Anticipation builds among RPG enthusiasts for Avowed, the latest offering from Obsidian Entertainment. Set in the expansive universe of the Pillars of Eternity series, this game promises to immerse players in a formerly isometric realm filled with rich narratives and history influenced by past entries. With Obsidian’s strong reputation for narrative depth, expectations are high for this title, especially since its announcement nearly five years ago.
In advance of its release, Game Rant engaged with pivotal developers from the Avowed team. They shared insights about the game’s gameplay elements, character dynamics, and overarching narrative themes. Players will embark on a journey through the Living Lands, an environment that symbolizes the game’s core themes according to Senior Narrative Designer Kate Dollarhyde.
Interconnection of the Living Lands, Characters, and the Pillars of Eternity Series
Players will reprise their role as a godlike character, but the ties to the Pillars of Eternity series extend beyond just character creation. The narrative and state of Eora are profoundly shaped by past events from the franchise. Assuming the role of the Envoy, players will aid the Aedyran Empire in establishing its presence in the Living Lands. This dynamic region is not static; it transforms continually, evolving to thwart outside claims. As stated by Dollarhyde, “everything in Avowed is ‘in flux, ‘” making the concept of “change” central to the game.
“Change is at the heart of Avowed…The events of Pillars of Eternity: Deadfire are not yet widely known, but the world is just beginning to feel their effects…The great empires of Eora are in decline. Their colonies are revolting, seeking independence, and becoming powerful forces in their own right. While at home, civil conflicts threaten to erupt into war. New technology in the form of animancy—the science of souls—is broadening the horizons of innovation… and cruelty. The gods, who plan on the scale of centuries, are making moves to secure their relevance and perhaps even their existence.”
Additionally, Dollarhyde elaborates that the concept of the Dreamscourge within the Living Lands originated from the desire to delve into metaphysical themes. This is reminiscent of the previous Pillars of Eternity titles, which skillfully wove together intersecting narrative strands. The narrative will unfold against a backdrop of a soul plague coupled with complex political influences, enriching the player’s journey through character choices and story development.
As players traverse the Living Lands and form bonds with various characters, they will find themselves confronting profound questions that encapsulate the essence of Avowed. Dollarhyde reflects on this aspect:
“Despite this strife, there exists in the Living Lands a desire to discover, a yearning to connect. Would we be stronger together? Could we grow into something new? How the people of the Living Lands – and the Envoy – endure change, and the choices they make to survive it, reveals their values. It reveals who they are. Change poses challenges, and no one, least of all the Envoy, comes out of it untouched.”
Given Obsidian’s strong pedigree in creating choice-driven RPG experiences, the decisions players take in Avowed will undoubtedly alter the game world significantly. Gamers should expect to develop alongside their Envoy, making crucial choices that shape their adventure. With an emphasis on personalization, Obsidian allows for a blend of skill trees and unique weaponry tailored to each player’s style.
While Avowed may not rival the epic scope of some recent massive RPGs, its depth promises substantial immersion. Comparable in length to The Outer Worlds, it offers ample opportunity for players to engage with its richly crafted world and meaningful choices. As a continuation of a beloved franchise with a well-established foundation, Avowed is set to challenge players when it arrives on February 18, or on February 13 for early access enthusiasts.
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