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Avowed

Name: Comprehensive Review and Analysis of Avowed
Item: Avowed
Author: Critik Editorial Team

2025

GenresFantasy, Adventure, Action, Shooter, RPG, Single Player, First Person Perspective

AvailableFeb 18, 2025

PlatformPC, Xbox Series X

DeveloperObsidian Entertainment

Overview

Obsidian Entertainment's next epic, first-person RPG set in the fantasy world of Eora.

Elsewhere

Game analysis

Monster Scorecard

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Story and Narrative

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TL;DR

Avowed impresses critics with its intricate narrative and immersive world-building, focusing on an Envoy battling the Dream Scourge plague in Eora. Praised for tackling themes of colonialism and morality, the game features impactful player choices and strong companions. However, some reviews note issues with character development and predictability, particularly towards the ending. Overall, it’s a strong narrative title for fans of Pillars of Eternity, but with room for improvement in character depth and story pacing.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR STORY

Story Score

Positive (80-100)

82%

Mixed (50-79)

14%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the story and narrative.

The story of Avowed has garnered a largely positive reception among critics, with many praising its intricate narrative and engaging world-building. Reviewers like Atomix and GamePro Germany highlight the complexity of the storyline, which revolves around the protagonist, an Envoy, navigating the socio-political landscape of Eora while addressing the dire Dream Scourge plague. Critics such as GamingBolt and Player 2 commend the game for its exploration of significant themes like colonialism, morality, and personal destiny, emphasizing the impact of player choices on the narrative. The inclusion of well-developed companions and rich environmental storytelling, as noted by TrueAchievements and Vgames, further enhances the immersive experience, making the story feel alive and responsive to player actions. Despite the overall acclaim, some critics have pointed out notable shortcomings in Avowed's narrative execution. Meristation and Hobby Consolas express disappointment regarding the depth of character development and the predictability of certain plot elements. While many reviewers appreciate the engaging dialogue and world-building, some, like GameSpew, mention that certain aspects of the story might feel streamlined or underwhelming, particularly towards the conclusion. This sentiment is echoed by critics who feel that while the game sets up a captivating premise, it occasionally fails to deliver on the complexity that was built up throughout the gameplay. In summary, the consensus among critics is that Avowed presents a compelling and richly woven narrative that successfully draws players into its fantastical world. Most reviewers, including those from IGN and Multiplayer.it, celebrate the game's ability to intertwine player choices with a well-structured plot, creating a dynamic storytelling experience. However, there are reservations regarding the depth of character backgrounds and the pacing of the story's conclusion, as highlighted by some critics. Overall, Avowed stands out as a strong narrative-driven title, particularly for fans of the Pillars of Eternity universe, while also leaving room for improvement in certain areas of character development and narrative resolution.

TL;DR

story and narrative

Gameplay Mechanics

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TL;DR

Avowed impresses with its flexible combat and deep character customization, earning praise for diverse playstyles and engaging exploration. Critics applaud its RPG elements but highlight drawbacks like enemy repetitiveness and simplistic progression, suggesting these issues detract from the overall experience. Despite some flaws, the game is deemed a solid RPG entry, balancing strengths in combat and exploration against its weaknesses.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR GAMEPLAY

Gameplay Score

Positive (80-100)

64%

Mixed (50-79)

36%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the gameplay mechanics.

