Remember Avowed? The Obsidian Game You Probably Forgot Exists is Borrowing a Page from Todd Howard’s Skyrim Playbook

With so many anticipated releases recently, Avowed has slipped under the radar for many gamers. The game is developed by Obsidian Entertainment, the studio known for classics like Pillars of Eternity and Fallout: New Vegas. Set in the rich world of Eora, the game invites players to embark on an RPG adventure that will introduce them to a beautiful landscape filled with mysteries and secrets.

However, a recent hands-on preview is showing that this title is taking the experience to the next level by taking some inspiration from beloved titles like Skyrim. It aims to immerse players in a richly detailed world by giving them the freedom of choice to define their character’s journey. Besides the preview, game director Carrie Patel shared some insights about the game and its mechanics.

Avowed Bringing A Familiar Setting with New Stakes

Avowed is set in the same universe as Obsidian’s other title, Pillars of Eternity, and invites players back to Eora, where they step into the shoes of an envoy from the Aedyran Empire. However, the stakes are higher than ever, as players are now tasked with investigating a plague that threatens the world. The preview offered a glimpse of what’s to come on February 18th, 2025.

At its core, the game embraces player choice, a hallmark of great RPGs like Skyrim, Fallout, and Starfield. These games have taught us that players must take their decisions carefully, as each one shapes their journey and influences the world around them. Similarly, in Avowed, every small choice can lead to significant consequences.

For instance, in the early stage of the game (as seen in the preview), players were given the choice to save the chracter by offering them a healing potion or let them die. Choices like these, with even more at stake, are spread throughout the game, mirroring the intricate decision-making that has defined Obsidian’s previous titles like Fallout: New Vegas.

In the interview, Game director Carrie Patel further explains this design philosophy can be found throughout the game with different stakes and is meant to reflect players’ evolving roles within the story. She said:

It’s about giving the player moment-to-moment opportunities to express and explore where they’re leaning. The choices you get and the outcomes in front of you are going to depend on what you’re able to find.

With this statement, Patel aims to convey that players can craft their narrative through choices that align with their character’s morality and objectives. This depth adds a layer of strategy that enriches the roleplaying experience.

A New Chapter for Obsidian

While the preview didn’t showcase any character progression elements, Patel has assured that Avowed will feature diverse abilities and weapon loadouts that significantly impact gameplay. There will be various choices, ranging from a blend of magic, swords, or guns, giving players the freedom to approach challenges in various ways that suit their preferred playstyle.

This versatility is another nod to the open-ended nature of games like Skyrim and Baldur’s Gate 3, where adaptability is key to survival and success. By borrowing from the playbook of giants like Bethesda while infusing its own unique storytelling and mechanics, Avowed is looking to capture the hearts of RPG enthusiasts.

Giving players things to dig into – that’s what makes it meaningful roleplay. It’s about who you want to be in this world, and how these situations prepare you to express that.

It is evident that Avowed is not receiving the same level of attention as some of its inspirations, but the hands-on preview has shown some of its potential, backed by strong words from the game director. If all the elements come together to create an immersive experience, Obsidian might deliver a game that resonates with both fans of its previous titles and newcomers alike.

In the end, as players are waiting for the game’s release on February 18, one thing has become clear after the recent hands-on preview, the game is worth keeping on your radar.

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