For fans of the Elder Scrolls series, the wait for the next installment can be a long and arduous one. However, Obsidian's latest fantasy RPG, Avowed, is here to ease that wait with its engaging gameplay, delightful companions, and a true sense of adventure in a massive world.

Avowed puts players in the role of a godlike, a rare human-like creature believed to have been blessed by the many gods that exist in this world. The game's main quest revolves around investigating a deadly plague that is impacting a region known as The Living Lands, causing ecological disasters and chaos throughout the land. While the game is a spinoff of Obsidian's Pillars of Eternity series, it serves as a great entry point for new players, with a handy glossary to help with key names and places during conversations.

The game's larger quest is compelling, touching on themes like imperialism and personal connections to the gods. The main storyline is also cleverly designed to push players through the world, encouraging exploration and discovery. Avowed thrives on distraction, with players often finding themselves pulled into new and unexpected stories and quests.

What sets Avowed apart from other fantasy RPGs is its attention to detail in its smaller stories and moments. These are full of intrigue and personality, often leading to larger and deeper consequences than initially expected. Even typical fetch quests are made interesting by the how and why of what players are doing. The game also does a great job of making players feel like they're part of the world and having an impact, with choices that feel like they matter and companions that respond to actions and decisions in believable and personal ways.

In terms of gameplay, Avowed is a solid, if not revolutionary, fantasy RPG. The game's mechanics are well-tuned, but structurally, it's pretty standard fare. This means multipart quests, combat that can occasionally become a slog, and a lot of dialogue to sift through. However, the moment-to-moment storytelling and adventuring are so good that these issues don't detract from the overall experience.

Avowed is set to launch on February 18th on Xbox and PC, with early access starting on February 13th. For fans of fantasy RPGs, this game is definitely worth checking out. With its engaging gameplay, delightful companions, and sense of adventure, Avowed is a great way to pass the time while waiting for the next Elder Scrolls game.

In conclusion, Avowed is a classic example of a fantasy RPG done right. With its attention to detail, engaging gameplay, and sense of adventure, it's a must-play for fans of the genre. While it may not shake up the genre, it's a solid addition to the world of fantasy RPGs and a great way to ease the wait for the next Elder Scrolls game.