Playtime

I still remember the first time I washed up on the shores of the Living Lands in Avowed - that breathtaking moment when I realized this wasn't just another fantasy RPG, but something truly special. As someone who's spent over 200 hours exploring every corner of this universe, I can confidently say that diving into Jili Games' creation has been one of my most rewarding gaming experiences. The way they've built upon the Pillars of Eternity foundation while making it completely accessible to newcomers is nothing short of brilliant.

When you first create your character, you're immediately introduced to what makes this world unique - you play as one of the Godlike, individuals marked by divine grace at birth with distinctive facial features that range from beautiful to unsettling. I chose a character with crystalline growths across one side of her face, and this cosmetic choice actually influenced how certain NPCs interacted with me throughout the game. Some characters would stare uncomfortably, while others showed immediate respect or fear. These subtle reactions made the world feel alive in ways I hadn't experienced since my first playthrough of The Witcher 3.

The setup is straightforward yet compelling - you're on a mission from a distant monarch to investigate a mysterious plague that's turning people into violent, mindless creatures. What starts as a simple investigation quickly unfolds into something much deeper and more personal. I found myself genuinely caring about the fate of these characters, especially when I discovered that about 40% of the side quests actually tie back into the main narrative in meaningful ways. The game does an excellent job of keeping you focused on the Living Lands while occasionally referencing events from the broader Pillars universe. As someone who never played the original games, I appreciated how naturally the lore was integrated - through environmental storytelling, character dialogues, and that brilliant glossary system that pops up whenever new names or places are mentioned.

Combat in Avowed feels responsive and strategic. I typically favor magic users in RPGs, and I wasn't disappointed - the spellcasting system offers around 25 distinct abilities that can be combined in creative ways. The first time I froze an enemy solid then shattered them with a warhammer was immensely satisfying. But what really impressed me was how the game encourages hybrid builds. My character eventually settled into a battlemage style, mixing swordplay with elemental magic, and the game's progression system made this transition smooth and rewarding.

The world design deserves special mention. The Living Lands are vibrant and diverse, with each region telling its own story through visual design alone. I spent hours just exploring the coastline near the starting area, discovering hidden caves and abandoned settlements that weren't marked on any map. The environmental storytelling here is some of the best I've seen since Skyrim - you can piece together entire narratives just from examining the placement of objects and reading scattered journals.

What surprised me most was how the game handles player choice. Early on, I made a decision that seemed minor at the time - I chose to spare a character who had betrayed me. This choice came back to haunt me nearly 20 hours later when that same character provided crucial assistance during a major story mission. The game remembers your actions in ways that feel organic rather than gamey, creating a personal narrative that's uniquely yours.

The technical performance is generally solid, though I did encounter some frame rate dips in densely populated areas on my standard PlayStation 5. These never lasted more than a few seconds and didn't significantly impact my enjoyment. Load times are remarkably quick - transitioning between zones typically takes under 4 seconds, which helps maintain immersion.

As I progressed through the main story, which took me approximately 35 hours to complete (while engaging with most side content), I found the narrative consistently engaging. The plague mystery unfolds at a perfect pace, with new revelations arriving just when you need them to maintain momentum. The writing is sharp, with characters that feel like real people rather than exposition delivery systems. I particularly grew fond of my companion Kael, whose dry wit and tragic backstory made him feel like a genuine partner rather than just another AI-controlled follower.

Looking back, what makes Avowed stand out in the crowded RPG landscape is its commitment to player agency while maintaining a strong narrative throughline. You're given freedom to approach situations in multiple ways - whether through combat, stealth, diplomacy, or magic - but the core story remains compelling throughout. The game respects your time while offering depth for those who want to dive deeper. My complete playthrough clocked in at around 72 hours, and I still have content left to explore.

For anyone considering diving into Jili Games' latest offering, my advice is simple: take your time. Talk to every character, read the lore entries, explore off the beaten path, and don't be afraid to experiment with different playstyles. The Living Lands are worth savoring, and the journey through this beautifully crafted world is one that will stay with you long after the credits roll. It's not just another RPG - it's a masterclass in how to evolve a beloved universe while welcoming new players into the fold.