Avowed

The story of Avowed receives widespread acclaim for its rich world-building, moral complexity, and engaging narrative structure. Critics like PCGamesN praise its "diverse world with moral choices" and "character-driven narratives," while Critical Hits highlights the balance between mission-driven storytelling and world-building. The game’s focus on themes such as colonialism, imperialism, and personal morality resonates strongly, with Player 2 noting its exploration of "colonialism, race, and morality" through impactful decisions. The Sydney Morning Herald and Digital Trends commend the narrative’s depth, comparing it to Pillars of Eternity and emphasizing its political intrigue and nuanced dialogue. Gamesurf draws favorable comparisons to Knights of the Old Republic, praising its "strong writing" and moral dilemmas. The game’s branching choices and multiple endings also earn praise, with XboxEra highlighting how player decisions shape the story, and CBR noting the "deep dialogue trees" that enhance replayability. However, several critics point to significant flaws in execution. PCGamesN criticizes the "lack of consequences and impactful decisions," arguing the narrative feels "underdeveloped and static." Radio Times and Meristation lambast the generic plot and underdeveloped characters, while IGN Brasil notes predictable twists and limited meaningful choices. RPGamer and GamingBolt mention missed opportunities in consequence-driven storytelling, with the latter pointing to "combat-heavy sequences that dilute its themes." Metro GameCentral criticizes "excessive, mundane dialogue" and repetitive exposition, while Jeuxvideo.com laments a shift from moral ambiguity to a simplistic narrative. GameInformers also highlight underdeveloped companion side stories, which fail to fully engage players despite the game’s otherwise strong foundation. Overall, the critical consensus leans positive but acknowledges inconsistencies. While many praise Avowed for its ambitious storytelling, thematic depth, and player agency—IGN calls it "the strongest aspect" of the game—the narrative often struggles with pacing, character development, and meaningful consequences. Digital Trends and TechRadar Gaming emphasize its strengths in lore and dialogue, while Radio Times and Meristation express disappointment in its execution. The game’s reliance on Pillars of Eternity’s universe is both a strength and a limitation, offering familiarity for fans but failing to innovate sufficiently. Despite these flaws, the majority of critics agree that Avowed delivers a compelling, thought-provoking experience with moments of brilliance, even if it doesn’t fully realize its potential.

The gameplay of Avowed receives widespread praise for its flexibility, combat variety, and RPG depth. Critics highlight its robust combat system with dynamic weapon combinations, customizable builds, and seamless transitions between first- and third-person perspectives. PCGamesN notes "slick and fluid" combat with unique spell effects, while Critical Hits praises the "flexible weapon combinations" and switching mechanics. Gamer Social Club and Dot Esports commend the game’s emphasis on exploration, side quests, and strategic build development, calling it a "satisfying RPG experience." The game’s class-less system (Gamesurf) and hybrid skill trees (IGN Brasil) allow players to experiment with playstyles, blending melee, ranged, and magic attacks. Siliconera hails the combat as the "favorite in any first or third-person Western fantasy RPG," praising fluid weapon mechanics and quality-of-life features like sprinting without stamina drain. The parkour and fast-travel systems (Game Informer) and diverse open-world exploration (Gamer Social Club, Vgames) further enhance accessibility and immersion. However, several critics point to repetition, lack of innovation, and design flaws that detract from the experience. PCGamesN criticizes the "railroaded structure" and "minimal impact from player choices," while Critical Hits and GamePro Germany note enemy repetition and rigid progression systems. Areajugones and Gamesurf highlight tedious weapon progression and limited enemy variety, leading to repetitive encounters. The companion AI (TechRadar Gaming) and third-person mechanics (IGN Brasil) are also criticized as underwhelming or awkwardly integrated. Some reviewers, like IGN Spain and Jeuxvideo.com, mention the "grind-intensive upgrade system" and forced farming for equipment, while Twinfinite and GameSpew criticize the lack of a target lock and restrictive weapon loadouts. Additionally, issues like uneven difficulty curves (Radio Times) and technical hiccups (Gamepressure) create friction, particularly in later stages. Overall, critics agree that Avowed delivers a strong foundation for an RPG, with its combat system and exploration mechanics standing out as major strengths. While some praise the game’s accessibility and flexibility (The Sydney Morning Herald, XboxEra), others argue it leans too heavily on "comfort-food mechanics" (PCGamesN) without fully innovating. The consensus is that Avowed excels in offering players freedom to customize their approach but struggles with consistency in design, pacing, and depth. As Siliconera notes, the game feels like a "standout" in combat but faces challenges in balancing its ambition with execution. Despite mixed feedback on narrative and RPG elements (Meristation, GAMES.CH), many reviewers acknowledge its potential as a compelling entry in the genre, even if it falls short of revolutionary status.