The gameplay of Avowed has garnered a largely positive reception from critics, highlighting its flexibility and depth. Reviewers such as Atomix and Checkpoint Gaming praise the combat system for allowing diverse playstyles, including melee, ranged, and magic combat, which enhances the RPG experience. This sentiment is echoed by Dot Esports, who emphasizes the freedom to create unique character builds, making the game enjoyable and engaging. Additionally, critics like GAMINGbible and TrueAchievements appreciate the balance between exploration and combat, noting that the game encourages players to delve into its open world, filled with meaningful side quests and secrets. The dynamic and customizable gameplay, as highlighted by ElDesmarque, allows players to mix combat styles and skills, contributing to a rich RPG experience. However, several critics point out notable drawbacks that detract from the overall gameplay experience. GamePro Germany and IGN highlight a lack of enemy variety, which can lead to repetitive combat encounters. This sentiment is further supported by Multiplayer.it and Meristation, who mention that while combat is enjoyable, it suffers from a lack of depth in role-playing elements and character development. Critics like GamingBolt and Twinfinite also express concerns about simplistic progression mechanics and a grind-intensive upgrade system, which can feel forced and detract from the overall enjoyment of the game. Additionally, some reviewers, such as Hobby Consolas and Player 2, mention that while combat is engaging, it can become repetitive over time, indicating a need for greater variety in gameplay encounters. Overall, the consensus among critics is that Avowed offers a satisfying and flexible gameplay experience, particularly in its combat mechanics and character customization options. While many reviewers, including Vgames and Windows Central, commend the game for its engaging combat and exploration, they also acknowledge the repetitive nature of encounters and simplistic progression systems as areas needing improvement. Despite these criticisms, the game is seen as a commendable entry into the RPG genre, with its strengths in combat and exploration outweighing its weaknesses, as noted by the majority of critics. The combination of a customizable combat system and an open-world environment creates a compelling experience, although players may encounter some limitations in enemy variety and progression depth.

TL;DR

gameplay mechanics

Graphics and Visual Design

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TL;DR

Avowed impresses with stunning visuals and detailed environments, praised for its vibrant color palette and smooth 60FPS performance on Xbox Series X. Critics celebrate its immersive graphics powered by Unreal Engine 5.3. However, some point out flaws like outdated character designs and technical issues that prevent it from fully reaching modern standards. Overall, despite minor criticisms, the game's visuals are a standout feature, enhancing the fantasy experience.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VISUALS

Visual Score

Positive (80-100)

81%

Mixed (50-79)

19%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the graphics and visual design.

The overall sentiment regarding the graphics and visual design of Avowed is predominantly positive, with many critics praising the game's stunning visuals and detailed environments. Reviewers from outlets like GAMINGbible and Meristation highlighted the breathtaking graphics that enhance the immersive experience of the game world. Critics noted the vibrant color palette and the artistic direction, with Generación Xbox emphasizing the impressive fidelity achieved through Unreal Engine 5.3. The environments were frequently described as diverse and captivating, encouraging exploration, as noted by Impulsegamer and GamingBolt. Additionally, the game’s ability to run smoothly at 60FPS and 1800p on Xbox Series X was commended by critics like Twinfinite, further contributing to the overall visual appeal. However, there are some criticisms that temper the otherwise glowing reviews. A few critics, such as GamePro Germany and Vgames, pointed out that certain aspects of the visual presentation felt lacking, with mentions of technical issues and outdated character designs. Multiplayer.it also noted problems with character models and interface aesthetics that detracted from the overall experience. Furthermore, SpazioGames mentioned low-resolution textures and a lack of ray tracing, indicating that while the game excels in many areas, it does not fully meet modern graphical standards in all respects. In summary, the consensus among critics is that Avowed delivers a visually impressive experience, with a rich and detailed world that enhances gameplay. While there are some criticisms regarding character models and occasional technical shortcomings, the majority of reviewers agree that the game’s graphics are a highlight, contributing significantly to its fantasy setting. Critics like Checkpoint Gaming and Dot Esports encapsulated this sentiment by praising the stunning visuals and the awe-inspiring environments, reinforcing the idea that Avowed stands out in its visual design, despite some minor flaws.

TL;DR

graphics and visual design

Music and Sound Design

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TL;DR

Avowed shines with exceptional voice acting and immersive environmental sound, praised by critics for enhancing gameplay and adventure vibes reminiscent of Skyrim. However, the soundtrack falls flat—considered unremarkable and lacking impact by several reviewers, who note it often fades into the background. Despite strong audio presentation, the game struggles with audio issues, leaving a mixed impression overall.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR SOUND DESIGN

Sound Score

Positive (80-100)

41%

Mixed (50-79)

59%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the music and sound design.

