Unveiling Avowed: Why Its Focused Scope is a Hidden Marvel

Highlights

Avowed's gameplay reveal disappoints some fans' expectations for an epic RPG, but its more focused vision that eschews a true open world could be a strong aspect.

Reimagining the game with a vibrant fantasy aesthetic instead of the original somber tone has garnered criticism from certain fans due to the unexpected twist in expectations.

By adopting a more intimate and narrative-driven approach, prioritizing the creation of intricately crafted non-playable characters and providing players with distinctive quests, Avowed has the potential to surpass other titles, creating a distinct and exceptional gaming experience.

Obsidian Entertainment's highly anticipated fantasy RPG, Avowed, is scheduled to launch next year, and discussions surrounding the game are already in full swing. While some fans may have been disappointed by the recent gameplay reveal, which showcased the true scale and scope of Avowed's world, a deeper examination suggests that the game is not aiming to occupy the same niche as recent epic RPGs. Instead, this more focused vision could be one of Avowed's greatest strengths.

Avowed is an adaptation of the world introduced in the Pillars of Eternity CRPGs, but with a groundbreaking twist - it will be the first game in the series to adopt a first-person perspective. Drawing inspiration from the rich lore of the Pillars universe, the game features stunning landscapes and unique creatures. It's understandable that fans may have expected an open-world RPG reminiscent of the genre's recent triumphs. However, the latest footage and statements from the developers make it clear that Avowed is charting a different course, one that holds great potential in other aspects.

The Expectations Placed on Avowed's Open World

Avowed, which captivated the RPG community with its cinematic trailer in 2020, created a significant buzz. Developed by Obsidian, a studio renowned for its work on IPs from esteemed developers like Bethesda, it was anticipated to be a game of the same magnitude as The Elder Scrolls and Fallout. With its grand scale, dark aesthetic, and the combination of magic and weapons, the initial reveal sparked hopes for an experience reminiscent of the modern-day Skyrim. However, after several months of silence, Avowed has returned with a new vision that has defied these expectations.

In its gameplay premiere earlier this year, Avowed showcased its world and setting, which received a mixed reaction. The game has seemingly shifted towards a more vibrant fantasy aesthetic, deviating from the gloomy tone originally presented. This departure has faced criticism from fans who prefer grittier-looking RPGs. The latest trailer featured colorful elements such as luminous fungi and magical effects, reflecting the brighter aspects of the world introduced in Pillars of Eternity, rather than a more somber atmosphere. As more news about Avowed continues to surface, the discussion about the game’s presentation has been overshadowed by an even larger concern: its scale.

Avowed Doesn't Need to be Huge to be Good

Confirmed reports indicate that Avowed will deviate from fan expectations by offering a smaller, more narrative-driven experience, rather than a vast open world similar to Bethesda's previous titles. Although this approach may surprise some, it aligns with Obsidian's strengths and has the potential to enhance the overall quality of the game. Rather than a singular expansive landscape, Avowed will be divided into separate zones, presenting the opportunity for more densely populated areas with intricately developed non-playable characters and unique quests. In a gaming climate dominated by massive and expansive games, a purposefully crafted adventure that focuses more on the characters and story could be a refreshing and welcomed change.

Avowed releases in 2024 for PC and Xbox Series X/S.