Obsidian’s Showcase of Avowed
Obsidian Entertainment has recently given fans a glimpse into their vibrant new venture with the showcase of Avowed, an upcoming first-person fantasy RPG. Known for their rich storytelling and immersive worlds, as seen in the Pillars of Eternity series, Obsidian’s latest project promises a colorful and characterful journey. However, despite the excitement, the game’s combat system has come under scrutiny. Critics and fans alike have pointed out that the battles lack a certain dynamism and impact, which has sparked a conversation about the need for refinement in the game’s melee and magical encounters. For more details on the game’s combat system and release, read about Obsidian’s dual wand mage combat and Fall 2024 release.
Response to Combat Criticism
Addressing the concerns regarding the combat system in Avowed, game director Carrie Patel took to the airwaves to provide some clarity. On the Dropped Frames podcast, Patel acknowledged the feedback from the community, noting that the footage shown was from an older build of the game. She reassured fans that the development team is actively working on enhancing the sense of impact and feedback during combat encounters. Patel emphasized that the game is still a work in progress and that the team is dedicated to improving the combat experience. Listen to the full Dropped Frames podcast episode for more insights.
Combat in Avowed
The current state of combat in Avowed has been a focal point for critique following the game overview. Key points of critique include:
- Spell effects that are visually appealing but lack the expected force.
- Enemy reactions, particularly of the slightly cartoonish lizard people, that don’t match the intensity of the player’s actions.
This disconnect between the player’s actions and the game’s response has been a key concern for those eagerly anticipating the title’s release.
The Importance of Polished Combat in Avowed
For Obsidian’s Avowed, getting the combat system right is not just a matter of meeting player expectations—it’s central to the game’s design. With the studio’s explicit statement that the game will not support pacifist runs due to its focus on combat, the pressure is on to deliver a combat experience that is both engaging and impactful. As the game is not set to release until autumn, there is a window of opportunity for the developers to refine and perfect this aspect of the game. The time ahead is crucial for Obsidian to ensure that the combat in Avowed lives up to the high standards that fans of their previous works have come to expect.
