I've Played 20 Hours of Avowed (Early Review)

This week we got an early look at Obsidian's upcoming fantasy RPG. I didn't have much in the way of expectations prior - but after playing the game - I'm VERY impressed. Avowed looks to be shaping up great, can't wait to see the entire thing.

[ForceGamingYT]

Seeing a lot of regular questions/comments so figure I'll answer a few:
- Yes, there is third person camera. It's a toggle option in the menu. I tried it briefly, preferred 1st, and swapped back. Seemed fine though.
- No enemy respawns from what I saw. There could be some mechanic later on, but every POI I cleared remained empty through the entire play session.
- The UI is indeed off putting. That was my initial reaction at least, I got use to it and in the end wasn't all that bothered.
- Dialog seems fine, although as mentioned in the video it's all the way near the bottom of my priority list. The top being combat that feels good, an immersive world to explore, and things to discover. All of which I felt the game did well.

It's only a preview, so I'm reserving final judgements for the full release. But so far, I really like the game. Can't wait to play more.

[theKonfusion]

Smaller Scale with more well-crafted detailed area world is better then large empty autogenerated world. Looks great!

[baddragonite]

The alchemist blowing himself up reminds me of the wizard falling from the sky in morrowind lol

[NPC-muoq]

Reminds me of Dark Messiah Might and Magic...and that game's combat was way ahead of its time

[stevendunnuck]

I know why they don't want to show the character creator now...lol

[vamperic]

I still wish they went with a more gritty dark fantasy over cartoony

[ethanjelley]

Back in the good old days, this type of thing was released as a demo to get you to buy the full game

[derkitheofficial]

Seems like people are finally getting excited for this. Great to see, im hyped

[WimHovens]

I love it, It's like an awesome blend of Fable, Kingdom of Amalur, Dragon Age 1 and just a hint of Skyrim. Gorgeous game that's got a good balance of action RPG without being too complicated.

[acolyte]

22:22 This is a very important point from a long term perspective. Although Avowed isn't a properly 'open world' game, the Stolen lands ought to be dynamic for both lore and immersion purposes. A static world may greatly hamper the experience for many players.

So, I suppose dialogue, exploration, and character choices will be the things that'll lead the way for the game. But an immersive world outside of text and speech should also be a priority imo.

[xaphanofthenightfall]

thanks for spending the time to do a detailed review AFTER spending actual time playing the game. you just saved me some money.

[GubGubGubbins]

I really want an RPG like gothic, Skyrim etc. without survival, crafting and base building. And i am very happy to see Avowed!

[boburrides]

I was only mildy interested in Avowed based on everything I've seen of it so far (and especially after the mehh experience that Outer Worlds was), but this is so good to hear and is reassuring!
I think we might have a sleeper hit in the making

[OutragedBlaze]

For me, the main spell that I am gonna use is cast GUN, that Good Ole American magic 🤣 - 12:50

[westheking]

The color and art style is really pulling me. And even tho it’s more open zones then open world it making me still feel what I feel playing Skyrim. I’m playing this!

[ShamrockRagEll]

1:51 thought „morrowind“ immediately. Who else ?!

[Liftinglinguist]

It looks wonderfully old-school, which is great news! My interest in it wasn't all that until this latest batch of previews and gameplay videos. Between this, Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2, Titan Quest 2, and Path of Exile 2, the coming 12-18 months are looking real busy.

[CheebsCheeby]

Can't freaking wait! I want to make a mage pirate. Like dual wield blades, black powder pistols, spell casting.

[RiosDesire]

I so badly wish this game was co-op. Its beautiful, It would be nice to play with a few other people though.

[Kouhai]

It seems like some of the smaller issues had with the game might be related to the transition form a CRPG system to a action RPG, and maybe some needed setup for the Eora setting for folks who are not coming from the Pillars of Eternity games: combat numbers, UI setup, the facial/cranial growths that indicate a godlike person in the setting, etc.

I'm glad to hear it's shaping to be a great gaming experience cause I was initially bummed that they shifted direction to a Skyrim-esque game and I am starting to get more and more excited now!