A colossal statue of a decaying knight, his armor ravaged by time and adorned with unsettling, realistic mushrooms, has materialized in London. This striking installation, crafted by Xbox, serves as both a chilling work of art and a stark warning, immersing onlookers in the grim reality of the Dreamscourge plaguing the world of Avowed. Strategically placed posters advertising the game for Xbox Series X|S further enhance the immersive experience, transforming a commonplace London street into a gateway to Avowed's dystopian realm.
To showcase the meticulous creation of this ominous display, Xbox has released a behind-the-scenes video on YouTube, offering fans an intimate glimpse into the making of this unique promotional stunt.
The game itself has garnered significant acclaim from Steam users, boasting an impressive 81% positive recommendation rate amongst Deluxe Edition players even before its official launch. This overwhelmingly positive pre-release reception sets a high benchmark as the Standard Edition makes its debut today.
Renowned gaming journalist Jason Schreier shared his enthusiastic appraisal of Avowed, highlighting its exceptional world design, compelling narrative, and engaging combat system. However, he reserved his highest praise for the game's unparalleled exploration:
"Avowed has completely captivated me. Obsidian's storytelling and combat are as strong as expected, but the world design truly shines. Every path leads somewhere, every rooftop is accessible, and there's always a hidden detail waiting to be discovered. Even after 40 hours of gameplay, I'm still eager to explore more."
Schreier also acknowledged a noticeable divergence in opinions between critics and players, drawing parallels to the reception of Fallout: New Vegas:
"Some of the reviews have taken me by surprise. It's reminiscent of Fallout: New Vegas—critics were divided, yet players elevated it to legendary status. Avowed might well follow a similar path."
Considering Fallout: New Vegas' initial Metacritic score of 83 and its subsequent ascension to classic RPG status, the question remains: Could Avowed be destined for a similar trajectory towards RPG immortality?
