Valentine’s Day Heartbreak: Why Avowed’s Kai Can’t Love Me Back!

by

I won’t feign shock. As a matter of fact, we had been informed by Obsidian Entertainment well in advance that Avowed wouldn’t feature romanceable companions. They made it clear that if they were going to include romance, they would do it exceptionally well or not at all. And true to their word, for their upcoming fantasy RPG adventure, they chose “not at all.

After wrapping up the game Avowed and writing a glowing review for Windows Central, it’s hit me suddenly on Valentine’s Day that I’m all alone. It’s not due to a lack of interest or company from humans, but rather because Kai (and his voice) can never return my feelings. I even asked Giatta and Yatzli, but the first one is too deeply involved in her animancy studies, while the second, though pleased, is already smitten by her intelligent, wealthy, and sophisticated partner – a person I find hard to dislike.

I’m really fond of Avowed, and one of its standout features is the array of vibrant, well-crafted characters who can join you in your adventure. It’s a shame that the romantic aspect of your journey doesn’t get off the ground, even though Avowed subtly releases during the Valentine’s Day season.

How can you not fall in love with Garru— I mean, Kai’s voice?

As someone who’s keeping tabs on gaming world, let me tell you about Brandon Keener, a talented actor whose creations have etched indelible marks into video game history. Among his many iconic roles, Garrus Vakarian from the Mass Effect series stands out as one of the most cherished characters by fans worldwide. Many regard this character as their all-time favorite gaming persona, and it’s not hard to see why. Keener’s voice talent goes beyond being ‘unique’; instead, it transcends into a league of its own. Interestingly enough, Kai – your first companion in Avowed and one of the main characters in the story – is voiced by none other than Brandon Keener.

Kai has a tough exterior, often appearing guarded due to a challenging past. Yet, beneath this facade, he’s quick-witted with a ready grin and a good dose of sarcasm. Beneath his blue-green scaly skin, as an aumaua, a race known for their immense strength and resilience, lies one of the most compassionate and understanding individuals you could encounter in The Living Lands. Kai firmly believes that everyone deserves a chance to rebuild their life meaningfully.

In the game Avowed, Kai stands out with his unwavering support and immediate compassion, making it hard not to fall for him. However, even just hearing his voice and observing his speech is enough to make at least four members of the Windows Central team tremble with apprehension. As your relationship with Kai progresses throughout the game, you’ll discover more about his history, his pain, his motivations, and his profound empathy and assistance. You’ll need to win Kai’s respect and trust, but once you do, you might find yourself yearning for the game to end, hoping that Kai could just remain your friend and combat ally instead of simply a character in the credits.

Today is Valentine’s Day, and although I’ve embarked on a fresh chapter of life in The Living Lands, transforming into a brutally violent brute armed with a massive hammer, the memories of my past adventures with Kai remain vivid. He isn’t the only friend who has left an indelible mark on my heart this festive day, tinged with both sweetness and sadness.

I’d be happy with any of Avowed’s companions… Well, not Marius

Upon first encountering Kai, it quickly became apparent that adding a companion to your party for the first time in Avowed might be an experience some players will find hard to move on from, as they may tend to focus more on this new addition, overshadowing the remaining three companions. However, don’t underestimate these characters – each of the four recruitables in Avowed is exceptionally well-crafted, boasting complex personalities shaped by their diverse backgrounds, influences, and aspirations.

Marius, a dwarven tracker known for his gruff demeanor, eventually joins your quest following Kai. However, it’s worth noting that the entire Windows Central team ultimately decided to leave Marius behind at camp. I would feel regret if it turned out this action affected him negatively, but Marius has a reputation for being stubborn and sour, carrying a surprising amount of negativity within his compact, muscular form. Over time, you may find ways to soften Marius’ prickly personality, but other companions are likely to win your affection first. Furthermore, it seems that Marius harbors feelings for Kai, making him emotionally unavailable.

Plus, I’m pretty sure Marius is also secretly in love with Kai, so he’s emotionally unavailable.

Instead of Giatta, let me introduce you to this character who is known for her quick thinking and immense helpfulness, offering a balanced and logical viewpoint that assists the envoy team in overcoming many difficulties. An accomplished and driven animancer (a scholar specializing in the soul), Giatta’s fierce determination serves as fuel for her aspirations, and anyone who crosses her or opposes her values should be prepared to feel the heat. The woman Giatta has become through her hardships is a testament to her unyielding passion when acquiring new knowledge or sharing what she already knows, so it’s not surprising if Giatta stands out as your top choice in Avowed.

