"Avowed: The Spiritual Successor to Morrowind's Enchanting World"

Avowed may not revolutionize the RPG genre, but it captures the essence of exploration that fans crave, evoking the spirit of classics like Morrowind. In that iconic game, every element of the environment—from rocks and bushes to mountains and ocean floors—promised adventure. Obsidian Entertainment has risen to the challenge of recreating this sense of discovery, and early impressions suggest they've done so with remarkable success.

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

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Set in the expansive universe of Pillars of Eternity, Avowed invites players into a meticulously crafted world that doesn't necessitate prior knowledge of the series. While familiarity with the previous games can enrich your experience, the narrative unfolds seamlessly through in-game dialogue and contextual clues.

The storyline follows an emissary dispatched by the Emperor of Aedyr to the Living Lands to investigate a mysterious fungal plague that disrupts souls and drives people to madness. In this universe, souls cycle through life, death, and reincarnation. The protagonist, touched by a deity at birth (though the identity of the god remains a mystery), bears unique fungal or plant-like growths on their head, often instilling fear in those they encounter.

A Chaotic Welcome to Paradise

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Upon arrival in the Living Lands, the protagonist faces a chaotic welcome as their ship is attacked by deranged Aedyran guards. Landing at the ironically named port city of Paradise, they find a city in disarray, with high-ranking officials missing and the gates shut tight—a scenario that will feel familiar to seasoned RPG fans.

The joy of exploration becomes immediately apparent as you delve into the world. My first venture was into the sea near the port, where I discovered sunken treasures while narrowly avoiding drowning. From there, I stumbled upon a smuggler's camp, eavesdropped on their plans, and narrowly escaped detection. Back in the port, I eagerly accepted quests, eager to explore every corner of this new world.

Treasures Beneath Every Stone

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One memorable adventure involved breaking into a locked house, looting its contents, and then climbing scaffolding to reach a lighthouse. There, I found a treasure map, rare yellow-tier boots with a compelling backstory, and stunning panoramic views. As night fell, the surrounding mushrooms illuminated, revealing new paths and hidden secrets.

Every corner of the game world is filled with surprises. Beneath the lighthouse, in the sewers, a chest lies hidden under spiderwebs, waiting to be uncovered. Nearby, perched precariously on beams, a nest holds coins. A backpack filled with goodies hangs from a cliff's edge, while below, a weary skeleton basks in the sun. Even throwing an ice grenade into the water freezes it temporarily, allowing me to retrieve submerged loot.

Stories Waiting to Be Discovered

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These moments of discovery are abundant throughout Avowed. Supplies can be found unexpectedly on rooftops, behind waterfalls, and atop hills, often leading to new quests, rare relics, and intriguing scenarios. For example, while scavenging in the slums, I broke into a shack and encountered a blind man and his grieving wife, who were being hunted by mercenaries. In another instance, I aided a nobleman in retrieving a lost ring from a sewer, which turned out to enhance my health regeneration—an item too valuable to return.

Another touching encounter involved discovering two lovers who had died together, near a lift leading to the northern outskirts where guards were inspecting a dead smuggler. Following the trail further, I battled through a reptilian camp and confronted a formidable giant, testing my combat skills and equipment.

Endless Possibilities and Exploration

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In just eight hours of gameplay, I experienced countless adventures without focusing on the main questline or engaging in repetitive grinding. Instead, I immersed myself in exploration, experimenting with different character builds and understanding how various items interacted. Whether wielding a shield and staff or switching to heavy armor and melee weapons, each choice opened new possibilities.

With many questions still unanswered and numerous systems yet to be explored, my journey in Avowed is far from over. The path ahead promises hidden chests, untold stories, and forgotten treasures. For now, the game offers an endless sequence of discoveries that reaffirm why RPGs remain one of gaming's most captivating genres.