Avowed: Morrowind's Spiritual Successor Unveiled

Avowed isn't revolutionary, but it's a delightful RPG that truly captures the spirit of exploration. It evokes the magic of Morrowind, that iconic RPG which set the gold standard for immersive worlds long before modern gaming conventions. Morrowind made every rock, bush, mountain, and even the ocean floor feel like a potential adventure, and Obsidian Entertainment has masterfully recreated that sense of discovery in Avowed.

Table of Contents

• The World of Pillars of Eternity
• A Chaotic Welcome to Paradise
• Treasures Beneath Every Stone
• Stories Waiting to Be Discovered
• Endless Possibilities and Exploration

Set within the rich tapestry of the Pillars of Eternity universe, Avowed welcomes players to a detailed world without demanding prior knowledge of the series. While familiarity enhances the experience, the story unfolds organically through dialogue and environmental storytelling.

You play an emissary chosen by the Emperor of Aedyr, tasked with investigating a mysterious fungal plague that’s corrupting souls and driving people to madness. In this world, souls have a life cycle, passing into oblivion after death before eventually reincarnating. The protagonist is unique; touched by a god at birth (though which one remains a mystery), they bear peculiar growths resembling plants or fungi on their head, a feature that understandably causes fear in some.

A Chaotic Welcome to Paradise

Your arrival in the Living Lands is anything but peaceful. The ship is attacked by maddened Aedyran guards, and you find yourself in the port city of Paradise—a name both ironic and fitting, given the chaos that reigns supreme. High-ranking officials are missing, the gates are closed, and the city is in disarray. A classic RPG setup, perfectly executed.

Exploration immediately reveals the sheer joy of discovery. My first act was diving into the sea near the port, unearthing sunken treasure while narrowly avoiding a watery grave. From there, I stumbled upon a smugglers' camp, overheard their plans, and made a hasty retreat after being spotted. Back in the port, I eagerly accepted quests and began exploring every nook and cranny.

Treasures Beneath Every Stone

One highlight involved breaking into a locked house, looting its contents, and then scaling scaffolding like a mountain goat to reach a lighthouse. The reward? A treasure map, rare yellow-tier boots with a unique history, and breathtaking views. As night fell, the surrounding mushrooms illuminated, revealing new paths and hidden secrets.

This sense of discovery is everywhere. A chest hidden under spiderwebs in the sewers (a quick torch application solved that), a nest of coins precariously perched on beams, a backpack filled with goodies hanging from a cliff edge, and a sun-baked skeleton below. Even throwing an ice grenade into the water temporarily froze it, allowing me to retrieve submerged loot.

Stories Waiting to Be Discovered

These moments are constant. Supplies unexpectedly appear on rooftops, behind waterfalls, and atop hills, leading to new quests, rare items, and compelling scenarios. I broke into a shack in the slums and met a blind man and his grieving wife, whose lives were threatened by mercenaries. I helped a nobleman retrieve a lost ring from a sewer (which, conveniently, boosted my health regeneration—I kept it). I found two lovers who died together, near a lift that led to the northern outskirts where guards examined a dead smuggler, which led to a reptilian camp and a boss fight.

Endless Possibilities and Exploration

In just eight hours, I experienced countless adventures without even touching the main questline. I focused on exploration, experimentation with different builds, and discovering item interactions. From shield and staff to heavy armor and melee, each choice opened up new possibilities.

With unanswered questions and unexplored systems, my Avowed journey is far from over. Ahead lie hidden chests, untold stories, and forgotten treasures. For now, the game offers an endless stream of discoveries that remind me why RPGs remain so captivating.