Avowed PS5 Review: Is Obsidian’s RPG Worth It?
▼ Summary
– Avowed is an action RPG from Obsidian set in the Pillars of Eternity universe, designed with approachable open-zone exploration and combat-focused gameplay.
– The game’s main plot and general writing are described as predictable and often bland, though player dialogue choices and morally grey decisions add some personality and impact.
– While the game’s environments are praised as gorgeous and enchanting, its character animations and NPC dialogue are criticized as rigid and unexciting.
– The combat system is highlighted as a major strength, being weighty, flexible, and a core engaging loop throughout the adventure.
– The PS5 release includes a significant Anniversary Update with new features and quality-of-life settings, making it a more complete and improved version over the original launch.
Having now experienced Avowed on the PlayStation 5, it’s clear this action RPG from Obsidian Entertainment deserves a second look from a broader audience. Originally launched for Xbox and PC, the game arrives on Sony’s console with a substantial Anniversary Update, presenting a more polished and feature-rich version of this fantasy adventure set in the Pillars of Eternity universe.
The game positions itself as an approachable, action-driven experience designed to capture the spirit of open-world exploration found in titles like The Elder Scrolls. You assume the role of the Envoy, a customizable agent of the Aedyr Empire sent to pacify the untamed frontier known as The Living Lands. The narrative framework, while engaging, follows a somewhat predictable path, though it is effectively elevated by the inclusion of meaningful player choice. Throughout the main story and numerous side quests, your decisions carry weight, often presenting morally grey dilemmas that genuinely influence how events unfold. This element of agency helps offset a plot that can feel familiar.
Where the game truly shines is in its breathtaking world design. The Living Lands is a visually stunning setting, filled with vibrant, enchanting landscapes that stand among the best in modern fantasy gaming. It’s a world that begs to be explored. This sense of discovery is paired with a deeply satisfying core gameplay loop. Combat is a major highlight, offering a flexible and weighty system that encourages experimentation. Whether you prefer chunky melee strikes, crackling magical spells, or a hybrid approach, the action feels impactful and remains engaging dozens of hours in. The loop of exploring beautiful zones, battling diverse creatures, and collecting loot proves consistently compelling.
However, the experience isn’t without its shortcomings. The inhabitants of this gorgeous world often feel less inspired. Character animations during dialogue can be stiff, but the larger issue lies with the writing. While never outright bad, much of the script and quest dialogue lacks a distinctive spark, sometimes veering into generic territory that fails to forge a strong emotional connection. Your party members are a likable, if occasionally one-note, group who benefit from a smaller roster that allows each some development. They do, however, add a welcome layer of interaction, as companions will actively voice opinions and push back on your decisions based on their own beliefs, creating moments of genuine friction.
The PS5 release benefits significantly from post-launch refinements. New accessibility and difficulty settings allow players to tailor the experience, notably addressing a previously criticized equipment upgrade system that tied progression too tightly to gear stats. The comprehensive Anniversary Update also adds highly requested features like a New Game+ mode, new playable races, an additional weapon type, and a photo mode. These improvements collectively ensure that PS5 players are receiving the most complete and user-friendly version of the game.
Ultimately, Avowed on PS5 is a solid adventure whose strengths in world-building, flexible combat, and player agency outweigh its narrative and character deficiencies. For players seeking an action-RPG with a satisfying exploratory and combat focus, set in a captivating world, this polished release is certainly worth the investment. It may not reach the legendary status of its inspirations, but it delivers a reliably enjoyable and often beautiful journey.
(Source: PushSquare)
