Discovered

The game is rich with these moments of discovery. Supplies mysteriously appear on rooftops, behind waterfalls, and atop hills, leading to new quests, rare relics, and poignant narratives. For example, while exploring the slums, I broke into a shack and encountered a blind man and his grieving wife, threatened by mercenaries. Another quest led me to retrieve a lost ring from a sewer, which surprisingly boosted health regeneration—a perk I decided to keep. Elsewhere, I found the tragic scene of two lovers who perished together, near a lift leading to the northern outskirts where guards were investigating a dead smuggler. This trail led to a reptilian camp and a battle with a giant, challenging my combat prowess and gear.

Endless Possibilities and Exploration

In just eight hours of playtime, I embarked on numerous adventures, focusing on exploration rather than the main questline or repetitive tasks. I experimented with various character builds and learned how different items interacted. Whether wielding a shield and staff or donning heavy armor and engaging in melee combat, each choice unlocked new avenues of gameplay. With many questions still unanswered and systems yet to be explored, my journey in *Avowed* is far from over. The game promises a continuous stream of discoveries, reinforcing why RPGs remain one of the most captivating genres in gaming.

Image: x.com

Image: x.com

Image: x.com

Image: x.com

Image: x.com