As an avid admirer of Obsidian’s role-playing games (RPGs), my anticipation for Avowed is tempered by a degree of trepidation over potential pitfalls similar to those encountered by the Fallout series. While many draw parallels between Avowed and the Elder Scrolls franchise due to their shared first-person fantasy gameplay, I find myself reflecting on Fallout’s trajectory, which echoes in the journey of this new title. Although I appreciate the modern iterations of Fallout, there are design choices made by Bethesda that I hope Obsidian will consciously avoid.
Evaluating a game purely on the basis of its promotional materials can be challenging; however, early impressions of Avowed from players who have experienced it firsthand have amplified my concerns. While I enjoyed The Outer Worlds despite its flaws, I am hopeful that any minor shortcomings in Avowed will not detract significantly from my overall enjoyment. Furthermore, my unease extends beyond Avowed to encompass a broader spectrum of games developed by Obsidian that resonate with me.
The Isometric Origins of Fallout and Avowed
Fallout’s Transition to Action RPG: A Rocky Road
Originally, the Fallout series embraced an isometric view as early computer RPGs, much like Avowed, which stems from Obsidian’s renowned fantasy CRPG series, Pillars of Eternity. While the legacy Fallout titles thrived on their isometric perspectives and rich dialogue options, later entries seemed to diminish these fundamental role-playing elements.
The transition from Fallout 2 to Fallout 3 proved challenging in maintaining robust role-playing experiences. Players found themselves on a more linear path, tethered to a narrative that focused heavily on a digital father figure, detracting from the agency and diverse choices that defined earlier games. Fallout 3, although not devoid of role-playing elements, felt less committed to that aspect compared to its predecessors. In light of this history, my hope is that Obsidian avoids repeating these missteps, though initial indications raise concerns that they may be overlooked.
Concerns of Limited Role-Playing in Avowed Previews
Dialogue’s Impact in Previews Seems Diminished
Initially, I attributed my concerns regarding Avowed’s approach to role-playing to my biases stemming from its resemblance to Fallout. However, as we draw closer to the game’s launch and preview reports arise, my apprehensions have been reignited. Developers reportedly underscored aspects such as role-playing and character relationships as pivotal to Avowed, yet insights from those who have had early access cast doubt on the depth of these elements.
A notable preview by the gaming group Fextralife pointed out that the segment they explored felt somewhat sparse in terms of impactful role-playing mechanics and meaningful player choices. While an IGN reviewer praised the game for enabling players to adopt cartoonishly villainous roles, I perceive this as a potential flag for narratives lacking nuance in choice, especially if players are confined to extreme moral binaries.
It’s important to clarify that my assessment is based on external previews, which captured only limited aspects of the game. It’s feasible that the developers selected a gameplay segment that is intentionally lighter on role-playing elements to showcase other features. Ironically, the Fallout series itself instills a sliver of hope for Avowed’s potential success.
Obsidian’s Expertise in RPG Development
Fallout: New Vegas Instills Confidence in Avowed
While games like Fallout 3, 4, and 76 might lack the depth I seek in RPGs, Fallout: New Vegas, developed by Obsidian, effectively showcased a rich role-playing experience. My cautious optimism for Avowed stems from the belief that it will deliver a similarly engaging narrative experience.
Moreover, the presence of a familiar and skilled team behind this project enhances my confidence. Carrie Patel, the game’s director, previously contributed to narrative design for both Pillars of Eternity titles and The Outer Worlds, suggesting that Avowed is likely to uphold storytelling quality akin to its predecessors. However, my reservations about Avowed extend to concerns regarding its impact on the future of the Pillars of Eternity series.
The Potential Impact of Avowed’s Success on the Pillars of Eternity Series
Similar Concerns: Avowed Could Move Away from Isometric CRPG Legacy
The transformation of Fallout from an isometric CRPG to an action RPG set a precedent that has lingered since; the series has not revisited its original format. I comprehend the rationale behind this shift, as balancing an intellectual property across dual gameplay styles can complicate studio focus. Still, should Avowed achieve remarkable success, I worry Obsidian might prioritize its sequel over continuing the Pillars of Eternity franchise.
This concern is compounded by the crowdfunding history of the Pillars of Eternity games. Despite their successful funding campaigns that produced comprehensive titles and expansions, a potential shift toward an Avowed sequel backed by Microsoft might dissuade Obsidian from pursuing a third installment in the Pillars saga if it seems disproportionately challenging. While I’m not opposed to the idea of further Avowed content, I hope for the simultaneous continuation of the Pillars series.
I acknowledge that personal preferences play a role in this discussion. Given the option between a traditional CRPG and an action RPG, I lean towards the former, as I find typical action RPGs occupy an uncomfortable space between genres; they often lack the refined mechanics of established action games and the narrative depth seen in titles like Disco Elysium or Baldur’s Gate 3. Although I generally enjoy action RPGs, they rarely elevate to the top tier of my favorites.
Nevertheless, one reason I remain hopeful about the future of the Pillars of Eternity series is because Josh Sawyer is not directing Avowed. With Patel at the helm of this new undertaking, Sawyer may still have the capacity to work on potential future installments of Pillars. While this is no assurance, the risk of the entire Pillars team diverting to Avowed creates unease. Ultimately, I sincerely hope that both games can coexist and thrive.
Sources: Fextralife/YouTube, IGN/YouTube
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