"Avowed: A Spiritual Successor to Morrowind's Enchanting World"

Avowed may not revolutionize the RPG genre, but it certainly captivates the hearts of exploration enthusiasts. The game brings back the nostalgic essence of Morrowind, an iconic RPG that set the standard for immersive digital worlds well before today's benchmarks. In Morrowind, every element of the landscape—from rocks and bushes to mountains and the ocean floor—promised adventure. Obsidian Entertainment has embraced the challenge of recreating this sense of discovery, and their efforts have been remarkably successful.

The World of Pillars of Eternity

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Set within the rich tapestry of the Pillars of Eternity universe, Avowed welcomes players into a detailed world that doesn't require prior knowledge of the series. While familiarity with previous games can enrich the experience, the narrative unfolds seamlessly through in-game conversations and contextual clues. The plot follows an emissary sent by the Emperor of Aedyr to the Living Lands to investigate a mysterious fungal plague that's driving people mad by affecting their souls. In this universe, souls cycle through life, death, and reincarnation. The protagonist, touched by a god at birth, bears mysterious growths resembling plants or fungi on their head, which can evoke fear among those they meet.

A Chaotic Welcome to Paradise

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Upon arrival in the Living Lands, the protagonist faces a tumultuous welcome when their ship is attacked by Aedyran guards who have lost their minds. The port city of Paradise, aptly named with a hint of irony, is in disarray with absent high-ranking officials and closed gates. This chaotic setting is a beloved trope among classic RPG fans. Venturing out, the joy of uncovering hidden treasures quickly becomes apparent. My first dive into the sea near the port led to discovering sunken riches, narrowly avoiding a watery demise. Further exploration revealed a smugglers' camp, where I eavesdropped and narrowly escaped detection. Back in the port, I eagerly took on quests, eager to explore every hidden corner.

Treasures Beneath Every Stone

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One unforgettable experience was breaking into a locked house, looting its contents, and then climbing scaffolding to reach a lighthouse. At the top, a treasure map, rare yellow-tier boots with a compelling backstory, and stunning vistas awaited. As night fell, the glowing mushrooms illuminated new paths and secrets. The game world is brimming with surprises; beneath the lighthouse in the sewers, a chest lay hidden under spiderwebs, waiting to be revealed with fire. Perched on beams, a nest held coins, and on a cliff's edge, a backpack overflowed with treasures, while below, a skeleton basked in the sun. Even throwing an ice grenade into the water allowed me to temporarily freeze it and retrieve submerged loot.

Stories Waiting to Be Discovered

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The game is filled with moments of discovery that lead to new quests, rare relics, and engaging scenarios. While scavenging in the slums, I broke into a shack and encountered a blind man and his grieving wife, threatened by mercenaries. Helping a nobleman retrieve a lost ring from the sewer led to discovering a health-regenerating item that I chose to keep. Another poignant moment involved finding two lovers who died together near a lift, leading to northern outskirts where I fought through a reptilian camp and faced a giant, testing my combat prowess and gear.

Endless Possibilities and Exploration

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Within just eight hours of playtime, I embarked on countless adventures without touching the main questline or engaging in repetitive grinding. My focus was on exploration, experimenting with various character builds, and understanding how different items interacted. Whether wielding a shield and staff or opting for heavy armor and melee weapons, each choice opened new avenues of exploration. With many mysteries still unsolved and systems left to explore, my journey in Avowed is far from over. The game promises an endless sequence of discoveries, reminding us why RPGs continue to be one of gaming's most enchanting genres.