Play it on: Xbox Collection X/S, Home windows (Steam Deck YMMV)
Present aim: Clear up the Shatterscarp map
I actually didn’t suppose I’d play Avowed so quickly. However as I used to be recovering from a serious medical process, I used to be having some bizarre goals, certainly one of which included a wierd transformation of my residence neighborhood (that being none aside from Jamaica, Queens, symbolize!) into some type of fantasy village? It was…oddly emotional, too. There’s quite a bit to unpack with my therapist in that one. And it was all drenched within the aesthetic of Avowed for no matter purpose. So I awoke with a couple of questions and concerns for my life and a realization that I suppose I ought to play Avowed now.
And wow, this sport is an actual gem of 2025. It’s simply huge sufficient in scope to really feel like a big fantasy expertise with out changing into a burdensome open world chock filled with empty busywork. The writing is simply so lovely too, with a poetic sensibility woven by way of its dialogue and characters having considerate and relatable discussions concerning the wrestle for survival within the face of political unrest and a public well being risk. It doesn’t really feel like escapism for escapism’s sake; moderately, it’s like an ideal fantasy novel that you simply type of carry with you in your thoughts even after you shut the ebook, ruminating on varied themes and features of dialogue that spring to life in a magical mirror of our personal world.
Additionally, whereas I’m discovering the sport a contact too simple (particularly since I’m enjoying on the toughest issue), the fight is hella enjoyable. I’ve obtained this gun-wielding ranger construct occurring proper now (my character’s additionally a scholar, so I really feel like she’s obtained some Indiana Jones vibes too). I used to be stunned at how simply my mind might simply go into “FPS Mode” and have it work out nicely right here. Fight, when it’s not overly simple, feels thrilling and heroic, with a stunning mixture of gunpowder, swords, and magic—and weapons belong in fantasy. — Claire Jackson
