Avowed has a unique charm, but my initial impression was a bit mixed. Although it was clear from the outset that the game would embrace a quirky narrative style, I was somewhat surprised by the tone during the opening scenes. Instead of resonating with the darkly humorous absurdity found in Fallout: New Vegas, a hallmark title from Avowed developer Obsidian Entertainment, I felt transported into a realm reminiscent of Horizon Zero Dawn or what I envision Dragon Age: The Veilguard to be (though I haven’t played it, so my comparison may be off). Warning: The following article includes spoilers for Avowed. Whether this tonal direction is favorable or not largely depends on personal taste, but it initially felt somewhat disjointed within the context of Eora. Having played Pillars of Eternity, which shares this world, I recall its characters being integral to a richly woven fantasy landscape, as opposed to individuals I might encounter at a local café. As I near the end of Avowed, however, I must admit that the storytelling has gradually captivated me, leading me to believe that it was a deliberate creative choice all along.
Creating Distinctive Fantasy Narratives That Stand Out
Writing a fantasy world that diverges significantly from our modern reality poses unique challenges. It is nearly impossible for any writer to completely detach from their linguistic and cultural influences, and even if it were feasible, it might not yield particularly desirable results. While fantasy often serves as a vessel for escapism, it simultaneously provides an excellent platform for social commentary. Therefore, there is no reason for medieval or Renaissance themes to preclude the inclusion of contemporary sensibilities. A prime example of successfully merging these two approaches is Baldur’s Gate 3, which achieves a balance that resonates with players while maintaining a consistent narrative tone.
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There are multiple factors at play here, and it’s essential to recognize why The Lord of the Rings doesn’t dwell on the same comedic elements as 1950s television. Certain narratives age poorly, and some of the humor and moral dilemmas that characterize the early moments of Avowed already feel outdated at launch. Although other titles by Obsidian also reflect their era, it’s worth noting that Fallout: New Vegas boasts a longevity in its writing that surpasses that of Borderlands 1 and 2. Exceptional storytelling must recognize and sidestep the laziest tropes of its time.
While Fallout: New Vegas is the only Fallout title officially developed by Obsidian, the studio’s legacy is deeply entwined with the franchise’s history, as key members of Obsidian’s founding team originated from the groups responsible for the original Fallout games.
Avowed falters at the outset in this respect. Although I find many of Kai’s more humorous lines enjoyable, Marius’s character often feels overly simplistic, rendering even serious dialogue seem geared toward a sitcom audience. Random NPCs in Paradis often come across as caricatures reminiscent of characters I might invent spontaneously in a D&D campaign, lacking the depth of true Kith or genuinely clever humor. While the initial moral choices exhibit some ambiguity, they also feel somewhat preachy, leaving me without a significant struggle when grappling with the weight of my decisions.
Avowed Takes A Dramatic Turn That Redefines The Narrative
Fortunately, Avowed matures as the story unfolds, revealing complexities that ultimately make it far more engaging than my first impression suggested. Intriguingly, the game begins to critique its own narrative. Consider Marynna, a merchant who consistently appears in the perilous wilderness of every region; her presence initially embodies a whimsical, Saturday-morning cartoon perspective on the fantasy genre. However, upon discovering her lifeless body in Shatterscarp, the game starkly reminds players that the dangers of the Living Lands extend beyond the unseen threats faced by cartographers.
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The gradual darkening of Avowed‘s narrative tone is a welcome evolution, reflecting a common trajectory in fantasy where stories often begin in idyllic settings and culminate in monumental conflicts. However, I can’t shake the feeling that Avowed executes a more deliberate bait-and-switch than is typical for the genre.
Although Dawnshore features its share of violence, it often resembles the kind of whimsical peril found in The Flintstones with xaurip camps filled with bumbling henchmen. When my inaction regarding the Steel Garrote resulted in the catastrophic burning of Fior mes Ivèrno, it wasn’t shocking due to its improbability, but rather because Avowed had yet to establish that it would take such drastic measures so readily. While the game remains relatively lenient with key characters, it fundamentally altered my perception of the game’s immediacy, making subsequent events feel like part of a different narrative than what preceded them.
Reflecting on Avowed’s Beginning and Its Evolution
Avowed retains its whimsical elements, embracing them at various moments, such as when Inquisitor Lödwyn removes her mask to reveal an absurd connection to a familiar character from pop culture. The game expresses a genuine interest in fostering a playful experience, so it doesn’t appear to exploit its humor merely for deception. However, early plotlines—such as dealing with smuggled goods—pale in comparison to the harrowing, no-win scenarios that populate the latter parts of the game. Most titles featuring brutal choices tend to introduce these elements much earlier.
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