So far, I am extremely into: Avowed (Hands-On Impressions)

Summary

In this preview of Obsidian's *Avowed*, the reviewer shares their excitement for the game, highlighting its rich writing, character customization, and meaningful player choices. The first-person RPG is praised for its immersive world-building, engaging combat, and the potential for deep narrative experiences, especially when compared to *Dragon Age*. While the UI design and some performance issues remain concerns, *Avowed* is shaping up to be a standout RPG. The review concludes with a plug for Eureka Ergonomics, featuring their stylish and functional office furniture, perfect for enhancing gaming and workspaces.

Takeaways

• 😀 *Avowed* (AOW) impresses with its deep world-building, set in the same universe as *Pillars of Eternity*.
• 😀 The game offers excellent dialogue and character interactions, allowing for meaningful choices and branching narratives.
• 😀 The flexibility in combat is a highlight, with options for spellcasting, melee, and ranged combat all integrated into a dynamic system.
• 😀 *Avowed* allows players to approach challenges in multiple ways, making it a true RPG experience with both tactical and role-playing freedom.
• 😀 The game's visual design is captivating, featuring detailed environments and strong artistic direction, contributing to a strong sense of immersion.
• 😀 While *Avowed* performs well, frame rate drops were noticed in larger areas like towns, which is expected to improve before release.
• 😀 The UI could use some refinement, feeling outdated compared to the otherwise polished aspects of the game.
• 😀 *Avowed* offers exciting exploration with rewarding discoveries, such as hidden loot and environmental puzzles.
• 😀 Despite fierce competition in 2024 (such as *Civilization 7*, *Monster Hunter Wilds*, and *Kingdom Come 2*), *Avowed* is expected to carve out a strong niche.
• 😀 The game’s narrative depth and character-driven story remind of *Baldur’s Gate 3*, with comparisons to *Dragon Age*'s narrative potential.
• 😀 The sponsor, Eureka Ergonomics, is highlighted, with a focus on their Arrow Standing Desk, which supports long gaming and working sessions.

Q & A

What is the primary focus of the game *Avowed* as discussed in the video?

The primary focus of *Avowed* is its deep RPG mechanics, which emphasize character creation, engaging dialogue, flexible combat systems, and immersive world-building. The game is being compared to RPG classics like *Dragon Age* and *The Outer Worlds*.

How does *Avowed* approach character creation and what impact does it have on gameplay?

Character creation in *Avowed* allows players to choose from various backgrounds, which directly influence the dialogue options available during interactions. This system provides a sense of identity and depth, impacting how players engage with NPCs and shape their experience.

What is the general impression of the combat system in *Avowed*?

The combat system in *Avowed* exceeds expectations by offering a smooth, dynamic experience that allows players to mix melee, ranged, and magical combat freely. The fluidity of combat, combined with satisfying animations, makes it both accessible and rewarding.

How does exploration work in *Avowed*, and what does it offer to players?

Exploration in *Avowed* is highly rewarding, featuring vertical environments and hidden areas that encourage curiosity. Players can discover secrets, loot, and engage in combat with hidden enemies, making exploration an integral and enjoyable part of the game.

What sets the world-building of *Avowed* apart from other RPGs?

The world-building in *Avowed* is characterized by its attention to detail, with every area feeling interconnected and full of history. The game's environments are designed with verticality, making exploration exciting and ensuring that each area feels unique and alive.

How does the writing in *Avowed* contribute to the overall experience?

The writing in *Avowed* is sharp, witty, and deeply immersive. It allows for meaningful player choices, offering different dialogue options that reflect the character's background and personality. This enhances the narrative and provides a dynamic experience for each player.

How do the first six hours of gameplay shape the expectations for *Avowed*?

The first six hours of gameplay suggest that *Avowed* will be a highly engaging RPG with strong writing, an immersive world, and a satisfying combat system. Despite the competition from other RPGs, the game’s focus on storytelling and exploration positions it well to attract a dedicated audience.

What sets Obsidian apart in terms of game development, as mentioned in the video?

Obsidian is known for its commitment to creating deeply immersive RPGs that prioritize rich narratives, player choice, and character development. The video emphasizes that despite the changing landscape of gaming, Obsidian stays true to its roots by focusing on narrative-driven experiences.

What comparisons are made between *Avowed* and other RPGs?

The video compares *Avowed* to RPGs like *Dragon Age* and *The Outer Worlds*, noting that while *Avowed* shares similarities in gameplay mechanics, it has its own unique identity, particularly in terms of world-building, dialogue depth, and combat fluidity.

What does the video reveal about the sponsor, Eureka Ergonomics?

The sponsor, Eureka Ergonomics, is known for high-quality ergonomic furniture designed to enhance comfort and functionality for gaming and working setups. The featured products include the Arrow Standing Desk and Smart Coffee Table, both praised for their design, features, and discounts leading up to Christmas.