Abdelrahman
Excitement is building around the latest role-playing game from publisher Xbox Game Studios and developer Obsidian Entertainment, Avowed. Critics are largely commending its immersive world design and engaging combat systems. However, opinions vary when it comes to the game’s narrative and the extent of player freedom.
As I draft this, Avowed holds a score of 80 on Metacritic, calculated from 58 reviews. Additionally, it has an 81 on OpenCritic, derived from 93 reviews. The game generally receives scores in the 8 to 9 range, with a few lower ratings affecting the overall average. Below are some selected reviews:
- VG247 (10/10): “Role-playing games vary widely, and I appreciate it when a game in this genre doesn’t focus too heavily on gritty realism. While I enjoy games that craft immersive worlds, sometimes I just want a classic RPG experience. Avowed successfully delivers that—it’s engaging while prioritizing mechanics that create an enjoyable world to explore.”
- Digital Trends (9/10): “Avowed is the best RPG I’ve experienced since Baldur’s Gate 3 and could easily become my favorite title from Obsidian. If you’ve enjoyed RPGs like Skyrim in the past, I highly recommend checking out Avowed as soon as you can—just be careful to make the right choices if you want Garryck to survive.”
- Inverse (9/10): “Obsidian clearly focused on quality over quantity with Avowed. While the game offers extensive side content after two weeks of gameplay, everything feels meticulously designed to enhance enjoyment. Avowed is a well-structured RPG that doesn’t lose sight of its ambitious vision.”
- Pure Xbox (8/10): “Fans of the Pillars series seeking deep complexity may need to adjust their expectations, as this game prioritizes fast-paced combat and exploration over extensive character interactions. Expect engaging battles and vibrant environments—there’s plenty of fun to be had.”
- IGN (7/10): “Avowed excels in worldbuilding and character development, reminding me why I fell in love with Obsidian’s previous RPGs. However, it largely follows a predictable fantasy formula, resulting in limited enemy variety that could dilute the excitement of its sword and sorcery battles.”
A New Fantasy Journey in Eora
Obsidian Entertainment first invited players into the vibrant world of Eora with Pillars of Eternity in 2015. Now, nearly a decade later, the continuation of this universe is exciting, even in the more focused format that Avowed offers. I’ve been engrossed in the game while creating guides, thoroughly enjoying casting spells and interacting with companions like Kai.
Additionally, I’m eager to share our Avowed review, penned by writer Zachary Boddy, who awarded it 4 out of 5 stars. He noted that “Avowed transports us back to the enchanting world of Eora from Pillars of Eternity, and The Living Lands offers the most vibrant, colorful adventure yet. Obsidian has successfully harnessed the “magic” of classic RPGs like Skyrim, making exploration incredibly enjoyable.”
Personally, I can’t wait to wrap up my current playthrough and immediately embark on a new adventure as a different Envoy of the Aedyran Emperor!
Avowed is set to release on February 18, 2025, for Xbox Series X|S and Windows PC via Steam, the Xbox app, and Battle.net. As a first-party title, the standard edition will be available on day one for Xbox Game Pass Ultimate and PC Game Pass subscribers. Those preordering the Premium Edition can access the game early, starting February 13. For more information, check out our Avowed preorder guide.