In the game Avowed, Yatzli, the fourth and last companion, is hands down the most delightful to bond with. She belongs to the Orlan race, a group of small, furry creatures known for their intelligence. True to stereotype, Yatzli embodies this trait perfectly. As a self-taught wizard with a specialty in illusion magic, she’s remarkable. However, her true claim to fame lies in her extensive knowledge about the Godless, an ancient civilization that mysteriously disappeared from The Living Lands many centuries ago. She is considered the world’s foremost authority on this enigma.

In terms of her worth, you can’t put a price on her skills as she assists you in pursuing the Dreamscourge, identifying its origin, and uncovering your past. However, Yatzli is far from just a learned mage. Upon your initial encounter, she’s engaged in a heated battle against an enraged cluster of intelligent fungi. Yet, following her rescue, her immediate concern isn’t rest or gratitude – it’s asking for a ladder to help her (standing barely 5 feet tall) climb a colossal, Godless ruin in search of a solitary vase. Yes, Yatzli embodies chaos and she’s simply remarkable.

Yatzli is a seasoned woman brimming with wisdom, which gives her an uncanny ability to navigate life much like a young person, enjoying the fun aspects without the drawbacks. She stands out in the envoy’s group as the most humorous member, known for quick wit, hilarious exclamations, and outrageous stories that leave you amazed. Her infectious laughter, heard every time an adversary was frozen and broken on the battlefield, often caused me to laugh out loud, and some of her offhand remarks linger in your memory.

Amidst all the turmoil, Yatzli stands out as the nurturing figure within the group. She offers guidance that’s thoughtful and insightful while also delivering stern warnings when necessary. Her sage advice proves incredibly valuable during pivotal moments of healing for companions such as Marius.

Avowed is still an amazing RPG experience, even without love

In my review of Avowed, I expressed extensively about the significance of worldbuilding and character development, and this is most noticeable in the companions. The choices you make and actions you take have a profound impact on your unique bonds with these characters, each of whom has their own motivations for being with you. You have the power to influence their lives, yet they too can shape the narrative and the paths open to you.

Kai’s unwavering loyalty and profound kindness (though seemingly contrasting, not contradictory) will endear him as a cherished friend, while his voice might evoke unusual feelings in you. Yatzli’s unrestrained and fearless attitude toward life will bring laughter, yet her trustworthiness encourages you to depend on her for everything. Giatta’s fervor for her profession and home ignites the desire within you to support her alongside.

Indeed, I firmly believe that Marius is present as well, subtly attempting to observe Kai without drawing attention to himself (a notion that feels quite evident whenever they engage in their interactions).

In the game Avowed, your primary attention is given to your companions, yet other Non-Player Characters (NPCs) may captivate you during your mission to halt the Dreamscourge plague. I won’t disclose specifics to avoid spoilers, but at a certain point, you’ll be assigned to apprehend an assassin. However, the option of showing him and his accomplices leniency is available. Despite my character’s moral code, I chose not to detain him because he was exceptionally charming. His appearance, eloquence, and distinctive voice (Kai might have some competition) made it hard for me to imagine The Living Lands without him, despite the potential repercussions.

Should Obsidian introduce a “Kai and Yatzli Will Love You Back” add-on as part of Avowed, I’m planning to purchase it right away.

For quite some time now, it’s been rare for a video game to stir such profound feelings about digitally crafted characters made of code lines. However, Avowed succeeded in making me genuinely care about these characters, leaving me wishing there was more opportunity to delve deeper into our relationships. Typically, romantic elements in games might seem forced, but I’m confident that Obsidian Entertainment could have masterfully executed it in Avowed. Alas, here I am, penning this unexpected musing on Valentine’s Day.

If Obsidian introduces a “Kai and Yatzli Will Reciprocate Your Love” expansion DLC for Avowed, I plan to purchase it as soon as it launches. In truth, they could tailor-make that experience just for me, keeping it a secret from others. If you’re brave enough to potentially shatter your digital emotions amidst the vast friend zone known as The Living Lands, Avowed is now accessible on Xbox Series X|S, Windows PC, and Xbox Game Pass in early access (provided you own the Premium Edition or Premium Upgrade). For those who don’t have these editions yet, the complete game will be playable on Xbox Game Pass on February 18, 2025.

Read More

2025-02-14 23:41