Avowed: Are We The Villains? A Review

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Post on Feb 14, 2025

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Avowed: Are We the Villains? A Review

So, you've heard the whispers, seen the trailers, and maybe even pre-ordered. Avowed, Obsidian's highly anticipated fantasy RPG, is finally here. But let's ditch the hype train for a second and ask a crucial question: are we, the players, destined to be the bad guys? And more importantly, does that make for a good game?

The Allure of Moral Ambiguity: A Shifting Sands Narrative

Avowed throws you headfirst into a world brimming with warring factions, simmering resentment, and enough morally gray areas to make your head spin. Forget the clear-cut "good versus evil" trope. This game is all about shades of gray, a tapestry woven with threads of betrayal, sacrifice, and complicated choices. Obsidian's known for this, of course – they're the masters of creating characters you both love and hate, and worlds where the lines between right and wrong blur into a fascinating, frustrating mess.

A World of Shifting Alliances: No Easy Answers

Forget simple quests. Avowed presents a world where every decision ripples outwards, affecting not just the immediate outcome but the entire political landscape. Think of it as a giant Jenga tower – pull the wrong piece, and the whole thing might come crashing down. This isn't just about choosing dialogue options; it's about understanding the intricate web of relationships and power dynamics.

The Weight of Every Choice: No "Right" Answer

One of the most compelling aspects of Avowed is the absence of a clear "right" path. Your actions have consequences, often unexpected and far-reaching. Saving one faction might inadvertently doom another, highlighting the brutal realities of power struggles and the limitations of individual agency. Remember that time you thought you were being a hero, only to discover you inadvertently unleashed a plague of sentient squirrels? Yeah, Avowed is like that.

Exploring the Depth of Moral Complexity

Let's be honest, most RPGs give you the illusion of choice. You might get a slightly different ending, but the core narrative remains largely the same. Avowed shatters that illusion. It truly allows you to shape the story, becoming a force of chaos or a beacon of (relative) order, depending on your playstyle.

The Power of Narrative Choice: Shaping Your Destiny

This freedom extends beyond simple morality. Your character's background, skills, and even the way you approach quests influence how the world reacts to you. Are you a stealthy assassin, a powerful mage, or a battle-hardened warrior? Your approach defines your interactions, forging unique relationships and creating a personalized narrative.

####### Unforeseen Consequences: Embracing the Unexpected

This system isn't perfect, of course. There will be moments of frustration, choices with unforeseen consequences that might feel unfair. But this is where Avowed's brilliance shines. It embraces unpredictability, challenging players to adapt, learn, and ultimately, own their actions.

######## Character Customization: Forging Your Identity

Avowed truly embraces character customization. It's not just about stats and appearances. It's about building a personality, a history, and a set of values that will shape every interaction. This goes beyond simple alignment systems. You are not just "good" or "evil"; you are complex, multifaceted, and capable of incredible acts of both cruelty and kindness.

######### Mastering the Art of Deception: A Rogue's Path

The game brilliantly allows players to explore the path of deception. You can infiltrate factions, manipulate events, and sow discord, becoming a master puppeteer in the political theater of Aethel. This is where Avowed truly shines. It celebrates cunning and strategy, rewarding players who can think several steps ahead.

########## Confronting the Consequences: The Weight of Actions

And here's the kicker: Avowed doesn't shy away from the consequences of your actions. You might find yourself facing the music, grappling with the repercussions of your choices, and ultimately, living with the consequences. This isn't about a simple "good" or "bad" ending; it's about a nuanced and satisfying conclusion that reflects your journey.

########### The Power of Narrative Choice: Beyond Binary Morality

The beauty of Avowed lies in its rejection of simplistic morality. It’s not about being a hero or villain, but about navigating the complex web of relationships and making choices that resonate with your personal values.

############ Embracing Moral Ambiguity: A Deeper Dive into the Narrative

Obsidian's masterful storytelling shines through in Avowed's morally ambiguous narrative. It's a refreshing departure from traditional RPG tropes and invites players to grapple with challenging questions about morality, power, and responsibility.

############# The Unpredictability Factor: The Beauty of Chaos

While some players might find the game’s unpredictability frustrating, it's precisely this element that makes it so compelling. It forces players to think critically, adapt to changing circumstances, and truly experience the consequences of their decisions.

############## The Verdict: A Masterpiece of Moral Ambiguity

Avowed is more than just a game; it's an experience, a journey into a world where every choice carries weight and every action has consequences. It's a masterclass in narrative design, challenging players to question their own morality and to embrace the complexities of a world devoid of simple answers. Are you ready to face the music? Are you ready to be the villain? More importantly, are you ready to be both?

Conclusion: Avowed masterfully uses its setting and gameplay to explore the concept of moral ambiguity. It's a game that will stay with you long after the credits roll, prompting reflection on your actions and the consequences they brought. It's a testament to the power of narrative-driven RPGs and a bold step forward in the genre.

FAQs:

1. Can you truly play as a "pure evil" character in Avowed? While there's no straightforward "evil" alignment system, you can certainly make choices that lead to devastating consequences and align with what most players would consider villainous actions. The game doesn't explicitly reward or punish this, making the choice entirely yours.

2. How significantly do my choices affect the ending? Your choices drastically reshape the ending. You can end up with significantly different political landscapes, relationships, and overall outcomes, making multiple playthroughs highly rewarding.

3. Does Avowed offer replayability? Absolutely. The branching narrative, coupled with multiple character builds and approaches, make multiple playthroughs a must. Each playthrough offers a distinct experience.

4. How does Avowed compare to other Obsidian RPGs like Pillars of Eternity? While sharing Obsidian's signature narrative depth, Avowed distinguishes itself with its first-person perspective and a greater emphasis on action-oriented gameplay alongside its rich storytelling.

5. Are there any major bugs or glitches that affect gameplay significantly? As with many large-scale RPG releases, early reviews reported some minor technical issues. However, Obsidian has a strong history of patching and addressing these problems quickly, and the overall experience remains largely unaffected by these minor hiccups.