Avowed might not rewrite the rulebook for RPGs, but it delivers something truly special for those who crave meaningful exploration. There's an undeniable magic here that echoes Morrowind's groundbreaking approach to world-building - that legendary RPG that shaped open-world adventures before the term became mainstream.
Table of Content
- The World of Pillars of Eternity
- First Impressions in a Maddening Paradise
- Secret Treasures Around Every Corner
- Untold Stories Come Alive
- Boundless Opportunities Through Discovery
The World of Pillars of Eternity
Diving into Avowed's version of the Pillars of Eternity universe feels like stepping into a living, breathing world. You don't need encyclopedia-level knowledge of the franchise - the environment itself tells the story through subtle details and organic conversations. As an envoy from Emperor Aedyr, you're investigating a bizarre soul-plague warping minds across the Living Lands. But here's the twist: you're no ordinary investigator. Those unusual fungal growths on your head? That's the mark of divine intervention - though which god chose you remains a tantalizing mystery.
First Impressions in a Maddening Paradise
Your arrival in the ironically named Paradise couldn't be more chaotic. Shipwrecked by deranged Aedyran soldiers, you find yourself in a city where authority has collapsed. Gates are barred, officials have vanished, and the streets hum with lawless energy - classic RPG chaos at its finest. My first instinct? Dive straight into the ocean near port, where sunken riches nearly cost me my character's life. From dodging smugglers to poking through every accessible building, the world immediately rewarded my curiosity.
Secret Treasures Around Every Corner
One unforgettable early adventure saw me burglarizing a locked home before scaling scaffolding like some RPG-style mountain goat. The lighthouse reward? A treasure map, mythic-quality boots with their own backstory, and a vista that took my breath away. Then came nightfall - revealing bioluminescent mushrooms illuminating hidden paths. The world keeps surprising you: chests concealed under spiderwebs, coin-filled nests perched on beams, backpacks dangling precariously over cliffs. Even throwing ice grenades into water created temporary platforms to reach submerged loot.
Untold Stories Come Alive
These discoveries aren't just about loot - they're narrative goldmines. Rooftop supplies lead to new quests; waterfall hideaways conceal rare artifacts. I'll never forget stumbling upon that blind man and his terrified wife hiding from mercenaries, or the morally gray decision to keep that health-regenerating nobleman's ring for myself. Even tragic love stories emerge from the environment - like finding two entwined skeletons near a lift to the northern wilds, followed by battling reptilian raiders and their giant enforcer.
Boundless Opportunities Through Discovery
Eight hours in, I've barely scratched the main quest - too busy experimenting with builds and item synergies. Heavy armor transformed my combat approach; staff-and-shield hybrids revealed new tactics. The real magic? Every playthrough could unfold differently based on your choices. With countless secrets still waiting and mechanics left to master, Avowed offers that rare experience where the journey itself becomes the story. It's a love letter to everything that makes RPGs extraordinary - and I can't wait to see what else this world has in store.
