1. Introduction: The Return of the True RPG Masters
1.1. The Skyrim Shadow
When Microsoft acquired Obsidian Entertainment in 2018, the gaming community shared a collective dream: a game that could finally fill the void left by The Elder Scrolls 6. Avowed was introduced with this exact mindset. But is it really "Skyrim 2.0"? The short answer is "No," and that is actually its greatest strength.
At Tekin Plus, we believe Avowed isn't trying to be a Bethesda sandbox simulator; it's trying to be a refined, fantasy evolution of The Outer Worlds but with significantly more depth. The focus here isn't on "endless scale" or "climbing every distant mountain," but on "narrative density" and "reactive gameplay."
1.2. Return to Eora
For lore junkies, this game is a goldmine. It takes place in the world of Eora, the same universe as the critically acclaimed Pillars of Eternity. However, you don't need to have played those isometric games to enjoy this. You play as an envoy from the Aedyr Empire, sent to the wild "Living Lands" to investigate a spiritual plague. The transition from isometric text-heavy storytelling to a first-person cinematic experience is seamless.
2. Combat System: A Dance of Magic, Steel, and Physics
2.1. Unmatched Freedom in Your Hands
Avowed's biggest gameplay leap is its combat system. Unlike Skyrim’s often "floaty" and weightless melee swings, here you feel the crunch of every impact. The "Dual-Wielding" system offers unmatched freedom. You aren't locked into classes. Want a sword in your right hand for parrying and a wand in your left for crowd control? Do it. Want dual flintlock pistols to play as a magical gunslinger? Absolutely possible.
2.2. Elemental Combos & Physics
Magic in Avowed isn't just about throwing colored lights; it interacts with the physics engine. You can cast a grease spell to cover the floor, then hit it with a fire spell to create a wall of flame. Or, you can freeze an enemy solid and then shatter them with a heavy Warhammer charge. This system turns every encounter from a mindless click-fest into a tactical puzzle where the environment is your weapon.
3. World Building: Quality Over Quantity
3.1. Why "Zone-Based" beats "Open World"
Let's address the elephant in the room: Avowed is not a seamless Open World like Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom. It uses a "Zone-Based" structure, similar to Dragon Age: Inquisition or The Outer Worlds. Is this a weakness? In our opinion, absolutely not. This design choice allows Obsidian to hand-craft every square inch of the map. There are no empty fields generated by AI. Every cave has a story; every ruin has unique loot. It respects the player's time.
3.2. Art Design: A Neon-Fantasy Fever Dream
The "Living Lands" earns its name. The environment is bizarre, colorful, and alien. We see giant neon mushrooms, breathing flora, and corrupted wildlife. The art direction moves away from the "gritty realism" trend and embraces a vibrant, saturated fantasy aesthetic that pops on OLED screens.
4. Narrative & Roleplaying: Where Obsidian Flexes its Muscles
4.1. Truly Grey Choices
This is Obsidian's home turf. In Avowed, you aren't an absolute hero saving the world from a generic dragon. Choices are truly "grey." For example, early in the game, you must decide the fate of a deserter soldier. Do you report him (upholding the law and order) or help him escape to his family (upholding humanity)? There is no "Right" answer, and the consequences will ripple through the story hours later, affecting your standing with factions.
4.2. Companions with Soul
Your companions, like Kai (the coastal Aumaua) or Giatta (the wizard), are not just combat turrets. They have their own alignments, prejudices, and quests. If you make decisions that fundamentally clash with their beliefs, they will argue with you, and in extreme cases, might even leave your party. The banter between them as you explore adds a layer of life to the journey.
5. Technical Analysis (Unreal Engine 5.3)
5.1. Performance Breakdown
Built on the robust Unreal Engine 5.3, the game is a visual treat. On Xbox Series X, the 60FPS Performance mode holds up surprisingly well, with only minor dips during heavy particle effects. On Series S, the game targets a locked 30FPS at 1080p-1440p dynamic resolution. While it lacks the fluidity of 60FPS, the visual fidelity remains intact.
5.2. Lighting and Nanite
The use of Lumen (Global Illumination) transforms the atmosphere. Dungeons are pitch black, requiring torches or light spells, creating genuine tension. The spell effects are some of the best we've seen, lighting up the environment dynamically.
6. Tekin Plus Verdict & Final Score
Avowed might not be the "Skyrim Killer" in terms of sheer map size, but it surpasses Bethesda's classic in combat depth, writing quality, and player agency. Obsidian chose to build a deep lake rather than a shallow ocean. If you miss fantasy adventures where your build matters, your choices reshape the world, and combat feels impactful, Avowed is the best RPG of 2025.
- Pros: Incredible combat versatility, top-tier writing, vibrant art style, stable performance.
- Cons: Not a seamless open world (loading screens between zones), enemy variety could be better in late-game.
- Tekin Plus Score: 9/10 (A Must-Play RPG)