Action RPG

Avowed’s aversion to realism might not be the most immersive, but it’s a breath of fresh air after the hardcore role-play of Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2

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The sequel to Kingdom Come: Deliverance tested my level of endurance significantly. “How challenging could this historical RPG be?”, I pondered, only to make the least strategic move at the game’s outset – venturing into the wilderness in search of a sword fighting mentor instead of securing funds for essentials like food and shelter. As a games writer, I occasionally have to experiment with unique playstyles in the name of research, but I underestimated the extent to which I would need to prioritize peasant survival needs and follow Maslow’s hierarchy of necessities.

The game stands as a stark contrast, offering one of the most delightful RPG introductions I’ve experienced. It emphasizes combat badassery and compact, non-linear maps, which keeps the gameplay mechanics minimal yet immersive. Despite the presence of heavyweights like Elden Ring, Baldur’s Gate 3, and Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 in the RPG scene, Obsidian Entertainment’s new title manages to carve out its unique space. I believe this streamlined approach is what makes it distinct from its predecessors and potential future releases this year.

Take a vow

In the early stages of Avowed, you’re granted immediate access to a variety of essential features – rapid travel, campsites, missions, improvements, weapons, and even a first companion. This means you can bypass the hassle of figuring out financial systems, personal hygiene concerns, or intricate mechanics every now and then, instead diving straight into Obsidian’s sandbox for self-discovery without constant distractions.

Each region in the Living Lands seems smaller compared to the initial Trosky region of Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2, yet they are brimming with various landmarks and secrets hidden at every turn. As I was attempting to clear up a part of the Dawnshore map, an intricate pathway guided me to a pyromancer who burned himself upon my arrival. An amusingly surprising interaction that can be effortlessly overlooked, all that remained were his burnt remains, which allowed me to grab his key to open the pyromancer’s chest I had noticed several hours earlier for some valuable loot.

In Avowed, you can effortlessly earn rewards simply by exploring aimlessly. Since there’s no genuine punishment system, you can even grab nearly every item and loot every chest you encounter, regardless of who’s house it belongs to. Plus, the Dialogue History and Lore feature keeps you updated on all your casual conversations, making it easier for newcomers like me to grasp the main storyline in Pillars of Eternity.

Essentially, Avowed centers around giving players a wide range of choices. It may not be the most complex or advanced RPG, but every aspect caters to the player. You can freely explore various skill trees, easily respec your abilities at a low cost, and there are no limitations on weapon selection, allowing you to fully customize your character and quest decisions.

To be honest, the significant simplification of Avowed results in an adventure that, while not perfect, leaves room for improvement. The game’s minimal learning curve sets it apart from other RPGs, but this brevity might lead to a “is that all?” reaction that could influence your decision to carry on playing. Moreover, the emphasis on action in this action RPG seems to overshadow other aspects, resulting in less immersion compared to many contemporary RPGs. The world of Paradis appears devoid of life with no wandering NPCs, and I must admit, I yearn for the return of a classic lockpicking mini-game.

Warhorses for courses

In a simpler and more conversational style, one could say: Unlike many games that prioritize players, Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 seems to put its own interests first rather than the player’s. While Henry is the protagonist in the story, he doesn’t receive much assistance throughout his journey from rags to riches. In other words, the game doesn’t cater as much to the player as games like Avowed do.

Initially, I found the intricate systems and harsh environment of this game quite jarring. However, I admired the skill required to create something so intricate and brutally realistic. For instance, the level of theft you can pull off in Avowed is such that it could set a record for swift execution in Bohemia. Moreover, the combat is so brutal that you need to pick your battles carefully or risk falling behind quickly. However, I would prefer Avowed’s absence of a lockpicking minigame over the complex one in Kingdom Come Deliverance 2 any day.

After venting my frustration at the sleep-deprived and penniless character Henry for several hours, I decided to restart, adopting a peasant survival strategy as soon as Henry was released from the pillory. This approach made the game more enjoyable, as I stopped trying to be a hero and instead embraced its challenges. Additionally, discovering a large amount of coins in a quarry near Trosky Castle significantly improved my situation. Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 is tough, but it’s easy to understand why people enjoy it. Despite focusing mainly on avoiding the main quest, I had grown accustomed to the Bohemian peasant lifestyle by the time I was required to progress to Avowed.

Fundamentally, these games offer contrasting styles within the same genre, neither being inherently flawed. Experiencing Kingdom Come is akin to engaging in a game of Dungeons & Dragons where the Game Master has meticulously studied all core rulebooks and kept extensive notes on every NPC, faction, and location. On the other hand, Avowed is similar to playing D&D with a Game Master who may not excel at improvisation and might not fully grasp all the rules, but they are determined to ensure you have an exciting and enjoyable experience.

As a gaming enthusiast, I find myself drawn to the contrasting experiences offered by games like Avowed, which discards traditional RPG elements for entertainment, and Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2, which thrives on historical realism and immersive gameplay. It’s remarkable to see that in 2025, we have two action RPGs showcasing the genre’s extremes, setting the stage for an exceptional year.

With Monster Hunter Wilds elevating the series to unprecedented heights, Assassin’s Creed Shadows refining its dual protagonist approach, and Elden Ring Nightreign merging Soulsborne traits with roguelikes, I can’t help but anticipate that Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 and Avowed will make 2025 a golden year for action RPGs.

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2025-02-26 16:10

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