Avowed: Skyrim's Worthy Successor?

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Post on Feb 14, 2025

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Avowed: Skyrim's Worthy Successor? A Deep Dive into Obsidian's RPG

For years, fans of sprawling, immersive RPGs have yearned for a successor to Bethesda's monumental Skyrim. While Bethesda continues its Elder Scrolls journey, Obsidian Entertainment, with their acclaimed history crafting rich RPG worlds (think Pillars of Eternity, Fallout: New Vegas), has stepped into the fray with Avowed. But can Avowed truly fill the Elder Scrolls-shaped hole in many gamers' hearts? Let's delve deep into the game's potential and explore whether it has what it takes to become Skyrim's worthy successor.

The Obsidian Legacy: A Promise of Depth and Choice

Obsidian's reputation precedes them. They're masters of crafting intricate narratives with impactful choices and consequences. Unlike Bethesda's sometimes-loose narrative threads, Obsidian tends to weave tighter, more focused stories where player decisions genuinely matter. This focus on player agency is a significant departure from the often-sandbox nature of Skyrim, and it could be Avowed's greatest strength.

Instead of a sprawling, somewhat directionless world (though undeniably fun!), Avowed promises a more structured, albeit still vast, narrative experience. This focus on a compelling storyline, enriched by impactful choices, is a crucial element setting it apart from its potential predecessor. The game world, Aethel, appears richly detailed and rife with political intrigue, promising a compelling narrative backbone that Skyrim, at times, lacked.

Aethel: A World Worth Exploring?

The world of Aethel, a high-fantasy island setting, is visually stunning in trailers and gameplay reveals. The architecture, from the imposing castles to the smaller, more rustic settlements, suggests a level of detail and visual fidelity that rivals, and perhaps even surpasses, Skyrim's environments (especially considering the technological advancements since Skyrim's release).

However, simply being pretty isn't enough. A successful RPG needs a world that feels lived in, with compelling lore, interesting NPCs, and varied environments. Initial previews suggest Aethel has the potential to deliver on this front, with diverse biomes and a distinct feel compared to Skyrim's more familiar Nordic setting. The verticality showcased in early footage hints at exploration opportunities beyond simple plains and mountains, adding a new dimension to traversal and discovery.

Combat: A Departure from Skyrim's Clunky System?

Skyrim's combat, while functional, was often criticized for its clunkiness. Avowed aims to address these shortcomings with a more refined, action-RPG-style combat system. Early gameplay showcases a faster-paced, more visceral experience that utilizes a first-person perspective, enhancing player immersion and providing a greater sense of control.

The inclusion of magic and various weapon types promises build diversity and replayability. The ability to seamlessly switch between melee and ranged combat, along with magical abilities, allows for dynamic and adaptable combat encounters. This move away from Skyrim's sometimes-unresponsive combat system is a crucial factor in Avowed's potential to exceed its predecessor. The emphasis on strategic combat and skillful maneuvering could create a more engaging and challenging experience.

Character Customization and Progression: Shaping Your Identity

While Skyrim allowed for extensive character customization, it sometimes felt superficial. Avowed seems to be taking a different approach, possibly focusing on more nuanced character development and progression systems. The potential for meaningful choices that affect your character's path and interactions with the world is a key area where Avowed could significantly surpass Skyrim.

The integration of a class system, or a similar mechanic that allows for specialization and distinct playstyles, could further enhance the sense of individual character development. This could allow players to create characters that are not only visually distinct but also tactically unique, encouraging multiple playthroughs to explore different builds and strategies.

Storytelling and Narrative Choices: The Obsidian Touch

Obsidian's strength lies in their narrative prowess. They're known for crafting complex, branching stories where player choices have far-reaching consequences. This emphasis on player agency and impactful decisions is something Skyrim, while offering some choice, often lacked. Avowed promises a more tightly woven narrative with significant player involvement, shaping the story through choices and actions.

The potential for multiple endings, significantly affected by player choices, represents a key differentiator from Skyrim's relatively linear narrative progression. This level of engagement ensures that players feel invested in the world and its inhabitants, leading to a more fulfilling and memorable experience.

The Verdict: A Worthy Successor, But Different

Avowed is unlikely to be a direct clone of Skyrim. Instead, it aims to offer a refined and more focused RPG experience, leveraging Obsidian's expertise in crafting compelling narratives and impactful player choices. While it may not replicate Skyrim's sprawling, sandbox-style freedom, it promises a deeper, more engaging story with more substantial character development and a more responsive combat system.

Whether it's a "worthy successor" is subjective. It's more accurate to say it's a different kind of RPG entirely, one that might appeal to players who crave a more structured narrative and impactful choices over boundless exploration and relatively loose storytelling. The potential is certainly there for Avowed to become a landmark RPG in its own right, surpassing Skyrim in certain aspects while still embracing the spirit of epic high-fantasy adventures. The true test will come upon release, but the early signs are promising. The stage is set for Avowed to carve its own path and potentially claim a place among the greats of the RPG genre.