The sound design and music of Avowed have garnered a range of positive feedback from critics, particularly regarding the quality of voice acting and the immersive environmental audio. Reviewers like ElDesmarque and ZTGD praised the exceptional voice performances that contribute significantly to the game's overall experience. Critics from IGN Spain and Xbox Tavern highlighted the effective use of sound design to enhance gameplay, with the latter noting that the soundtrack leaves a memorable impression. TrueAchievements also pointed out that the soundtrack complements the exploration experience, evoking a sense of adventure reminiscent of classic RPGs like Skyrim. Furthermore, MondoXbox emphasized the localization efforts that enhance immersion, showcasing the game's attention to detail in audio presentation. However, the critiques also reveal notable shortcomings, particularly concerning the soundtrack's memorability and impact. Atomix and Meristation both remarked that the soundtrack lacks a distinctive quality, often fading into the background rather than standing out. Multiplayer.it echoed this sentiment by stating that the sound design and music are not highlighted as strengths, suggesting a superficial direction in voice acting. Additionally, Twinfinite pointed out audio issues such as distorted or barely audible companion dialogue, which could detract from the overall experience. Critics like Windows Central and Checkpoint Gaming acknowledged the sound effects and ambient sounds as crisp and satisfying but also noted that the soundtrack does not particularly stand out. Overall, the consensus among critics indicates that while Avowed excels in voice acting and environmental sound design, the soundtrack leaves much to be desired. Many reviewers, including GamePro Germany and SpazioGames, felt that the music did not reach the heights of other notable titles in the genre, often describing it as unremarkable or lacking impact. Despite these criticisms, the quality of voice acting remains a strong point, with most reviewers agreeing that it enhances the game's immersive qualities. In summary, Avowed presents a mixed bag in terms of sound design and music, with strengths in voice performances overshadowed by weaknesses in the overall musical composition.

TL;DR

music and sound design

Voice Acting

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TL;DR

Avowed's voice acting garners strong praise for enhancing immersion and character depth, with critics like Atomix and GamesHub highlighting memorable performances that foster emotional connections. However, some reviewers, including Multiplayer.it and Xbox Tavern, point out inconsistencies in quality and lack of nuance, with concerns about accessibility due to the absence of a Spanish voiceover. Overall, while the voice acting elevates the game's narrative, improvements are needed for uniformity and inclusivity.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VOICE ACTING

Acting Score

Positive (80-100)

68%

Mixed (50-79)

32%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the voice acting.

The voice acting in Avowed has received widespread acclaim from numerous critics, emphasizing its quality and contribution to the game's immersive experience. Reviewers like Atomix and ElDesmarque highlight the depth and personality of the characters, which significantly enhances storytelling. Checkpoint Gaming notes the well-voiced companions and engaging campfire chats that add to the game's charm, while GamesHub points out the strong performances during companion interactions that further enrich the narrative. Critics such as Twinfinite and GAMINGbible commend specific characters like Kai and Marius for their memorable portrayals, indicating that the voice acting effectively fosters emotional connections between players and characters. Overall, the consensus leans heavily towards the voice acting being a strong point that elevates the game's atmosphere. However, not all feedback is positive, as some critics express concerns regarding the voice acting's depth and consistency. Multiplayer.it describes the voice acting as superficial, suggesting it lacks the nuance expected from a title of this caliber, which could undermine player immersion. Xbox Tavern echoes this sentiment, mentioning that while some characters deliver engaging performances, others come across as stilted or unclear. Additionally, Hobby Consolas raises a valid point about the absence of a Spanish voiceover, which could limit accessibility and detract from the narrative experience for non-English speaking players. These criticisms indicate that while there are standout performances, there are also inconsistencies that prevent a uniformly high-quality experience. Overall, the critics' opinions on the voice acting in Avowed present a mixed yet predominantly positive sentiment. While many reviewers, including VGC and Windows Central, praise the emotional depth and engagement brought forth by the voice acting, there are notable criticisms regarding the inconsistency in performance quality. The overall consensus suggests that while the voice acting significantly enhances the game's storytelling and character interactions, there are areas for improvement, particularly in ensuring a more uniform quality across all characters and expanding language options for broader accessibility.

TL;DR

voice acting

Technical Performance

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TL;DR

Avowed on Xbox Series X impresses with smooth performance, stunning visuals, and quality-of-life enhancements, earning praise from many critics. However, it suffers from significant technical issues like frame rate drops and quest-breaking bugs, especially during intense moments. While the game shows solid potential, it requires further optimization and patches to truly shine.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR TECHNICAL PERFORMANCE

Tech Score

Positive (80-100)

50%

Mixed (50-79)

44%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the technical performance.

