Enchanting World of Avowed: A Spiritual Successor to Morrowind

Avowed might not redefine the RPG genre, but it's a charming adventure that deeply resonates with fans of exploration. The game beautifully recaptures the essence of Morrowind, a legendary RPG that set the standard for immersive worlds well before contemporary benchmarks were established.

In Morrowind, every element of the environment, from rocks and bushes to mountains and the ocean floor, promised adventure. Obsidian Entertainment has ambitly taken up the mantle to replicate this sense of discovery, and early indications suggest they've done so with remarkable success.

Table of Content

• The World of Pillars of Eternity
• A Chaotic Welcome to Paradise
• Treasures Beneath Every Stone
• Stories Waiting to Be Discovered
• Endless Possibilities and Exploration

The World of Pillars of Eternity

Image: x.com

Set within the rich tapestry of the Pillars of Eternity universe, Avowed welcomes players into its intricately crafted world without mandating prior familiarity with the series. While knowing the backstory can enrich your journey, the narrative unfolds seamlessly through in-game conversations and environmental storytelling.

The storyline centers around an emissary dispatched by the Emperor of Aedyr to the enigmatic Living Lands to probe a mysterious fungal plague that corrupts souls and incites madness. Within this universe, souls cycle through life, death, and rebirth. The protagonist, touched by a deity at birth (though the specific god remains a mystery), sports unique fungal or plant-like growths on their head, inspiring fear and intrigue among NPCs.

A Chaotic Welcome to Paradise

Image: x.com

Upon arrival in the Living Lands, the protagonist faces immediate chaos as their ship is ambushed by deranged Aedyran guards. Landing in the port city ironically named Paradise, players encounter a city in disarray, with missing leaders and closed gates—a classic RPG scenario ripe for exploration.

Venturing out, the thrill of discovery quickly becomes apparent. My first foray led me into the sea near the port, uncovering sunken treasures while evading a watery demise. Further adventures took me to a smuggler's camp where I eavesdropped on plans and narrowly escaped detection. Returning to the port, I eagerly embarked on quests, eager to explore every hidden corner.

Treasures Beneath Every Stone

Image: x.com

A standout moment was infiltrating a locked house, plundering its contents, and then climbing scaffolding to reach a lighthouse. There, I discovered a treasure map, rare yellow-tier boots with a compelling narrative, and stunning vistas. As dusk settled, luminescent mushrooms illuminated new paths and secrets.

The game world is brimming with surprises. In the sewers beneath the lighthouse, a chest lay hidden behind spiderwebs, waiting to be revealed with fire. Perched on beams nearby, a nest held coins, while a cliff-edge backpack and a sunbathing skeleton added to the loot. Even hurling an ice grenade into the water created a temporary pathway to submerged treasures.

Stories Waiting to Be Discovered

Image: x.com

Such moments of discovery are plentiful. Supplies materialize on rooftops, behind waterfalls, and atop hills, leading to new quests, rare artifacts, and poignant scenarios. For example, while exploring the slums, I broke into a shack and encountered a blind man and his grieving wife, threatened by mercenaries. In another instance, aiding a nobleman to retrieve a health-regenerating ring from a sewer led to a moral dilemma—keep it or return it?

Another moving encounter was finding two lovers who met their end together, near a lift leading to the northern outskirts where guards inspected a deceased smuggler. Pursuing this path, I battled through a reptilian camp and confronted a towering giant, pushing my combat skills and gear to their limits.

Endless Possibilities and Exploration

Image: x.com

Within just eight hours, my journey was filled with countless adventures, free from the main questline or the drudgery of repetitive grinding. My focus was on exploring, experimenting with different character builds, and understanding item interactions. Whether wielding a shield and staff or opting for heavy armor and melee weapons, each decision unveiled new avenues.

With many mysteries yet to unravel and numerous systems to master, my adventure in Avowed is far from finished. The promise of hidden chests, untold stories, and forgotten treasures beckons. For now, the game offers an unending stream of discoveries, reaffirming why RPGs continue to captivate gamers worldwide.