Xbox's Avowed now has its launch date locked and loaded for Feb. 2025, which means we're bound to see and hear much more about the Game Pass RPG in the coming weeks and months. Right now, Gamescom 2024 is going on in Germany, which is proving to be a great place for more Avowed; we're starting to see some previews hit the web right now.
Across the three previews we've taken a look at, the consensus is largely positive - especially from IGN, who've given it a glowing preview this week. To get a better idea of what each outlet got to play, and how they've found the game so far, we'll drop a quick summary from each preview down below.
IGN
"Avowed was a surprising delight to play for the first time. After a lot of questions about the shift in art direction from the teaser trailer, questions about the length, and a combat demo on the Xbox stage that had many asking if the game was earlier in development than expected, I’m happy to report that Avowed is feeling great, looking great, and offering a compelling story based on the early slice I played at an event.
This small slice Obsidian gave us the opportunity to play was a treat, and while it’s a tiny glimpse, our 50-minute demo session flew by in the blink of an eye. And that’s always a good sign."
Eurogamer
"I'm still a bit fuzzy about the lore of Avowed - I've not played Obsidian's Pillars of Eternity games, whose world this new RPG shares - but after an hour hands-on at Gamescom 2024, I'm clearer about some of the details. And, happily, I'm a little more convinced this is a world I'll explore further, when Avowed's new February 2025 release date rolls around.
If you're after a fresh Obsidian hit after that, Avowed is one to keep an eye on. Also, more Garrus."
Shacknews
"After taking this first opportunity to try out Avowed, it was hard not to feel like this had some of the best elements of the Elder Scrolls formula mixed together with some of Obsidian's tried-and-true RPG flair.
More importantly, it could fit in alongside some of Obsidian's best work like the aforementioned Fallout: New Vegas and The Outer Worlds. Obsidian appears to be confident enough in its work that it's taking a few additional months to give it some extra polish."
It's safe to say that these previews are making us eager to try out Avowed, then, which fortunately isn't too far away even with Obsidian's recent delay. The Xbox RPG is coming to the Game Pass library on February 18, 2025.