In this week’s Game Pass Grab episode, the crew takes a deep dive into Avowed, the newest RPG from Obsidian Entertainment, known for hits like The Outer Worlds and Pillars of Eternity. Set in the same universe as Pillars, Avowed promises rich lore, magic-driven combat, and an immersive world powered by Unreal Engine 5. But does it live up to the RPG greats, or is it just a beautiful sandbox without enough soul?
The conversation was honest, thoughtful, and—at times—divided. Here’s what we learned about Avowed from the team’s collective experience.
Scores
Andrew: 78
Keith: 80
Aaron: 78
Average: 78.7
A Great RPG… for Beginners
One thing the hosts agreed on: Avowed is a solid entry-level RPG. With streamlined systems, approachable mechanics, and a shorter runtime than the typical 80-hour epic, this game invites newcomers to the genre without overwhelming them.
“This is a good entry-level RPG… I didn’t feel bad being bad at this game.”
There’s a charm to that. The combat is fluid, the spellcasting feels good, and while it might not push boundaries, Avowed is fun, first and foremost. The game doesn’t demand mastery over dozens of stats or skills and instead allows players to dive in and enjoy a well-paced journey.
Combat, Magic, and Morality
Mechanically, Avowed delivers. The combat system—a mix of melee, ranged, and magic—was a highlight for the crew. Swapping between abilities felt responsive, and spells were both visually engaging and effective in combat. The morality system, while simplified, allowed players to make choices that affected tone if not always outcome.
“The combat feels great… I thought it was a lot of fun.”
Still, the hosts noted enemy respawns could feel a bit off, especially when trying to explore the world more freely. They also mentioned that while exploration is encouraged, it doesn’t always result in meaningful discoveries—a key element in many RPGs that Avowed doesn’t always nail.
Worldbuilding and Exploration: Strong but Static
The world of Avowed is undeniably gorgeous, thanks to Unreal Engine 5. The environments are vibrant, the lighting is dynamic, and the performance is smooth.
“This game is beautiful. It runs great.”
However, despite the beauty, the world can feel oddly static. NPCs don’t move much, rarely react to the player, and companions lack depth and engagement.
“I do not care about these companions.”
Dialogue choices exist but often lack significant weight, making interactions feel more cosmetic than meaningful. For an RPG, especially from Obsidian, that’s a letdown.
Story and Sound Design: Good, Not Great
The story in Avowed starts strong but fades fast. The setting is interesting, and there are glimmers of emotional storytelling—but those moments don’t always land. It feels like there was potential for something deeper, but the game never quite gets there.
“The writing’s not bad… but it’s not memorable.”
The sound design is solid, with great use of ambient noise and clean, clear voice acting that keeps the world feeling immersive. But the soundtrack? Surprisingly muted. It doesn’t have the punch or emotional layering you’d expect from a game that leans into fantasy storytelling.
Customization, Accessibility, and Game Pass Appeal
Character creation is basic—“fine,” as one host put it—but not groundbreaking. The customization options are limited, with few chances to truly make your character feel unique.
On the plus side, Avowed is highly accessible. It’s easy to learn, forgiving in difficulty, and available on Game Pass, making it a low-risk pickup for most players. That accessibility, while a strength for newcomers, may leave veteran RPG fans wanting more.
Steam Charts vs. Game Quality
The hosts also touched on the modern RPG landscape. While Avowed may not top the Steam charts, that doesn’t mean it lacks value. In a world of massive open-world games and 100+ hour sagas, sometimes a shorter, focused experience is exactly what players need.
“Just having fun” was a recurring theme throughout the discussion—a reminder that games don’t always need to reinvent the wheel to be worth playing.
Final Thoughts: Is Avowed Worth Your Time?
The consensus? Avowed is a fun, accessible, and beautiful RPG that may not blow your mind, but it’s enjoyable while it lasts. If you’re new to RPGs or looking for something less demanding than Skyrim or Baldur’s Gate 3, Avowed is an excellent choice—especially on Game Pass.
“I had a lot of fun with this… I think a sequel will be way better.”
And maybe that’s the final verdict: Avowed is a stepping stone. It sets the stage for something more ambitious down the line. With a bit more depth, stronger character work, and a more impactful story, a sequel could take this solid foundation and turn it into something truly great.
TL;DR Takeaways
- Good entry-level RPG with intuitive gameplay and combat
- Beautiful visuals thanks to Unreal Engine 5
- Story is engaging but forgettable
- NPCs and companions lack depth
- Magic system is fun, with solid combat variety
- Limited customization, both narratively and aesthetically
- Exploration is decent, but not always rewarding
- Sound design is solid, but soundtrack lacks emotional impact
- Great for Game Pass users, especially casual RPG fans
- Veteran players may find it too simple, but still enjoyable
🎮 Avowed is available now on Game Pass and Steam. Whether it’s your first RPG or your 50th, it’s worth checking out—just don’t expect it to redefine the genre.
Let us know what you think: Is Avowed a solid start or a missed opportunity?
