Ever since its announcement way back in 2020, gamers have eagerly waited for a glimpse of Obsidian Entertainment’s first-person RPG, Avowed. At this year’s Xbox Games Showcase, everyone’s patience was finally rewarded with a deeper look into the game. The best part? The Skyrim-like title is now set for a 2024 release on Xbox Series X|S, PC via Steam, and day one on Xbox Game Pass.
Obsidian, the acclaimed studio behind titles like Fallout: New Vegas and The Outer Worlds, unveiled a trailer showcasing a wealth of gameplay aspects ranging from spellcasting, and sword-wielding, to the firing of flintlock firearms.
Avowed, set in the same universe as Obsidian’s Pillars of Eternity, is already shaping up to be an intricate, expansive, and immersive RPG. Set in the Living Lands, a mysterious island rife with adventure and peril, players take on the role of an envoy from Aedyr, tasked with investigating rumors of a devastating plague that threatens the entirety of the island. The island, teeming with mythical beasts and dangerous fauna, provides a lush, visually spectacular environment for players to traverse.
A significant emphasis seems to be on the fluidity of first-person combat. Feargus Urquhart, Obsidian’s Studio Head, has confirmed that players would have a vast array of weaponry and spells at their disposal, with the exciting ability to dual-wield. Further enhancing this dynamic combat system is the inclusion of companions, a staple in previous Obsidian games. The first companion to be introduced is Kai, a Coastal Aumaua, who appears to be one of the few friendly faces players will encounter.
Interestingly, the game’s tagline, “Forge your destiny”, implies it will feature an intricate morality system, allowing players the choice to either save or destroy the island’s inhabitants. This gives the game significant replay value as players can explore various story paths based on their actions and decisions. Indeed, this ability to shape one’s destiny, combined with the rich lore of the world of Eora, may make Avowed a viable alternative for fans awaiting the next Elder Scrolls installment.
Since Microsoft’s acquisition of Obsidian Entertainment in 2018, the studio has launched a variety of games, including the critically acclaimed Pentiment and the survival game, Grounded. However, Avowed represents the studio’s first major full-scale RPG project since the acquisition, elevating expectations to soaring heights.
Indeed, many view Avowed as Obsidian’s answer to Bethesda’s Elder Scrolls, as clearly evident in the Skyrim-esque trailer revealed at the Xbox Games Showcase. With a sprawling, vibrant world to explore, complex characters to interact with, and an intriguing storyline revolving around a plague threatening the Living Lands, Avowed promises to be an engrossing and thoroughly enjoyable experience.
While fans may have to wait a bit longer for further information on Avowed, given Microsoft’s current focus on the release of Starfield, the future for Obsidian’s ambitious RPG looks promising. The developers’ strong track record, combined with the stunning glimpses of the game seen thus far, suggest that Avowed will be worth the wait when it comes out next year.
