Avowed marks Obsidian Entertainment’s thrilling return to the single-player fantasy RPG genre, their first venture in more than five years. After finishing Pillars of Eternity 2: Deadfire in 2018, Avowed picks up in the same universe, yet offers a fresh twist with its first- or third-person perspective, veering away from the isometric viewpoint of its predecessor. It’s a delightful shift from a studio recognized for dabbling in various genres, such as the sci-fi RPG The Outer Worlds and the 2D narrative adventure Pentiment.
What’s remarkable about Obsidian is its versatility in producing diverse experiences. Grounded, Pentiment, and The Outer Worlds, despite sharing some RPG elements, vary greatly in gameplay. Yet, they all bear the signature Obsidian touch—concealed pop culture Easter eggs. Avowed proudly carries on this tradition, not only embedding clever references within the game but also within its Xbox achievements. From nods to Avatar: The Last Airbender to a quest inspired by Fallout: New Vegas, and beyond, Avowed is packed with surprises.
There’s an abundance of Easter eggs cleverly hidden within the achievements of Avowed, rich with references to beloved franchises. The game offers players 50 achievements to unlock, with 18 intriguingly hidden. Unlike the intricate challenges of games like Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth or Gears of War, achieving 100% in Avowed is quite attainable. Most achievements relate straightforwardly to story progression or specific tasks, like “stealthily kill 15 enemies” or “defeat 10 Spiders and 10 Beetles.”
However, what truly stands out is how these achievements pay tribute to various franchises. Fallout, for instance, features prominently, with achievements like “Two Bears High-Fiving,” a nod to a well-loved Fallout: New Vegas DLC character. It’s a delightful homage for those in the know.
In addition, Avowed’s achievement list is sprinkled with titles that tip their hats to pop culture. “Everybody Disliked That” echoes a famous Fallout 4 meme, while “That Sign Can’t Stop Me Because I Can’t Read” cleverly references a line from the PBS show Arthur. Also included is “Gotta Cache ‘Em All,” a playful twist on the iconic Pokémon slogan.
Furthermore, Avowed includes achievements named after Obsidian’s previous works. For instance, completing all side quests earns players the “Pentiment” achievement, and siding with the Steel Garrote unlocks “Tyranny,” a direct shoutout to Obsidian’s 2016 CRPG of the same name.
In all, Avowed beautifully combines its rich narrative with these nods to gaming and pop culture, offering a layered experience that engages long-time fans and newcomers alike. With its release set for February 18, 2025, on Xbox Series X|S and PC, Avowed is poised to make a significant impact, providing around 17 hours of immersive gameplay. The game utilizes the Unreal Engine 5, ensuring a visually stunning experience, and it’s optimized for the latest Xbox consoles, adding to its appeal. Whether you’re a solo adventurer or a completionist aiming for those Easter egg-rich achievements, Avowed promises a journey filled with wonder and nostalgia.
