A New Frontier in Fantasy RPGs
Obsidian Entertainment's upcoming fantasy action RPG, Avowed, is set to carve out its own identity in the genre, distinguishing itself from the beloved classic, Skyrim. Since its first teaser at the Xbox Games Showcase in 2020, Avowed has captured the attention of fans and critics alike, drawing inevitable comparisons to Bethesda's genre-defining masterpiece.
Skyrim, with its vast open world and unparalleled freedom, set the gold standard for fantasy RPGs when it was released in 2011. Over the years, it has become one of the best-selling games of all time, captivating millions of players with its immersive experience. When Obsidian announced Avowed, the similarities in the open world and sword-and-sorcery combat naturally led to comparisons with Skyrim. However, Avowed is poised to chart its own course in the fantasy RPG landscape, as revealed by game director Carrie Patel in a recent interview with PCGamesN.
The Enigmatic Game World of Avowed
Avowed is set in the same game world as Obsidian's Pillars of Eternity, inviting players to embark on a thrilling adventure as an envoy from the Aedyr Empire. The narrative unfolds in the vibrant and perilous Living Lands, an island that offers a unique and curated experience for players. Patel emphasized that the game world, while smaller in scale, is rich in detail and narrative depth, drawing inspiration from The Outer Worlds and Fallout: New Vegas.
In contrast to the expansive sandbox style of Skyrim, Avowed's intricately crafted map promises a hand-crafted experience that focuses on quality over quantity. This deliberate approach aims to captivate players from start to finish, steering clear of repetitive content that often plagues massive open worlds. Obsidian's proven track record in creating detailed and rewarding game worlds, as seen in titles like Fallout: New Vegas and Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic II, instills confidence in the unique vision of Avowed.
Embracing Player Choice and Exploration
While Avowed's game world may be smaller in scale, the narrative offers a more linear yet rewarding experience that encourages exploration and meaningful player choices. Gameplay director Gabe Paramo clarified that Avowed strikes a balance between sandbox freedom and curated storytelling, presenting players with a middle ground that fosters agency and discovery.
Paramo emphasized the significance of player choice, highlighting that players, as envoys in the Living Lands, retain the autonomy to shape their journey and determine the course of their quest. This pivotal role-playing element, coupled with a focused yet flexible narrative, sets Avowed apart as a fantasy RPG that values player agency and decision-making.
Unveiling the Secrets of the Living Lands
As gamers eagerly await Avowed's arrival on Game Pass in Fall 2024, the allure of the Living Lands and its enigmatic secrets continues to captivate the imagination of fantasy RPG enthusiasts. With a tailored game world, rich narrative, and a keen emphasis on player choice, Avowed promises to deliver a captivating experience that sets a new standard in the genre.
Obsidian Entertainment's Avowed stands as a testament to the evolving landscape of fantasy RPGs, offering a compelling alternative to the expansive open worlds of the past. The game's deliberate design choices and commitment to quality storytelling signal a new frontier in fantasy RPGs, inviting players to explore a world that is both meticulously crafted and open to their influence.