Avowed

The first major first-party Xbox release of the year aims to court action RPG fans trying to fill an Elder Scrolls-shaped hole, as well as keeping Pillars of Eternity fans happy

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If Obsidian's The Outer Worlds was a sci-fi spin on Bethesda's Fallout games, does that make Avowed the developer's answer to Skyrim? Comparisons with a game so beloved are weighty indeed... and do a disservice to the source material.

This action RPG is an offshoot of Obsidian's enthralling Pillars of Eternity series, just with a change of perspective and a much bigger budget. Enemies and companions are cut from a different cloth to other fantasy fare, while a more colourful palette sets it apart from genre mainstays.

There's a neat twist on the 'chosen one' trope, with your godlike powers manifesting via a strange voice in your head that you aren't sure you can trust. You also work for a regime that's far from benevolent. It makes for an intriguing setup without easy choices.