Summary
Obsidian Entertainment’sAvowedis set to send fans to the world of Eora that it introduced and heavily fleshed out across the developer’s previous twoPillars of Eternitytitles later this year. As a hotly anticipated fantasy FPS RPG,Avowedwill takePoE’s impressive setting and expand even further upon it, portraying a previously unseen region, the Living Lands, that is beset by an unnatural plague. This return to a darker fantasy framework marks a shift from the studio’s 2019 sci-fi satire,The Outer Worlds, which was more Douglas Adams than George R.R. Martin in terms of tone and presentation.
Obsidian has proven itself capable over the breadth of its catalog of covering a wide range of themes, philosophies, and stories in an equally varied number of genres. The humorous angles highlighted inThe Outer Worldsgave it a sense of carefree levity and playfulness that set it apart from some of its contemporaries, but also meant it didn’t have as much weight in some ways.Avowedharkening back toPillars of Eternity, and particularly its sequel,Deadfire, informs a great deal of what it will entail. Given the studio’s usual penchant for delving into thorny narratives via multifaceted characters, its next title focusing more on these could again make it stand out from others in the genre.
Obsidian has also noted that itwon’t be necessary to be familiar withPillars of Eternityto enjoyAvowed, although it is still likely to contain parts that those who are may find more relevant.
Avowed Channeling PoE 2: Deadfire’s Aspects Versus The Outer Worlds Could Elevate it Even Further
The Outer Worlds' Satire Was Fitting For its Setting and Intentions
The Outer Worlds' absurd exaggerationsof a futuristic sci-fi colony veering into ecological and economic collapse poked fun at corporate mismanagement and short-sightedness. While these topics are worthy of serious consideration and reflection, Obsidian chose to tackle them from more of a parody angle, which, though highly entertaining, could sometimes undercut the actual message. It could be argued that Obsidian’s commitment to the gag inThe Outer Worldsthreatened to wear thin, preventing it from making more substantial commentaries given the nature of the material. Still, it showcased the diversity of its talent in realizing its visions, and was a welcome change for the studio.
Avowed Is Set to Include a Wealth of Thought-Provking Political and Mystical Elements
While there have been plenty of fantasy games of a more whimsical nature,Avowedbeing rooted in the world ofPillars of Eternity, especially the elements expanded on and featured inDeadfire, automatically lends it more of a solemn air. Between the twoPillarsgames, Obsidian also releasedTyranny, another CRPG, but with the twist of the player character working for an evil empire that had already conquered the world.
One ofAvowed’s core threadsis theDreamscourge diseaseafflicting the Lands. This, combined with some of the established lore and major powers, like the Aedyr Empire, that will factor into its plot, make it distinctly more serious in many areas. Pre-release material has also showcased morally uncertain situations and characters who represent a range of ideologies and viewpoints. Difficult decisions regarding these will be left to the player’s discretion, creating opportunities to explore them from multiple angles that may not have easy answers.
Avowedplaying intoPillars of Eternity’s rich lore, replete with its grittier trappings in a complex world of varying cultures and conflicts could provide it an extra edge in the strength of its story and gameplay. Other aspects like Eora’s soul cycle and the metaphysical implications it has for the viewpoints and lives of its races and organizations will surely come into play as well.Avowed’s story has also hinted that players might even be able to commune and ally with the spirit of the Living Lands itself, which would lend yet another fascinating and meaningful component to its tale of the intriguing interplay between political, religious, and mystical connections.
Avowed
WHERE TO PLAY
Welcome to the Living Lands, a mysterious island filled with adventure and danger. Set in the fictional world of Eora that was first introduced to players in the Pillars of Eternity franchise, Avowed is a first-person fantasy action RPG from the award-winning team at Obsidian Entertainment.You are the envoy of Aedyr, a distant land, sent to investigate rumors of a spreading plague throughout the Living Lands - an island full of mysteries and secrets, danger and adventure, and choices and consequences, and untamed wilderness. You discover a personal connection to the Living Lands and an ancient secret that threatens to destroy everything. Can you save this unknown frontier and your soul from the forces threatening to tear them asunder?
