As Obsidian Entertainment gears up for the next chapter in the Pillars of Eternity series, fans are brimming with excitement for the release of Avowed. This new addition promises to build on the series’ legacy with an immersive first-person experience set in a rich fantasy world. Slated for a fall 2024 launch, Avowed is shaping up to be a captivating adventure for RPG enthusiasts.
Obsidian Entertainment, the acclaimed RPG developer, is poised to expand its celebrated Pillars of Eternity series with the upcoming release of Avowed. This new title was recently showcased in a detailed presentation, offering fans a tantalizing glimpse into its first-person gameplay and rich fantasy world. Avowed is set to captivate players with its immersive experience and is eagerly anticipated to launch in fall 2024.
Combat System
The combat system in Avowed is a standout feature, drawing comparisons to the fluid and dynamic mechanics seen in titles like Dark Messiah of Might and Magic and BioShock. It marks a significant evolution from the more rigid and less precise combat of RPGs such as Skyrim and Fallout New Vegas. The system in Avowed encourages players to engage in improvisation, allowing for a more personal and reactive playstyle.
- Telekinesis
- Tangling vines
- Ice spells that freeze enemies
Players can look forward to wielding a diverse array of spells and weapons, from dual-wielding wands in a “gunslinging mage” playstyle to utilizing the world of Eora’s abundant flintlocks. The presentation highlighted the ability to quickly switch between weapon combos, such as two-handers, a gun and shield, or a sword and spell, emphasizing the game’s focus on experimentation and versatility in combat.
Character Building
The character building mechanics in Avowed are a subject of much speculation. Given the game’s emphasis on flexibility and experimentation in combat, it suggests that the game might lean towards a classless, skill-based system. This would be a departure from the set character roles found in the original Pillars of Eternity games, potentially resembling the system used in Fallout. Such a framework would allow players to tailor their characters to their preferred playstyles, fostering a more personalized gaming experience.
Quest Preview
During the presentation, a side quest from Avowed was previewed, setting the stage for the kind of narrative depth and decision-making the game will offer. The scenario presented involves an investigation into an attack on some soldiers, with suspicions pointing towards a deserter. The player’s role is to unravel the truth and determine the deserter’s fate, with the decision potentially having significant consequences for a nearby town. This quest exemplifies Obsidian’s reputation for crafting engaging stories with meaningful choices, hinting at the complex moral dilemmas players may face in the game.
Graphics and Setting
The visual splendor of Avowed is immediately striking, with its aesthetic drawing favorable comparisons to the stunningly beautiful Pillars of Eternity 2: Deadfire. The transition from pre-rendered backgrounds to a full 3D environment appears seamless, with Obsidian successfully capturing the vibrant essence of the original game’s art style. However, there remains a shroud of mystery regarding the exact timeline of Avowed and how it connects to the world-altering events that concluded the last game set in the world of Eora.
The journey to the release of Avowed has been one of anticipation and patience for fans of Obsidian’s work. The initial reveal in 2020 with its evocative trailer set high expectations, followed by a prolonged silence that only served to heighten the intrigue. The recent presentation has finally ended the wait, offering a substantial look at what the game will offer. With the fall 2024 release window now set, the excitement for Avowed is palpable, as players look forward to stepping into the richly detailed world of Eora once again.
