Apologies to the muscular enthusiasts, but this review is tailored specifically for the magical aficionados. Although fighters and rangers will still appreciate the phenomenal aspects of Avowed, including its vivid environments, straightforward combat systems, and intricate conversation trees, this review focuses on the game’s magical elements, making it ideal for Avowed players who aspire to master mushroom-powered magic. In essence, this is the Avowed review for wizards and their companions.

To clarify, I would delight in playing Avowed with any combination of classes, and I intend to start a new campaign soon to explore different playstyles. However, during my initial playthrough, I wanted to immerse myself in the game’s magical aspects, and it absolutely delivered. I chose to play as a Court Augur, the most mystical option, and dedicated myself to developing my magical abilities.

Avowed is a first-person, open-world RPG from Obsidian, set in the same universe as the Pillars of Eternity series but introducing a fresh storyline and map. The game doesn’t require prior knowledge of the series, making it accessible to new players. You assume the role of the envoy to the powerful Aedyran empire, arriving on the shores of the Living Lands, a lawless region inhabited by outcasts, criminals, and refugees. Your mission is to uncover the source of the Dreamscourge, a mysterious illness that’s spreading rapidly, consuming minds, and turning people and animals into violent, zombie-like creatures.

The Dreamscourge’s symptoms eerily resemble the markings on your character’s face, which signify their status as a godlike, someone touched by one of the many deities in the world. This unique status is central to your journey, as you uncover the identity of your god and delve into the mysteries surrounding the Dreamscourge. The game’s narrative is complex, with multiple storylines that intertwine, exploring themes of politics, military strategy, religion, occultism, science, trust, relationships, duty, and identity.

Throughout the game, you’ll encounter a vast array of characters, each with their own stories, motivations, and conflicts. The game’s dialogue system allows you to forge a distinct personality and apply it to every scenario, making choices that ripple across the campaign and alter the outcomes of major narrative points. The game’s world is rich in lore, with thousands of optional pieces of writing to discover, each delivered in its own voice and serving its own purpose.

As you explore the Living Lands, you’ll encounter four main regions: Dawnshore, Emerald Stair, Shatterscarp, and Galawain’s Tusks. Each area is unique, with its own landscapes, inhabitants, and secrets to uncover. The game encourages you to pick up everything in sight, with a generous encumbrance limit and no concept of “stealing” from NPCs.

The game’s combat system is engaging, with a variety of spells, abilities, and weapons to master. As a wizard, I focused on developing my magical abilities, unlocking new spells and upgrading my equipment. The game’s action wheel allows you to pause combat and browse your abilities, making it easy to manage your stamina, essence, and health gauges. Managing these resources is crucial, as the game’s enemies don’t level up relative to your experience, making it essential to plan your attacks and strategy carefully.

The game’s graphics and sound design are also noteworthy, with stunning environments, detailed character models, and an immersive soundtrack. Although I encountered some minor bugs and animation issues during my playthrough, they didn’t detract from my overall experience.

In conclusion, Avowed is a phenomenal game that offers a rich, immersive experience for players who enjoy exploring intricate worlds, mastering magical abilities, and uncovering complex storylines. With its engaging combat, stunning environments, and intricate dialogue system, Avowed is a must-play for fans of open-world fantasy RPGs.