Why Avowed Surpasses Skyrim: Prepare to be Amazed!

Highlights

While Avowed may not boast the same vastness as Skyrim, Obsidian Entertainment has a proven track record of defying expectations and crafting immersive journeys, as exemplified in The Outer Worlds.

Avowed has the potential to be an exceptional fantasy RPG, offering a comparable level of content to The Outer Worlds and utilizing its unique first-person spellcasting mechanics. In the past decade or so, fantasy RPGs have reigned supreme in the gaming industry, captivating players with their immersive worlds and gameplay. When news of a new fantasy game with similarities to popular titles like Skyrim and The Witcher emerges, excitement builds among gamers. Obsidian Entertainment's Avowed was no exception, generating high hopes after an impressive teaser trailer in 2020. However, those hopes were recently dampened.

Obsidian's previous silence on Avowed came to an end this year with the release of gameplay and plot details. However, this unveiling surprised many gamers and not necessarily in a positive way. The teaser trailer's dark fantasy ambiance had been forsaken in favor of a more vibrant and whimsical tone. Furthermore, Obsidian shattered the hopes of those seeking a gargantuan world with a 100-plus hour experience similar to Skyrim, as Avowed's scope differs greatly. Nevertheless, it would be unwise to dismiss Avowed altogether as it stands as its own unique game.

Obsidian Entertainment Excels At Intimate Experiences

Concerns regarding the scale of Avowed have been raised by some gamers. Obsidian has clarified that the game will have a size and scope more akin to The Outer Worlds rather than Skyrim. Given the prevalence of lengthy gaming experiences in the industry, particularly within this genre, it's understandable that this revelation may lead to disappointment. However, it is important to remember that Obsidian Entertainment has consistently charted its own course within established genres, often achieving great success in doing so.

The Outer Worlds serves as a prime example of Obsidian's ability to defy expectations and achieve success. In contrast to Death Stranding's vast open-world experience, The Outer Worlds offers a more intimate and tightly-crafted sci-fi RPG. This game delivers a captivating narrative and can be fully enjoyed within a reasonable 30-hour timeframe. It doesn't suffer from unnecessary bloat or lack meaningful content; instead, it wisely recognizes the limitations of its format and utilizes them to create a well-rounded gaming experience.

While Avowed may not reach the expansive scale of Skyrim, it holds the potential to become an outstanding fantasy RPG for Xbox. Similar to The Outer Worlds, Avowed can strike a balance between content and quality. While the thrill of exploring snowy mountainsides for hidden treasures can be exhilarating, there is also value in having clear objectives and a plethora of options to choose from. The success of The Outer Worlds, which thrived on the latter approach, provides a blueprint for Avowed to follow in its fantasy setting. Instead of aimless wandering and creating their own adventures over 60 to 80 hours, Obsidian now has the opportunity to make Avowed consistently enjoyable within a more manageable 30 to 40-hour timeframe.

Avowed still has some work to do in order to regain the complete trust of those who were originally excited for it. However, it has a strong foundation. The core of the game's combat remains the first-person spellcasting that was showcased in Avowed's teaser trailer, which was one of its major attractions. While it may not be set in the expected bleak, dark fantasy world, this mechanic has the potential to provide Avowed with a truly unique moment-to-moment gameplay experience. It may not fulfill the expectations of those who were hoping for a Skyrim clone, but that doesn't mean Avowed can't still offer a worthwhile gaming experience.

Avowed is set to release in 2024 for both PC and Xbox Series X/S.