The majority of reviewers praise Avowed’s graphics and visual design for their vibrant, imaginative environments and strong artistic direction. Critics like Critical Hits and Gamer Social Club highlight the game’s unique High Fantasy aesthetic, with vivid color palettes and distinct regions such as the Living Lands, deserts, and forests. Dot Esports, Checkpoint Gaming, and Finger Guns emphasize the awe-inspiring scale of the world, noting stunning bioluminescent landscapes, detailed character designs, and immersive environments that evoke a sense of wonder. The use of Unreal Engine 5 is frequently lauded for its technical prowess, with MondoXbox and Gamesurf pointing to 4K/60fps performance on Xbox Series X and the game’s ability to create lush, dynamic ecosystems. Radio Times and Gameliner also commend the "stop-and-take-a-screenshot" moments, praising the game’s ability to blend natural beauty with fantastical elements like the Dream Scourge-affected biomes. However, several critics point out significant drawbacks. PCGamesN and Gamesurf criticize the world’s lack of interactivity, noting static environments and unresponsive objects that hinder immersion. Vgames and Digital Trends highlight technical shortcomings, such as outdated character models, repetitive creature designs, and performance issues like frame rate dips and texture pop-in. IGN Brasil and Jeuxvideo.com mention repetitive locations and underdeveloped NPC animations, while Ragequit.gr and Worth Playing critique the "cartoony" aesthetic and awkward character textures. SpazioGames and Pixel Arts note that while environments are detailed, the art direction leans on familiar fantasy tropes without innovation, and Glitched Africa observes that the world feels lifeless despite its visual grandeur. These issues collectively suggest that technical polish and design depth fall short of expectations for a modern RPG. Overall, critics agree that Avowed’s visuals are a standout feature, with its art direction and environmental storytelling earning widespread acclaim. While PCGamesN acknowledges the "static" nature of the world, many reviewers, including XboxEra and GamingBolt, emphasize the game’s ability to create a visually immersive fantasy realm that encourages exploration. However, the consensus is that these strengths are tempered by technical flaws and design compromises, as noted by Digital Trends and IGN Brasil. The game’s visual identity remains distinct and engaging, even if it doesn’t fully reconcile its ambitious art style with consistent performance or innovation. For fans of fantasy RPGs, Avowed’s graphics are a major selling point, but they also reveal areas where the game could have delivered a more polished experience.

