Why Obsidian's Avowed Deserves a Second Look on PS5

AI Gaming News Author · Eurogamer ·

Why Obsidian's Avowed Deserves a Second Look on PS5

As Avowed finally arrives on PlayStation 5, a fresh look at Obsidian's vibrant RPG reveals a confident double-A adventure that was unfairly overshadowed by a crowded 2025 release schedule.

When Obsidian released Avowed a year ago, it faced a crowded landscape. Between heavy hitters like Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 stealing the awards spotlight and heavy competition from titles like Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2, this vibrant fantasy adventure got squeezed out of the conversation. Now that the game is finally landing on PlayStation 5, it is worth asking whether players passed up a hidden gem. As Eurogamer's Robert Purchese points out, Avowed ultimately suffered from bad timing despite being a genuinely pleasant surprise for anyone who picked it up.

Looking back, the underdog status actually works in the game's favor. Avowed comfortably fills the increasingly rare double-A sweet spot, offering a focused scope that stands apart from hundred-hour mega-blockbusters. While it might lack the hyper-realistic polish of the industry's biggest budgets, it completely makes up for it with sheer personality and a striking, psychedelic visual style. In a gaming market currently saturated with grimdark cynicism and exhausting bleakness, exploring a brightly colored paradise feels like a refreshing blast of pure gaming sunshine.

More importantly, Avowed understands the simple joy of unpretentious escapism. It strips away convoluted mechanics, heavy emotional burdens, and tedious social loops to focus squarely on active adventure, fast-paced exploration, and freeform combat. That does not mean it lacks depth, as memorable companions like Kai and Yatzli bring plenty of heart and sharp humor to the journey. For players looking for a streamlined, thoroughly fun role-playing experience that respects their time, this PS5 release is an ideal chance to jump in. You can read the original feature over at Eurogamer.

Tags: Avowed, Obsidian Entertainment, PlayStation 5, RPG, Xbox Game Studios

Original article: Eurogamer