The technical performance of Avowed on the Xbox Series X has garnered a largely positive reception among critics. Many reviewers, including Atomix and IGN, praised the game for its smooth performance and stability, with minimal glitches reported. ElDesmarque highlighted the impressive visuals and stable performance, while Meristation noted a significant improvement for Obsidian in terms of polish. Critics like Checkpoint Gaming and MondoXbox emphasized the game’s quality-of-life features and various performance modes that enhance the gameplay experience. Overall, the Xbox Series X version appears to deliver a commendable level of technical execution, allowing for an immersive experience. However, despite the positive feedback, several critics pointed out notable technical issues that detract from the overall experience. GamePro Germany and Multiplayer.it reported various technical problems, including frame rate drops and quest-stopping bugs, which can significantly hinder gameplay. GameSpew echoed these sentiments, particularly in performance mode and during large battles. Critics like Twinfinite and Windows Central also noted issues such as asset pop-in and audio glitches that affect companion interactions. These criticisms suggest that while the game performs well in many aspects, there are still considerable areas requiring improvement. The overall consensus among critics indicates that Avowed on the Xbox Series X is a solid title with a strong technical foundation, yet it is not without its flaws. Many reviewers, including Generación Xbox and SpazioGames, recognized the game’s potential and the improvements made by Obsidian, but they also highlighted the need for further optimization. The presence of bugs and performance issues, particularly during chaotic scenes or in later game areas, suggests that while the game is polished, it still requires patches to enhance the experience further. In summary, Avowed showcases a commendable technical performance on the Xbox Series X, but the mixed feedback regarding bugs and performance issues indicates that it has room for improvement.

TL;DR

technical performance

Replay Value

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TL;DR

"Avowed" boasts strong replay value thanks to its engaging narratives and character choices, enticing players to explore multiple playthroughs. Critics praise its rich world and side quests but caution that repetitive combat and slow story progression may dampen long-term enjoyment. While it offers a compelling RPG experience, concerns about lack of unique character options and a New Game Plus mode could limit its appeal compared to other genre titles.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR REPLAY VALUE

Replay Score

Positive (80-100)

33%

Mixed (50-79)

67%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the replay value.

The overall sentiment regarding the replay value of "Avowed" is predominantly positive, with many critics highlighting its strengths in player choice and exploration. Reviewers such as Atomix and Checkpoint Gaming emphasize the game's branching narratives and meaningful choices that lead to varied outcomes, which encourage players to engage in multiple playthroughs. Critics like GamesHub and Generación Xbox also point out the depth of the world and the richness of side quests, suggesting that the game offers substantial content for players to explore. The ability to create diverse character builds and the presence of multiple companion storylines further enhance the game's replayability, making it a compelling experience for those who enjoy immersing themselves in the lore and mechanics of the game. However, several critics express concerns that may limit the game's long-term replay value. ElDesmarque and GamePro Germany note that while the game is rich in content, the repetitive nature of combat and the slow progression of the main story could detract from the overall experience. Critics like IGN Spain and Multiplayer.it mention that the lack of unique character backgrounds and the absence of a New Game Plus mode may hinder the incentive for players to replay the game. Additionally, some reviewers, such as Meristation and Worth Playing, suggest that while the game has high points, it may not provide enough depth or variety to encourage repeated playthroughs, especially for those who prefer more dynamic gameplay experiences. The overall consensus among critics is that "Avowed" presents a solid replay value primarily through its engaging narrative choices and exploration opportunities. While many reviewers, including TrueAchievements and Twinfinite, acknowledge the game's potential for replayability, they also highlight certain limitations, such as repetitive combat and a lack of post-game content, which could temper enthusiasm for multiple playthroughs. Ultimately, while "Avowed" offers a rich and immersive experience that encourages exploration and player-driven narratives, the concerns raised by critics indicate that its replay value may not be as extensive or compelling as that of other RPGs in the genre.

TL;DR

replay value

Overall Verdict

MONSTER

OVERALL SCORE DISTRIBUTION

Monster Score

Positive (80-100)

78%

Mixed (50-79)

22%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing all available reviews that scored and critiqued the game.