The sound design and music of Avowed received generally positive reception, with many critics praising its immersive qualities and atmospheric contributions. Several reviewers highlighted the soundtrack’s ability to adapt to gameplay scenarios, such as Checkpoint Gaming’s mention of a “dynamic soundtrack” that enhances immersion, while MondoXbox noted how Italian localization for texts and subtitles deepened the experience. The ambient music was frequently lauded for setting the tone of environments, with Critical Hits acknowledging its adequacy and Areajugones praising its effectiveness in creating atmosphere. Voice acting also stood out, with critics like Vgames and ZTGD commending its quality, and Just Play it emphasizing strong performances that add emotional depth. Additionally, the adaptive battle music and environmental audio were praised for heightening tension and engagement, as noted by Twinfinite and Just Play it. However, several critiques pointed to the soundtrack’s lack of memorability and impact. Critics like Meristation described it as “correct but not memorable,” while Atomix and Power Unlimited criticized its failure to create emotional peaks or standout moments. The music was often seen as understated, with RPGamer noting it “fades into the background” and Pixel Arts calling it “unmemorable.” Technical issues also emerged, such as Twinfinite’s mention of distorted companion dialogue and GamePro Germany’s observation that the main character remains silent, missing an opportunity for deeper immersion. Some reviewers, like Areajugones, pointed out the absence of Spanish dubbing as a drawback, while IGN Brasil noted the soundtrack’s lack of specific detail. These critiques suggest that while the audio design is functional, it struggles to leave a lasting impression compared to other titles in the genre. Overall, the consensus leans toward Avowed’s sound design and music being solid but unremarkable, with strengths in atmosphere and voice acting offset by a lack of originality or emotional resonance. While critics like Checkpoint Gaming, Vgames, and ZTGD celebrated its immersive qualities and dynamic elements, others, including Meristation and Power Unlimited, felt it failed to elevate key moments. The voice acting was widely praised for its quality, though some technical issues and localization gaps were noted. Ultimately, the soundtrack and sound design are seen as competent contributors to the game’s world-building but not as defining features, with many hoping for more distinctive musical identity in future projects.

The voice acting in Avowed receives widespread acclaim for its quality, particularly in how it enhances character depth and immersion. Multiple critics highlight the strong performances of companions, with Critical Hits praising the "excellent" English voice acting that adds emotional weight to dialogue options, while Checkpoint Gaming notes the "distinct personalities" and engaging campfire chats. Digital Trends and Slant Magazine specifically commend Brandon Keeler’s portrayal of Kai, calling it a standout performance that enriches companion interactions. The inclusion of Brazilian Portuguese subtitles is also praised by Critical Hits, showcasing efforts toward accessibility. Many reviewers, including Gameliner and ZTGD, emphasize how the voice acting elevates storytelling, with natural delivery and synchronization making characters feel dynamic and relatable. Even in quieter moments, such as dialogue scenes, the performances are described as "engaging" (GamePro Germany) and "emotionally resonant" (Windows Central). However, several critics point to notable shortcomings. The main character’s lack of voice acting is a recurring issue, with INDIANTVCZ noting only occasional shouts, which contrasts with the well-voiced companions. Localization gaps also draw criticism: Areajugones and Hobby Consolas highlight the absence of Spanish voiceover as a barrier to immersion, while Le Bêta-Testeur laments the lack of French audio, reducing emotional impact during key moments. Additionally, some critics find the voice acting "bog standard" (Metro GameCentral) or "superficial" (Multiplayer.it), suggesting that while the performances are competent, they fail to fully capitalize on the game’s narrative potential. IGN also notes missed opportunities, such as shallow social interactions and a lack of romance options, which could have been enhanced by more nuanced vocal delivery. Overall, the consensus leans heavily toward praise for Avowed’s voice acting, particularly its companions and dialogue quality, though some critics feel it falls short in areas like main character development and localization. The majority of reviews—such as those from Game Informer, Impulsegamer, and Twinfinite—celebrate the immersive storytelling and strong performances that make the game’s world feel alive. However, the absence of voice acting in certain languages and the underdeveloped main character create a mixed experience. While Critical Hits and Digital Trends highlight the positives, the critiques from Metro GameCentral and Multiplayer.it underscore that the voice acting, though generally strong, could have been more innovative or inclusive to fully realize its potential.

