A colossal statue of a decaying knight, its armor ravaged by time and adorned with unsettling, realistic mushrooms, has materialized in London. This striking installation, a chilling testament to the plague sweeping Avowed's world, is the work of Xbox. It serves as both a captivating art piece and a stark warning, plunging onlookers into the grim reality of the Dreamscourge infection. Accompanying posters advertising the game for Xbox Series X|S transform a commonplace street into a gateway to Avowed's immersive realm.
Xbox has released a captivating behind-the-scenes video on YouTube, offering fans an intimate glimpse into the creation of this unique promotional spectacle.
Pre-launch Steam reviews have been overwhelmingly positive, with 81% of Deluxe Edition players recommending the game, generating significant anticipation for today's Standard Edition release.
Industry veteran Jason Schreier has voiced his strong approval of Avowed, highlighting its compelling world design, narrative, and combat system – but particularly praising its exploration:
"Avowed has completely captivated me. Obsidian's storytelling and combat are as excellent as expected, but the world design is truly exceptional. Every path leads somewhere, every rooftop is accessible, and there's always a hidden gem waiting to be discovered. Even after 40 hours, I'm still engrossed."
Schreier also acknowledges a disparity between critical reception and player response, drawing parallels to Fallout: New Vegas:
"Some reviews have surprised me. It mirrors the Fallout: New Vegas situation – critics were divided, yet players elevated it to legendary status. Avowed might follow a similar path."
Given Fallout: New Vegas' initial Metacritic score of 83 and its subsequent ascension to classic RPG status, the question remains: could Avowed be destined for a similar trajectory towards RPG greatness?