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I’ve eagerly been anticipating the release of Avowed. It’s been a while since I’ve had the chance to immerse myself in an Elder Scrolls-style first-person RPG. While The Elder Scrolls VI is on the horizon, it’s not expected anytime soon.
Fortunately, Obsidian is launching Avowed on February 18 for Xbox and PC. I recently had the opportunity to play a demo of the game at Gamescom in Cologne, Germany.
Avowed not only scratches that Skyrim itch, but it also brings some unique visual elements and innovative concepts to the table.
Sightly spelunking
My demo experience of Avowed on PC was visually stunning. The adventure unfolded entirely within a single cave. Unlike the dark, dreary caves typical of The Elder Scrolls, this cavern was adorned with vibrant purples, greens, and blues.
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As I navigated through narrow, winding paths and open spaces within the cave, I was struck by the attention to detail. Every nook and cranny was filled with intricate elements, ensuring there was never a dull moment.
Pretty cave!
Pistol power
The environment was not only beautiful but also provided ample opportunities for combat with creatures like spiders, lizards, and skeletons. While some may find Skyrim’s combat simplistic and outdated, I’ve always appreciated its straightforward and engaging nature.
Combat in Avowed bears similarities to Skyrim, yet it introduces unique elements that enhance the gameplay experience. In my initial demo playthrough, I took on the role of a stealthy rogue armed with pistols and a bow. The bow was ideal for long-range attacks, while the pistols excelled in close to mid-range combat.
Unlike traditional Elder Scrolls games, Avowed features powerful pistols that are slow to reload but can be dual-wielded without the need for ammo. Additionally, a companion character adds a new dynamic to gameplay with the ability to execute powerful moves and provide effective distractions in battle.
Dense with detail.
Magic maybe
While I enjoyed the pistol-based combat, my experience with the magic user aspect left me wanting. The spells were visually impressive, but I felt comparatively weaker when relying on magic abilities instead of firearms and stealth tactics. Additionally, the heavy mana usage by mages necessitates frequent potion consumption during battles, which can be cumbersome.
Despite these initial observations, I anticipate that Avowed will offer magic-focused builds capable of significant damage output, potentially surpassing conventional weapon strategies. However, in my brief gameplay snippet, traditional weapons felt more potent and efficient.
That RPG feeling
Delving into the RPG elements of Avowed, I encountered a peculiar character constructing a colossal statue of a deity within the cave. As with any compelling RPG, I had multiple choices in how to approach the situation – assist in reviving the god, express concerns about the endeavor, or even resort to more drastic measures such as terminating the character.
I don’t think I trust this man.
This brief narrative showcased the rich role-playing potential of Avowed. The game’s dialogue trees offer diverse options tailored to specific character traits, encouraging multiple playthroughs. Furthermore, Avowed incorporates a user-friendly feature highlighting pivotal characters and locations, allowing players to delve deeper into the game’s lore at the touch of a button.
Wowed with Avowed so far
My experience with Avowed thus far has exceeded my expectations. It strikes a perfect balance between familiarity with the Elder Scrolls universe and introducing fresh concepts that set it apart. I eagerly anticipate revisiting the world of Avowed when it launches next year.
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FAQs
What platform will Avowed be available on?
Avowed is set to release on Xbox and PC on February 18.
Can players expect engaging combat mechanics in Avowed?
Yes, Avowed offers a mix of traditional Elder Scrolls-style combat with unique flourishes like dual-wielding pistols and companion abilities.
How does Avowed incorporate RPG elements into its gameplay?
Players will encounter diverse choices, dialogue options, and character-specific paths in Avowed, enhancing the overall role-playing experience.
Credit: venturebeat.com