The overall sentiment regarding "Avowed" among critics is predominantly positive, with many praising its strengths as a role-playing game (RPG). Reviewers like Atomix and GAMINGbible highlight the game's engaging storytelling and vibrant world, while Checkpoint Gaming emphasizes its sharp writing and captivating companions. The visuals also receive considerable acclaim, with critics such as GamesHub and MondoXbox noting the stunning graphics that enhance the overall experience. Combat mechanics are frequently described as enjoyable and satisfying, with critics like Twinfinite and Vgames commending the addictive nature of the gameplay. The game's ability to blend classic RPG elements with innovative features is acknowledged by several reviewers, including ElDesmarque and Generación Xbox, who see it as a notable title for RPG fans. Despite the overall praise, several critics point out notable shortcomings that affect the game's reception. Technical issues are a recurring theme, with GamePro Germany, Multiplayer.it, and Meristation mentioning bugs and performance problems that detract from the experience. Additionally, some critics, like Worth Playing and Hobby Consolas, express concerns regarding gameplay repetitiveness and a lack of depth in certain areas, such as combat mechanics and narrative richness. While the game is described as competent and enjoyable, IGN Spain and Xbox Tavern suggest that it lacks the unique charm and innovation found in previous Obsidian titles, which may leave some players wanting more. In summary, the consensus among critics is that "Avowed" is a strong and engaging RPG that successfully delivers a captivating experience for fans of the genre. While it may not be groundbreaking or free from technical flaws, the majority of reviewers, including TrueAchievements and ZTGD, agree that it offers a polished and enjoyable adventure. The combination of compelling storytelling, beautiful visuals, and solid gameplay mechanics positions "Avowed" as a noteworthy title in the RPG landscape, making it a recommended experience for both newcomers and seasoned players alike.

TL;DR

"Avowed" garners positive reviews for its engaging storytelling, stunning visuals, and satisfying combat, making it a solid RPG experience. However, technical glitches and gameplay repetitiveness hold it back from being truly groundbreaking. While it may not capture the unique charm of previous Obsidian titles, it remains a recommended adventure for RPG fans.

MONSTER

Reviews

216 reviews found

100

The Sydney Morning Herald

Xbox Series X

Feb 16, 2025

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Avowed is positioned as an enjoyable and accessible RPG experience, akin to Skyrim, appealing to a broad audience.

Checkpoint Gaming

Xbox Series X

Feb 13, 2025

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Impressive RPG with sharp writing, captivating companions, stunning visuals, and smart pacing, offering a polished and intelligent experience.

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MondoXbox

Xbox Series X

Feb 13, 2025

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Avowed presents a rich RPG experience with engaging gameplay, a compelling story, and impressive visuals, making it a noteworthy title in the genre.

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ElDesmarque

Xbox Series X

Feb 13, 2025

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Avowed is a massive RPG that successfully combines classic elements with a new story, offering a rich world and engaging combat, making it a must-play for RPG fans.

Impulsegamer

Xbox Series X

Feb 13, 2025

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Avowed is praised as a phenomenal exercise in world-building, with polished gameplay systems and a frictionless experience that delivers a deep and engaging action RPG with familiar yet fresh elements.

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GamesHub

Xbox Series X

Feb 13, 2025

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Avowed is praised as a wonderful pairing of arts, with strong writing, solid combat, and beautiful graphics that come together to create an incredibly dense and engaging fantasy RPG experience.

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TrueAchievements

Xbox Series X

Feb 13, 2025

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Avowed is poised to be one of the best Xbox exclusives, combining excellent storytelling, gameplay, and visuals into a captivating RPG experience.

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GAMINGbible

Xbox Series X

Feb 13, 2025

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Avowed is an exceptional RPG that combines a rich narrative, stunning visuals, and engaging gameplay, solidifying Obsidian's reputation in the genre.

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Vgames

Xbox Series X

Feb 13, 2025

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Avowed is praised as a remarkable RPG experience that combines excellent combat, brilliant writing, and a world full of secrets, making it a must-play for genre enthusiasts despite some outdated elements.

Atomix

Xbox Series X

Feb 13, 2025

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Avowed is a strong RPG that successfully combines engaging storytelling, diverse gameplay mechanics, and a vibrant world, despite some shortcomings in audio and visual impact. It stands out as a notable exclusive for Xbox.

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