Avowed is a narrative focused linear action RPG set in the Pillars of Eternity world of Eora following the events in Pillars of Eternity 2: Deadfire. It takes place on the isolated continent known as The Living Lands and can serve as an introduction to the setting for players who didn't play the other games.

The premise of the game is that you play as an imperial envoy investigating a mysterious plague rampaging a new land ripe for colonization. Your investigation into the plague reveals the history of the mysterious continent and its people. Decisions you make along the way shape the future of this new continent.

Avowed brings back the kind of action RPG that was more popular in the past, but rare these days. Players who enjoyed games like Mass Effect, Dishonored, Dragon Age, Horizon: Zero Dawn, or Final Fantasy XV will be at home with Avowed. Combat is first or third person and combines melee and ranged weapons with spell casting alongside dodging and parrying or blocking attacks. Exploration is a huge part of the game, and the environments are both beautiful and well designed, giving players tons to discover while also respecting the time it takes to traverse them. Roleplaying is limited to a moderate amount of character building to allow for a handful of play styles and more focused on player decisions impacting the story along the way.

The game explores themes of colonialism and environmentalism, often at the same time (and often comparing the colonization of settled land with the colonization of nature), and it does so thoughtfully. These themes merge with the fantasy themes of the study and use of magic, the nature of gods, and the interaction with these two phenomenon with the natural world.

Sadly, Avowed has found itself the target of the culture war. While there are examples of LGBT characters and hints at hot topics like equity, diversity, and inclusion, they are far from dominant aspects of the game. The game is mostly concerned about its central pillars of colonialism and environmentalism.

Avowed is a very strong entry into this style of RPG and will likely be remembered fondly for years to come. I highly recommend it to anyone who enjoys this genre of game and am looking forward to future games in this setting.