RPG Showdown: How Avowed Stacks Up Against Other Iconic RPGs

Avowed might just be really up there with other iconic RPGs that have set the standard in the genre.

Obsidian Entertainment’s Avowed has been generating buzz in the gaming community, and for good reason. This upcoming RPG promises a rich blend of narrative depth, immersive gameplay, and innovative mechanics. But how does Avowed compare to other iconic RPGs that have set the standard in the genre? Let’s dive into a comparative analysis of Avowed and see how it stacks up against some of the greats like Skyrim, The Witcher 3, and its spiritual predecessor, Pillars of Eternity.

Avowed vs. Skyrim: A Tale of Two Fantasies

Skyrim by Bethesda Game Studios has long been the gold standard for open-world RPGs. Released in 2011, it set the bar high with its expansive world, deep lore, and countless quests. Avowed, on the other hand, takes place in the world of Eora, a universe already rich with history thanks to the Pillars of Eternity series. While Skyrim offers a vast open world for players to explore at their own pace, Avowed focuses on a series of interconnected regions, allowing for more detailed and narrative-driven environments​​.

One major point of comparison is the combat system. Skyrim features a flexible combat system that allows players to switch between melee, magic, and ranged combat. Avowed ups the ante by integrating these elements more seamlessly, offering a dynamic combat system that encourages the use of both magic and traditional weapons simultaneously​​. Additionally, Avowed includes a third-person mode, catering to players who prefer different perspectives​.

Avowed vs. The Witcher 3: Narrative Depth and Player Choice

When it comes to storytelling, The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt by CD Projekt Red is often heralded as a masterpiece. Its deep, branching narratives and morally complex characters have set a high bar. Avowed aims to deliver a similarly rich narrative experience, with player choices that have significant impacts on the story and world around them​.

Both games emphasize moral ambiguity and the consequences of player decisions. In The Witcher 3, players navigate the morally grey world through the eyes of Geralt of Rivia, making choices that affect the game’s multiple endings. Avowed follows a similar path, allowing players to shape their journey through their decisions, but with a twist – the game’s classless character system offers more flexibility in how players approach these choices and their impact on the story.

Avowed vs. Pillars of Eternity: Evolution of a Universe

Avowed and Pillars of Eternity share the same universe, but they offer very different experiences. Pillars of Eternity is a classic isometric RPG, reminiscent of games like Baldur’s Gate and Planescape: Torment. It focuses on tactical, party-based combat and deep narrative choices. Avowed, however, shifts to a first-person perspective, providing a more immersive experience while retaining the rich lore and complex storytelling that fans love​.

The combat in Avowed also represents a significant evolution. While Pillars of Eternity relies on strategic, pause-based combat, Avowed offers real-time action with a flexible system that blends melee, magic, and ranged combat. This shift not only modernizes the gameplay but also broadens its appeal to players who may prefer a more direct, action-oriented approach​.

Avowed vs. The Outer Worlds: Focused Storytelling

Obsidian’s own The Outer Worlds provides another interesting point of comparison. Released in 2019, The Outer Worlds is known for its tight narrative, quirky characters, and player-driven story. Unlike the sprawling open worlds of Skyrim or The Witcher 3, The Outer Worlds focuses on smaller, more detailed environments.

Avowed seems to blend elements from both styles. While it promises interconnected regions rather than one massive open world, these areas are expected to be rich with detail and story-driven content. This approach allows for focused storytelling without sacrificing the sense of exploration that RPG fans crave​.

Unique Features of Avowed

One of the standout features of Avowed is its companion system. While many RPGs offer companions, Avowed integrates them deeply into the narrative. Each companion has unique abilities and storylines that are crucial to the main plot, making them more than just side characters​.

Additionally, Avowed offers a high degree of customization. The classless system means players can tailor their characters to their preferred play style, mixing and matching abilities from different skill trees. This flexibility ensures that no two playthroughs will be the same, enhancing replayability​.