Simply, it is above my expectations.

The most obvious comparisons are Skyrim and Starfield, but the real comparison is Outer Worlds. Avowed is a level based, instanced, free flow RPG, layered on a strange set of serious lore and quirky events. Sort of like how Fallout has a serious undertone, but you’re going to find a bunch of weirdos along the way. It’s a great Obsidian product.

Character development is simple, but skills and stats can influence each other. You’re never stove piped into a single path, which adds a tremendous about of flexibility. You slowly discover these elements through the tutorial and initial level, allowing you to adapt over time. Notably, dialogue is not hidden behind super complicated skill checks (a part that annoys me in many party-based RPGs). The live action means that the onus is on you as a player to be effective, rather than the skills themselves being right/wrong.

The world itself deserves mention, in particular in regards to the design. Every space has something, and few of them have any indicators other than simply exploring. This is a massive contrast to Skyrim and Starfield, where much of the world is empty. The serendipity of discovery is everywhere. It feels like there are no wasted spaces, which is a miracle in and of itself.

Which gets me to the story elements and core drivers. I get lost easily in RPGs, following all sorts of breadcrumbs. Fallout 1’s ticking clock on getting a water chip, let me tell you how many times I failed that! I found a dungeon, after having read a note, with no in-game marker directing me. The dungeon itself was instanced, and the main story was that a delving team had gotten lost. Within, I found another godlike (born touched by a god) that sacrificed the entire team to power up a homemade robot with the spirit of a god. One, finding the actual area/quest was super organic. Second, the writing of an insane person trying to rationally explain their path was very funny. And third, the integration into the larger storyline didn’t become evident until much later.

I’m not saying the game is perfect. The moment to moment flow feels a little off, and the combat mechanics could use some QoL passes for sure (enemy AI is actually pretty good). It is however a good game, one with an interesting setting, and scratches a heck of an itch for an RPG after years of disappointment from other studios. I hope, truly hope, that Obsidian can be rewarded for what it’s been able to do here. A fraction of the budget and still hitting the right notes.

Now time to dig back in. I am enjoying shooting lightning bolts!