Avowed: How Obsidian’s RPG builds on Pillars of Eternity’s legacy

Avowed: How Obsidian’s RPG Builds on Pillars of Eternity’s Legacy

Obsidian’s Avowed, set in the Pillars of Eternity universe, is a departure from its isometric predecessors. While Pillars was a nostalgic CRPG throwback, Avowed is a modern, immersive 3D experience.

Why the Shift to 3D?

Obsidian chose to leverage its existing worldbuilding rather than create a new one. The Living Lands, a mysterious island within the Pillars universe, offered a compelling setting ripe for exploration.

Balancing Legacy and Innovation

Utilizing the Pillars world presented challenges. The developers aimed to respect the existing lore while avoiding limitations. They considered it a “double-edged sword,” allowing creative freedom within a new, unexplored region of Eora.

Shared Narrative Elements

Avowed retains the grounded, early modern storytelling of Pillars, focusing on powerful empires at war. Politics is central, with the player as an Imperial envoy to a resistant Living Lands. The metaphysical elements of Pillars, including souls and reincarnation, are also present, with interactions with Adra crystals playing a key role. While there are allusions to previous Pillars events, familiarity with them isn’t necessary to understand Avowed’s plot.

Visual and Gameplay Adaptations

Avowed shifts from isometric to a first-person perspective, necessitating a new artistic approach. However, it aims to retain the vibrant style of Pillars, enhanced by the 3D environment’s ability to better represent scale and architecture. Gameplay also sees a significant change, featuring first-person platforming and fast-paced combat. Yet, familiar elements like grimoires, adapting the spellbook system from Pillars, remain, though significantly enhanced and integrated into moment-to-moment gameplay.

Ultimately, Avowed, while a distinct experience, carries the spirit of Pillars of Eternity, offering a fresh perspective on familiar ideas and iconography.