Avowed was recently showcased as a significant part of Xbox’s Summer presentations, making an appearance in the Xbox Game Showcase. Following the new footage, game director Carrie Patel and gameplay director Gabe Paramo shared more insights about the game on the official Xbox podcast. In a recent interview, Patel and Paramo discussed various aspects of Avowed, including comparisons to Skyrim, the absence of romance options, the third-person perspective, the game’s narrative choices, and much more.
When asked about the third-person option in Avowed, Carrie Patel explained that the game offers a third-person perspective for players who prefer it for aesthetic or accessibility reasons. She emphasized that players can still experience the full Avowed gameplay in third-person mode, with Gabe Paramo adding that the game maintains a snappy and in-control feel regardless of the perspective chosen.
Regarding the narrative and choices in Avowed, Patel highlighted the importance of choice and consequence in the game. She mentioned that players will encounter a variety of choices that have immediate effects, as well as long-term consequences that impact the story and relationships with characters. The game aims to provide players with a tapestry of choices that shape the overall narrative, with subtlety in the conclusions rather than a straightforward path to one of three endings.
One notable aspect of Avowed is the absence of traditional romance paths in the game. Patel explained that the narrative team decided to forego romance options to focus on building deeper bonds with companions and exploring their stories. While players can flirt and engage with characters in various ways, the game does not include marriage or traditional romantic relationships as part of the gameplay experience.
Additionally, Patel discussed the party system in Avowed, where players will meet and recruit four companions tied to the critical path of the story. These companions will join the player in the party camp, where players can interact with them and witness their relationships develop through banter and interactions. Players can choose which companions to take on missions based on personal preferences and playstyle, with some quests requiring specific companions for story-related reasons.
In terms of gameplay mechanics, Gabe Paramo mentioned lock and key mechanics that allow players to unlock new areas and progress through the story. He highlighted the multiple approaches available to players to solve puzzles and overcome obstacles, emphasizing the importance of player choice and clever solutions in Avowed.
Overall, Avowed offers players a rich fantasy RPG experience set in the Pillars of Eternity universe. With a focus on choice and consequence, deep narrative interactions, and diverse gameplay mechanics, Avowed aims to provide players with a compelling and immersive adventure in the world of Eora. For more information on Avowed, players can explore additional details and insights provided by the development team.
