As a dedicated RPG gamer, I’ve got quite a few unfinished quests hidden in my gaming library (and yes, they’ve been thoroughly looted for items). I must admit, despite Skyrim’s legendary status and endless re-releases, I’ve never managed to reach its end. Every new adventure seemed to fizzle out within just a few hours. Given the similarities between Avowed, I was bracing myself for another early exit. Boy, was I wrong! To my surprise, I found myself completing it over the course of a pizza-filled long weekend. It proved to be an unexpectedly captivating journey that kept me hooked till the very end.
I wasn’t anticipating the game to trigger my instinctive combat reflexes. When I play Skyrim, which I’ve always stuck to its original version, it reminds me of spinning around enemies while gently striking them with a sword until they activate a killcam. Even though RPGs usually have a layer of abstraction in their combat, the numerous battles in this game felt monotonous and like tedious chores. However, Avowed, Obsidian Entertainment’s return to a first-person full RPG mode, offers a more compact and focused experience (around 30 hours) and is much more engaging than Skyrim.
Sword meet skull
I have a fondness for intense, tactile combat experiences, and when I need a pick-me-up, I often turn to games like Ninja Gaiden 2 Black, Devil May Cry 5, or Metal Gear Rising Revengeance. Although Avowed’s systems might not offer the same level of depth, the first-person battles in it have a solid, weighty feel – it manages to integrate the thrill of my favorite action games into an immersive RPG setting. Blocking a charging xaurip with a shield or executing an attack chain with dual swords feels satisfyingly tactile, as does summoning a blizzard and freezing enemies before finishing them off with a precise pistol shot.
You might observe that some examples incorporate a quick succession of attacks, which is due to the unique two-handed gear system in Avowed. This feature allows any one-handed item to be equipped on either hand, whether it’s a shield or weapon. Moreover, with a single button press, you can switch between two items, effectively rendering two-handed weapons obsolete. I prefer this versatile style of weapon swapping, as it allows for continuous adjustments in combat, much like some of my favorite character action games that promote instantaneous weapon changes. A well-timed strike will cause enemies to hilariously tumble, and the resulting spectacle is quite amusing.
As I spin my ever-rotating shield with its invigorating parry, the final moments of the game unfold with a pistol and a spellbook as my weapons of choice, complemented by twin blades that dish out both fire and ice damage when we get close. Unique equipment can be tailored to specific traits, enhancing both combat and exploration equally. My lightning-charged pistol can stun enemies at a distance, allowing my allies to deal devastating blows, or it can activate electric door switches from afar like a remote control. The action is always fast-paced and intense.
Adventures on the way
Avowed has an additional layer of complexity in its exploration aspect, enhancing immersion through first-person perspective. Discovering ancient doors fortified by peculiar devices could provoke a sensation reminiscent of The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild. With the camera focusing more intimately, it underscores the antiquity, bizarreness, and enigma surrounding the Living Lands as I delve deeper.
As I venture deeper into this game world, I stumble upon hidden puzzles and creative battles with enemies, disguised as side-adventures but not officially logged in my journal. Recently, I came across a forgotten vault, and now I’m scouring through my notes to crack the code sequence that will open it. This game keeps surprising me with unexpected quests that unfold organically, making every step feel like an adventure.
Just like how formal side quests can sometimes be tackled out of sequence, you might find yourself dealing with situations before they’re officially assigned. For instance, you could pick up stolen goods before being tasked with their recovery. Or maybe, you come across a clandestine group planning to launch an attack on innocent people, and uncovering their plot may happen before you fully understand why they were hostile towards your investigation of their explosives. However, the tasks are still completed effectively and ready for reporting.
In Avowed, fights don’t regenerate. Each fight is unique and strategically placed to offer a fresh perspective on the environment or encourage you to explore new tactics for first-person combat. For instance, an outpost perched on a cliffside offers the chance to knock over approaching foes, sending them plummeting into the water below. Conversely, a wobbly suspension bridge might create a narrow passage, which isn’t typically seen in other skirmishes (unless you’re taking aim from afar, chuckle-chuckle).
Significantly, Avowed doesn’t only acknowledge and reward significant details in grand scale, but it also appreciates and honors the minor aspects. Constantly stumbling upon major points of interest might become monotonous. However, finding a hidden lookout point where you can delve into your divine memories of ancient eras through dialogue-tree or visual novel-like scenes, or even casually exploring a shady corner to uncover a small treasure chest, is equally intriguing. Obsidian consistently ignites my curiosity, as almost every unusual corner of the map brims with rewards.
Although it’s not flawless and may not match up directly with other gaming giants, it possesses unique qualities that make comparing it a challenge. It shares similarities with many games, yet retains its distinct identity. The game, Avowed, didn’t teach me how to appreciate Skyrim. Instead, it showed me that it’s alright to desire something unique and different.
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2025-02-18 18:40