"Avowed: A Spiritual Successor to Morrowind's Enchanting World"

Avowed may not be a groundbreaking title, but it certainly captures the essence of what makes RPGs so enchanting, especially for those who cherish exploration. The game brings to mind the legendary Morrowind, an RPG that set the standard for immersive worlds long before today's benchmarks were established. In Morrowind, every element of the landscape, from rocks and bushes to mountains and the ocean floor, promised adventure. Obsidian Entertainment has embraced the challenge of recreating this sense of discovery, and from what we've seen, they've done so with remarkable success.

The World of Pillars of Eternity

Set within the expansive universe of Pillars of Eternity, Avowed welcomes players into a meticulously crafted world that doesn't necessitate prior knowledge of the series. While familiarity with the previous games can enrich your experience, the narrative unfolds seamlessly through in-game conversations and contextual clues.

The storyline follows an emissary appointed by the Emperor of Aedyr, tasked with investigating a mysterious fungal plague that's corrupting souls and driving people to madness. In this universe, souls follow a cycle of life, death, and reincarnation. The protagonist, marked by a divine touch from an unknown god at birth, bears peculiar growths resembling plants or fungi on their head, which can evoke fear in others.

A Chaotic Welcome to Paradise

Upon reaching the Living Lands, the protagonist is met with chaos as their ship is attacked by Aedyran guards who have lost their minds. Arriving at the ironically named port city of Paradise, you'll find it in disarray with high-ranking officials missing and the city gates shut tight—a scenario that feels right at home for fans of classic RPGs.

The thrill of exploration is immediate. My first adventure led me to dive into the sea near the port, where I discovered sunken treasures while narrowly escaping drowning. From there, I stumbled upon a smugglers' camp, overheard their plans, and narrowly escaped after being spotted. Back in the port, I eagerly took on quests and began to explore every hidden corner.

Treasures Beneath Every Stone

One unforgettable experience was breaking into a locked house, looting its contents, and then climbing scaffolding to reach a lighthouse. At the top, I found a treasure map, rare yellow-tier boots with a unique backstory, and stunning views. As night fell, the surrounding mushrooms illuminated, revealing new paths and secrets.

The game world is brimming with surprises. Beneath the lighthouse, in the sewers, a chest lies hidden under spiderwebs, waiting to be uncovered. Nearby, coins rest in a nest perched on beams, while a backpack filled with goodies hangs on a cliff's edge. Below, a skeleton basks in the sun. Even throwing an ice grenade into the water can freeze it temporarily, allowing access to submerged loot.

Stories Waiting to Be Discovered

These moments of discovery are plentiful throughout Avowed. Supplies appear unexpectedly on rooftops, behind waterfalls, and atop hills, leading to new quests, rare relics, and intriguing scenarios. For example, while scavenging in the slums, I broke into a shack and met a blind man and his grieving wife, whose lives were threatened by mercenaries. In another instance, I helped a nobleman retrieve a lost ring from a sewer, which turned out to boost my health regeneration—a valuable item I decided to keep.

Another poignant encounter involved finding two lovers who had died together, near a lift leading to the northern outskirts where guards were examining a dead smuggler. Following the trail, I fought through a reptilian camp and faced a formidable giant, testing my combat skills and equipment.

Endless Possibilities and Exploration

In just eight hours of playtime, I experienced countless adventures without focusing on the main questline or engaging in repetitive grinding. Instead, I explored, experimented with different character builds, and learned how various items interacted. Whether wielding a shield and staff or switching to heavy armor and melee weapons, each choice opened new possibilities.

With many questions still unanswered and numerous systems left to explore, my journey in Avowed is far from over. The path ahead is filled with hidden chests, untold stories, and forgotten treasures. For now, the game offers an endless sequence of discoveries that remind me why RPGs remain one of gaming's most captivating genres.

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