A colossal statue of a decaying knight, its armor ravaged by time and adorned with unsettling, realistic mushrooms, has materialized in London. This striking installation, a chilling testament to the plague sweeping Avowed's world, is the brainchild of Xbox. Serving as both a captivating art piece and a foreboding warning, it plunges onlookers into the bleak reality of the game's Dreamscourge. Accompanying posters advertising Avowed for Xbox Series X|S transform a commonplace street into a gateway to the game's immersive realm.
To illuminate the creation of this ominous display, Xbox has released an official behind-the-scenes video on YouTube, offering fans an intimate look at the meticulous process.
Pre-launch reception on Steam has been overwhelmingly positive, with a remarkable 81% recommendation rate from Deluxe Edition players. This enthusiastic response sets a high bar as the Standard Edition launches today.
Industry veteran Jason Schreier has voiced his strong approval of Avowed, praising its world design, narrative, and combat – but particularly highlighting its unparalleled exploration:
"Avowed has completely captivated me. Obsidian's storytelling and combat are as excellent as expected, but the world design is truly exceptional. Every path leads somewhere, every rooftop is accessible, and there's always a hidden gem waiting to be discovered. Even after 40 hours, I'm still exploring."
Schreier also acknowledges a disparity between critical reception and player enthusiasm, drawing parallels to Fallout: New Vegas:
"Some reviews have surprised me. It's reminiscent of Fallout: New Vegas – critics were divided, but players elevated it to legendary status. Avowed might follow a similar path."
Given Fallout: New Vegas's initial Metacritic score of 83 and its subsequent ascension to classic RPG status, could Avowed be destined for a comparable journey towards greatness?