Avowed, a new fantasy RPG by Obsidian Entertainment, has received mixed reviews. While it offers a unique premise and beautiful open-world design, critics point out its shallow narrative and lack of depth in role-playing elements. The game runs well on the Steam Deck with specific settings, but its comparison to Skyrim reveals both its ambitions and shortcomings.
Avowed, the latest fantasy RPG from Obsidian Entertainment, has generated considerable buzz with its promise of an intriguing story and immersive world. However, as the game launches, reviews reveal a mixed reception. Critics praise its unique premise and beautiful open-world design but criticize its shallow narrative and lack of depth in role-playing elements. Additionally, the game's performance on the Steam Deck has been a point of discussion, with specific settings required for optimal play.
For Steam Deck owners eager to play Avowed, there's good news: the game runs smoothly on the handheld device, provided certain settings are adjusted. Jason Evangelho from Forbes highlights the importance of enabling AMD FSR (FidelityFX Super Resolution) to achieve a consistent frame rate above 35FPS. Recommended settings include using the Low graphics preset, disabling motion blur and ray tracing, and setting FSR Quality to 'Balanced' or 'Performance'. These adjustments help maintain smooth gameplay, although some visual compromises, such as graininess and pixelation, are inevitable at lower resolutions. Despite these nitpicks, Avowed feels good to play on the Steam Deck, offering an engaging experience for handheld RPG enthusiasts [1].
Avowed's narrative has been a focal point of critique, with many reviewers expressing disappointment in its lack of depth and reliance on familiar fantasy tropes. The Gamer notes that the game often presents choices that feel superficial, leading to the same outcomes regardless of player decisions. This illusion of role-playing is compounded by derivative quests and a narrative that struggles to engage players. Despite its shortcomings in storytelling, Avowed offers a variety of combat options, allowing players to mix and match weaponry and spells. However, the combat system has its flaws, such as clunky melee mechanics and a slow pace that can detract from the overall experience [2].
Avowed has inevitably drawn comparisons to Skyrim, given its open-world fantasy setting and first-person perspective. However, critics argue that while Avowed attempts to carve its own niche, it falls short of Skyrim's charm and depth. Vulture points out that Avowed's world is intriguing, with an unusual premise involving the Dreamscourge and societal tensions. Yet, the game struggles to provide meaningful player agency, often limiting responses to a narrow set of options. While Avowed's setting may evoke comparisons to The Witcher 3 or Baldur's Gate 3, it lacks the language to fully explore its ambitious ideas. This results in a game that, while visually stunning, feels constrained by its own design [3].
In conclusion, Avowed presents a mixed bag for RPG enthusiasts. While its performance on the Steam Deck is commendable with the right settings, the game's narrative and role-playing elements leave much to be desired. Its comparison to Skyrim highlights both its ambitions and its limitations, offering a visually captivating world that struggles to deliver the depth and engagement expected from a modern RPG. For those willing to overlook its narrative shortcomings, Avowed provides a decent, if not groundbreaking, fantasy experience.
"Avowed feels good to play on Steam Deck!" - Jason Evangelho
"Avowed is a valiant attempt at fantasy you can play your way." - The Gamer
"Avowed just lacks the language to let me express my interest in-game." - Vulture