New RPG Avowed Game Review - Is Survival in Your Cards?

While I would probably be the first person to run away from a fist fight in the real world, I love a good old virtual fight. So, when a friend suggested that I try out the Avowed game and told me that it was all about first-person combat, I made a virtual fist and punched in - but was the game as adventurous as I had hoped?

What is Avowed?

This fantasy RPG game, which was launched in 2025, takes place in the Living Lands. And while the name may have the word 'living' in it, this is a land riddled with political volatility and conflict. As a player, your job is to investigate a plague (fungal infection) known as Dreamscourge, which is threatening the stability of this region.

Ok, So You're Fighting a Fungus?

If you're feeling the same way about this game, I get it. I was also not convinced when I first heard about the plot. What was I expected to do - administer some shots? Well, this is not your typical fungus. It's a magical fungus that has the ability to change living things, from human beings to animals and the land. And when it sets in, people experience madness, hallucinations, and other effects that make them violent. What's worse, even dangerous creatures can get infected, which makes them more dangerous. So, as much as you are going in to figure out what caused the fungus in the first place, you also have to keep the following in mind:

• The infected creatures will be hostile - and I mean really hostile. When I first encountered the Dreamthrall Bear, I learned what hostility truly meant. And that was just at the beginning of the game!
• Your enemies will use the same dark magic to become stronger. Expect to face deserters, rebels, and others alike who will try to use the same powers to beat you.
• Not everyone likes you. Since you come in as a godlike envoy, some NPCs will love you. But others will hate you or fear you. So, you will have to figure out who feels what so you can know who you can trust, who to avoid, and who to convince.

And here is the main point. With all this dark magic taking over, the land is very politically unstable. You have to be on the lookout for combat at any time. Trust me on this - it doesn't matter if you are walking through a town or wandering in the wilderness - someone will find you!

How Great is the Combat?

Now, let's get to the good part. This game uses real-time first-person combat. And you will have a wide range of weapons. These include those in the melee category, like swords, maces, and spears. You also get ranged weapons (pistols and bows) as well as magic (think spells and wands). But even with all these weapons, the fights can feel intense since enemies come at you fast and hard. But one thing I love about the game is how dramatic they are when they get hit. It inspires me to go harder. Unfortunately, this impact is not one-way. If they get a chance to hit you, the damage will likely be significant. I learned how to move fast the hard way.

Are You Doing It Alone?

This game is single-player. However, you get to choose two people to bring with you on your tours. They are:

• Kai - He's a reptilian mercenary and a great companion if you are in the mood for sarcasm.
• Marius - Staying brave while fighting aggressive creatures is hard, so I truly appreciate this tough mountain dwarf.
• Yatzli - If you love a flirty character, you will love this catlike mage.
• Giatta - With all the blows you might face, it helps to have a healer in your party.

Now, here is what I have learned from the game. Your choice of characters will ultimately determine the course of the story. Once you figure out your strengths and weaknesses, it becomes easier to gauge who is helping and who is hurting. I especially prefer Marius and Giatta, but that's just me.

What I Love About This Game

Once I realized just how powerful the fungus was, I was hooked on the game. But that's not all it has to offer. Here are some other nuances:

• Your character matters. I have played several games where my character was just there for show. But in this game, I get to be an envoy who is central to the story.
• Your decisions break or make you. With the instability in the region, the decisions you make will have consequences in the other regions you will pass through.
• Your looks matter. I grew up being told to dress how I want to be addressed. Such is the case in this game. NPCs treat you as they see you.

All in all, this game is ideal for anyone who loves deep lore coupled with combat. You may struggle with the slow storytelling and long lines, though.