Cautionary Reminders on the Upcoming Launch of 'Avowed'
Hop on over to Avowed, set to drop on Tuesday, February 18, even if you're an Xbox Game Pass subscriber! I've logged over 60 hours in this early access title, so allow me to share my thoughts on what you'll encounter.
First off, if you're into grand larceny, grabbing whatever you fancy without consequences, you might want to look elsewhere. Avowed doesn't have a dedicated stealing system. And forget about picking locks as you roam – if you don't find a key, you'll have to rely on your trusty lockpicks or make do without.
But fear not, for violence against innocent NPCs is a no-no, as is getting bounties upon your head. That's not to say you won't face moral dilemmas during quests; choices will still play a significant role. Just no 'guards attack you when you kill NPCs' nonsense.
When it comes to the characters you’ll interface with, it should be noted that this is not Starfield-level mo-cap. The tech isn't the fanciest, and it's not as polished as recent Bethesda titles. But considering it's a smaller-budget game, it's hardly a surprise.
As for player progression, Avowed leans more towards a traditional RPG-style leveling system, unlike the Skyrim tie-in of leveling skills by constant use. And, there's no prestigious guilds or factions to join for bonuses – just choose sides through your decisions.
Lastly, Avowed isn't an open-world game in the traditional sense. Instead, it offers more of a divided, biome-based explorable world with fast travel.
Now, while Avowed might not tick every box on your Elder Scrolls wishlist, it's not exactly a bad game, either. Personally, I appreciate the quality of life changes, such as not needing stamina for sprinting or having a generous carry weight with fewer items contributing. Plus, I can't say I miss those pesky lockpick minigames.
Whatever your conclusion, don't forget to expect an experience with a more compact focus and distinct mechanics – ditching some Elder Scrolls tropes in exchange for newer ones. Tune in tomorrow for some tips and advice to get the most out of your Avowed journey.
Don't forget to follow me on Twitter, YouTube, Blissky, and Instagram! And if you're into sci-fi novels, check out the Herokiller series and The Earthborn Trilogy.
The avowed release date for Avowed, developed by Bethesda, is set for February 18, but it's important to note that the game does not have a dedicated stealing system or lockpicking mechanic like some other games. Although the character modeling isn't as advanced as some recent Bethesda titles, the player progression relies on a traditional RPG-style leveling system rather than constantly using skills to level up.
