Summary
Obsidian Entertainment’sAvowedhas been on many gamers' radar since its announcement in 2020. As a first-person fantasy RPG adventure set within the greater world of the studio’s CRPG series,Pillars of Eternity,Avowedhas called to mind the likes ofSkyrimand other beloved titles in the same vein. Obsidian’s upcoming release is set to send fans on a journey through the region of the Living Lands of Eora later this year, promising an intriguing narrative and a wealth of player agency.
After a few general details were previously provided, the developer offered a deeper look into some of what players can expect whenAvowed’s latest story trailerwas shown during the Xbox Showcase this June, part of Summer Game Fest. Prior to that, January’s Xbox Direct focused on the depth of combat and choices thatAvowedwill contain. And while it all looks excellent, one option seems not to be viable– that of a pacifist path. Although this may mean it restricts player freedom in this instance, it might come with the big upside of elevating the potential combinations and results based on the combat and other options it will provide.
Avowed’s release date may have been leakedinadvertently, and it is officially confirmed for a Fall window as of now.
Avowed Not Offering a Strictly Pacifist Playthrough Could Show Off One of its Best Sides
Avowed Appears to Disallow a Non-Violent Playthrough
Thoughpacifist playthroughsand role-playing methods for it have often been present in a number of RPGs and choice-driven games, they are also usually confined to a more niche path, requiring at times very specific skill builds and related story and quest choices to accomplish. It additionally naturally entails developers designing with the option in mind from the beginning, which certainly adds complexity to both ends of the gameplay and narrative spectrum. As such, many other titles by nature or necessity omit it as a narrative and gameplay option.
Obsidian has stated itsvision forAvowedis based around deeply choice-driven quests in its tale of the strange plague dubbed the Dreamscourge affecting the Lands, and this design philosophy has long been associated with the studio. Even so, it appears that a truly passive approach will not be possible inAvowed, which perhaps isn’t as surprising given its setup and pedigree, but understandably may disappoint fans who were hoping it might. Instead,Avowedmay offer many interesting ways for players to engage with its more aggressive stance in this regard.
How Avowed’s Extensive Combat Design and Choices Could Blunt the Exclusion of a Pacifist Path
If a pacifist path is ruled out inAvowed, then it will likely put more of an emphasis on the combat and the myriad possibilities within. Going from what has been revealed about this so far,Avowedwill have grimoires, guns, spells, wands, and more, along with traditional sword-and-shield selections. Obsidian stated players will have the freedom to mix and match all varieties of arms between preferred styles in a classless system that will let them fluidly switch between and experiment with the array of configurations on display, including duel wielding. In light of all these options, perhaps the pacifist one will not be missed as much, if the results are satisfying to play and narratively relevant.
WhileAvowedthus may not offer complete role-playing freedom in terms of fans being able to walk a non-violent path, and some may simply have to accept its absence, the above might then prove to be a boon in other ways. Given the assortment of already revealed weapons, it has the potential to see players constructing and sharingfun and creative character builds forAvowed. It also may be justified again by the framework and other yet unknown aspects that will highlight its combat philosophy and storytelling in ways that marry them seamlessly.
Avowed
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Welcome to the Living Lands, a mysterious island filled with adventure and danger. Set in the fictional world of Eora that was first introduced to players in the Pillars of Eternity franchise, Avowed is a first-person fantasy action RPG from the award-winning team at Obsidian Entertainment.You are the envoy of Aedyr, a distant land, sent to investigate rumors of a spreading plague throughout the Living Lands - an island full of mysteries and secrets, danger and adventure, and choices and consequences, and untamed wilderness. You discover a personal connection to the Living Lands and an ancient secret that threatens to destroy everything. Can you save this unknown frontier and your soul from the forces threatening to tear them asunder?