The technical performance of Avowed varies across platforms, with notable positives for both PC and Xbox Series X/S. On PC, reviewers like Gamesurf praised its "solid" performance with no major bugs on their setup, while IGN Spain highlighted smooth gameplay without significant issues. Critical Hits noted the game runs well despite Unreal Engine 5 challenges, and RPG Fan observed stable performance with no crashes. For Xbox Series X/S, MondoXbox and Checkpoint Gaming emphasized smooth performance and quality-of-life features, with Meristation and TrueAchievements calling it "well-polished" and "technically sound." Critics like IGN and Digital Trends also commended the Xbox version’s stability, with some noting improvements in optimization compared to previous Obsidian titles. The Xbox platforms generally received more consistent praise for their balanced performance modes and immersive visuals. However, technical flaws were reported across both platforms. On PC, Critical Hits and Areajugones mentioned frame rate drops in crowded areas and texture popping, while Pixel Arts criticized subpar textures and "unjustifiable stuttering" tied to Unreal Engine 5. RPGamer also noted issues on Steam Deck, including loading problems. For Xbox Series X/S, GamePro Germany and Digital Trends highlighted frame rate drops during late-game areas and quest-stopping bugs, while Multiplayer.it and Twinfinite cited game-breaking glitches and audio issues. Critics like Jeuxvideo.com and TechRadar Gaming pointed to performance inconsistencies, with some noting that the PC version’s stability was "more reliable" despite minor bugs. The Xbox versions faced criticism for occasional visual glitches and AI behavior quirks, though these were often framed as minor compared to the overall experience. Overall, critics generally agree that Avowed is technically sound but not flawless, with Xbox Series X/S receiving more favorable reviews for stability and polish than PC. While Xbox reviewers like MondoXbox and IGN praised its performance modes and immersive world interaction, PC users faced more varied experiences, with some encountering hardware-specific issues (e.g., RPG Fan’s loud fan noise). Despite technical hiccups, many critics—such as Meristation and TrueAchievements—highlighted Obsidian’s improvements in optimization, noting that flaws were "negligible" compared to the game’s strengths. The consensus leans toward Avowed being a polished title with minor bugs that are likely to be addressed post-launch, making it a strong entry for both platforms despite its technical imperfections.

The reviewers generally highlight several positive aspects of Avowed’s replay value, emphasizing its branching narratives, customization options, and exploration-driven design. Critics like Gamer Social Club and MondoXbox praise the game’s flexibility in character builds and side quests, noting that players can revisit the world to experiment with different strategies or explore uncharted areas. Checkpoint Gaming and INDIANTVCZ commend the game’s meaningful choices and interconnected side quests, which create a sense of agency and encourage multiple playthroughs. Digital Trends and CBR also point to the game’s choice-driven narrative and varied combat styles as factors that motivate players to revisit the world with different decisions. Additionally, ZTGD and GamesHub highlight the richly detailed world and hidden content, suggesting that the game’s depth invites exploration even after completing the main story. However, several critics express concerns about limitations in replayability. PCGamesN and Areajugones criticize the game’s repetitive structure, lack of meaningful consequences, and underdeveloped choices, arguing that these issues make it feel more like a one-time experience than a layered RPG. GamePro Germany and Meristation note that combat repetition and predictable enemy encounters may wear thin over time, while Jeuxvideo.com and IGN Spain point to a story that fails to sustain interest beyond the initial hours. SpazioGames and Power Unlimited mention the absence of a New Game Plus mode or post-game content as a drawback, and Twinfinite highlights grind-intensive progression systems that could deter players from replaying. Glitched Africa and Just Play it acknowledge the game’s potential for multiple playthroughs but note that some mechanics, like streamlined systems or limited character backgrounds, may reduce long-term appeal. Overall, the consensus among critics is mixed but leans toward acknowledging Avowed’s replayability potential despite its flaws. While many praise its branching choices, exploration, and customization (as noted by INDIANTVCZ, Gamesurf, and Twinfinite), others argue that repetitive combat, lack of innovation, and limited post-game content (highlighted by Jeuxvideo.com, GamePro Germany, and Power Unlimited) temper its long-term appeal. The game seems to strike a balance between offering enough variety to entice repeat playthroughs—particularly for players who value narrative depth and experimentation—but falls short of creating a truly immersive or endlessly engaging experience. Critics like CBR and Gamesurf suggest that while Avowed has the foundation for replayability, its execution leaves room for improvement, making it a title that will appeal more to casual explorers than hardcore RPG enthusiasts seeking deep, lasting engagement.