Avowed

Avowed is a first-person RPG set in the Pillars of Eternity universe, delivering a blend of action-oriented combat, exploration, and story-driven quests. Players appreciate its solid graphics, diverse locations, and rewarding exploration, especially the parkour and treasure hunting mechanics. Combat is fast-paced and offers a variety of playstyles with an easy respec system, though some find it repetitive and lacking depth. The story and writing receive mixed reactions; while some praise the lore integration and character diversity, others feel the narrative is shallow and predictable. Technical issues, particularly frequent crashes and bugs, are a significant concern for many players, affecting overall enjoyment. The game is generally seen as a decent RPG, but not a groundbreaking one, with a shorter playtime than expected for its price. It is often recommended to purchase on sale rather than full price. Fans of Pillars of Eternity and those seeking a straightforward RPG experience may find value here.

Despite its flaws, Avowed offers a unique world with engaging combat and exploration, though it struggles with polish and depth in storytelling and RPG mechanics.

Highlights

Players praise Avowed's graphics and art direction, noting the diverse, handcrafted locations and vivid, picturesque environments. The combat system is highlighted for being fast, fluid, and allowing multiple playstyles with satisfying visual and sound feedback. Exploration and parkour mechanics are well-received, with many secrets and rewards encouraging thorough map traversal. The game's integration with Pillars of Eternity lore and the inclusion of rich character accents and dialects add depth to the world. The ability to respec skills on the fly and the variety of weapons and magic provide player freedom. Many appreciate the game's balance between casual and engaging gameplay, making it accessible and fun for RPG fans.

Criticisms

Common criticisms include technical issues such as frequent crashes, fatal errors, and performance problems, particularly on PC, which severely disrupt gameplay. The story and writing are often described as shallow, predictable, or lacking nuance, with some players finding companion quests and dialogue uninspired. The RPG elements like character builds, gear variety, and skill trees are seen as simplistic or underdeveloped, reducing player investment. Combat, while enjoyable, is sometimes called repetitive and lacking challenge or tactical depth. Some players are disappointed by the relatively short game length and the limited exploration rewards. The game is also criticized for lack of polish in NPC animations and world responsiveness, and some feel the game did not meet expectations set by its price and developer pedigree.