Avowed Reviews
Obsidian Entertainment continues to live up to players' expectations of delivering a game with quality writing, engaging choices, and compelling gameplay. Avowed is all those things and more: an epic fantasy that'll keep you hooked, which makes it one of the best RPGs this decade.
There are fewer than a handful of developers that boast the kind of catalogue and range Obsidian Entertainment does - which is probably why Microsoft ...
Avowed doesn't reinvent the wheel and it isn't the most deep or complex RPG, but thanks to strong writing, storytelling, world-building, combat, and exploration, it succeeds in delivering an engaging experience that fans of the genre will want to check out.
If I have any advice to give about Avowed, it would be to have patience. It does not start off great. I don’t know if I would have gotten that deep into it if this wasn’t my job. Eventually, though, Obsidian’s voice arrives with a shout, reminding us that this game comes from a studio with a track record of smart, funny, interesting games. Avowed gets there: it just takes longer than it should.
Like The Outer Worlds before it, Avowed is Obsidian's truncated spin on a well-worn genre-and a genre they've got plenty of experience in. For those eagerly awaiting the next Elder Scrolls, this is a satisfying scratching of that itch even if its role-playing elements are stripped back to make room for more action. It's a bright, boisterous adventure full of politics and a fluid combat system that marries all manner of might and magic.
Avowed is a great RPG, it’s as simple as that. This game made me forget about mediocre The Outer Worlds and refueled my trust for Obsidian. Their new game, though smaller in scope and not without some rough edges, is full of all the things that made New Vegas, Pillars of Eternity or Tyranny so good. For fans of a more classic approach to RPG, it's a must-see.
Review in Polish | Read full review
Even though it took a while for the story to hook me, Avowed managed to bring a truly unique world to life with creative combat and stunning settings.
Avowed is impressive in almost everything it sets out to do. It has sharp writing, captivating companions, an intriguing story and a varied world that is just thrilling to explore. It's visually stunning, too, with high production values including satisfying audio that makes the Living Lands feel bustling with life. Where many games falter in offering "bigger and more", Avowed smartly focuses on its strengths, making for a breezy yet vibrant RPG that feels polished and intelligent, offering lots to do but never outstaying its welcome. Obsidian Entertainment has once again proven they are skilled storytellers, offering a must-play adventure for anyone who has a love for the fantastical.
I have thoroughly enjoyed my time with Avowed. Obsidian has crafted another fantastic RPG, and while it does nothing revolutionary, the quality it shows across board make it a joy to play. A game I would highly recommend to any RPG fan.
There’s just something about Avowed that makes it feel very much like a product built for a subscription service. Not in a live-service game kind of way, but in a Netflix Original Movie kind of way.
Avowed is first and foremost an RPG, maybe not the one everyone wanted, not the one you'd expect from the legendary Obsidian, but it's a step forward after Outer Worlds (which wasn't bad), albeit a small one. It's a sign that the studio is still alive, even if not quite in the form they wanted. And there is hope that there will be more good games from Obsidian in the future.
Avowed nails its priorities and delivers a fun adventure full of charm, intrigue, and weighty decisions, but its RPG muscles could've used more work.
An early contender for RPG of the year
Avowed is a solid title, though its appearance leans towards the conventional. It doesn't introduce particularly innovative mechanics or standout concepts, but it consistently delivers quality gameplay across all aspects-story, combat, and exploration-ranging from decent to excellent, without any major flaws. If you're a fan of traditional sword-and-magic (with a hint of firearms) settings, immersive storytelling, and the freedom to shape your own destiny, particularly in the style of Obsidian's atmospheric narratives, Avowed is definitely worth a look.
Review in Chinese | Read full review
Avowed has a lot of strenghts, from its worldbuilding to its RPG systems, and it entertains for at least forty plus hours thanks to them. Obsidian didn't reinvent the RPG wheel, but considering how cold is Bethesda's first-person RPG throne, and how far still a new The Elder Scrolls game might be, this is a very solid effort that any RPG fan should try.
Review in Italian | Read full review
Avowed moves Obsidian Entertainment even further toward the action side of Action-RPG with a satisfying combat system and vibrant world stapled to an unengaging narrative and surface level roleplaying systems. Despite its initially promising setup, Avowed never rises above a binge and forget experience.
Avowed has its moments when players are invading a camp full of thugs and monsters, where the sparks can fly and the blades can clash. Between those moments are insufferable dialogues with a cast of characters you won’t care for, in a setting that never feels convincing. It’s a shallow and dumb game that could be a guilty pleasure if you got it for $20.
Avowed is full of good ideas, but half of them feels half-baked. Still, it offers the best first-person combat experience among fantasy RPG's in years.
Review in Russian | Read full review
Obsidian's signature is evident throughout Avowed, from its richly crafted setting to its deep role-playing mechanics and meaningful quests. That said, Avowed remains an AA title, lacking the extra budget needed to realize its potential fully and if you're expecting vast open worlds, ambitious design, or cutting-edge visuals, you may find yourself disappointed.
Review in Persian | Read full review
Avowed is decent fun and has a beautiful world, but its story, progression and characters leave a lot to be desired