Avowed Might Just Be Fantasy Outer Worlds, and That is Okay

Obsidian Entertainment’s Avowed is its upcoming FPS RPG title set to release later this yr, and has been within the works since its reveal in 2020. Prior to that, 2019’s The Outer Worlds was a little bit of a surprise for the studio, and in some ways, a pleasing one. Fans felt it was a return to form for the developer, channeling its work on classic beloved titles like Fallout: Latest Vegas in addition to its repute for making quality first-person RPG experiences, after producing a handful of well-received, but more area of interest CRPG titles, like Tyranny and the 2 Pillars of Eternity games (which Avowed is broadly based in) between them.

Given Avowed‘s general setting, and Obsidian’s previous relationship with Bethesda Studios, it was almost inevitable that comparisons between Avowed and Skyrim were made. Obsidian has identified Avowed’s smaller scale and scope on multiple occasions, in addition to other details that separate it from being too alike. After showcasing more of Avowed on the Xbox Developer Direct presentation earlier in January, though, it does look to have so much in common with The Outer Worlds by way of design and Obsidian’s trademark touch. But even whether it is the case that Avowed is basically “only a fantasy-flavored Outer Worlds experience,” that doesn’t denote a negative connotation, and, in actual fact, could also be precisely the angle that may make it an important game with all of the hallmarks of Obsidian’s expertise.

If Avowed is the Fantasy Similar to The Outer Worlds, It Will Still be Solid

The Outer Worlds’ Success Story

The Outer Worlds showcased Obsidian returning to its roots inside a contemporary framework and in its signature style and approach. By leaning into dystopian sci-fi trappings, but with a more humorous and satirical bent, versus “standard” fare like Cyberpunk 2077, the healthy dose of comedy balanced with its other darker absurdities and interesting choice-driven narratives made TOW a success with each players and critics. It received two DLCs that expanded its lore and world, capping off its positive reception, and The Outer Worlds 2 was officially announced in 2021, which Obsidian has stated will likely be next in line for development after Avowed is shipped. The Outer Worlds was considered an overall success, and proved that Obsidian still had the chops to supply a AAA FPS RPG that would deliver a satisfying and fascinating experience.

Avowed’s Promise to Be the Fantasy Version of The Outer Worlds is a Good Thing

Obsidian has long been well-known for its meticulous world-building and engrossing narratives, along with fun combat and player-driven plot agency. On condition that each Avowed and The Outer Worlds feature these in widely popular genres and settings, but with a more scaled-back approach and philosophy as in comparison with a number of the more massive open-world games on the market, their similarities are quite apparent.

But again, this might shape as much as be one in all the largest benefits Avowed has going for it, since based on the whole lot seen to this point, it looks like it’s going to feel and play very very similar to The Outer Worlds, at the least by way of broad design elements and other points, most of which were embraced by audiences. With the reception of The Outer Worlds and the anticipation for Avowed, there are a variety of good reasons to expect it to be just as compelling, if no more so, even when it’d reductively be labeled as “The Outer Worlds, but fantasy.”