Nailing combat in a fantasy RPG is no small feat. With numerous weapon types and build options up for grabs, it’s a challenge to make each combination pack a punch, especially when dealing with the beginner-level gear that players first encounter. Yet, Avowed manages to skillfully achieve that elusive balance.
Right from the get-go, engaging in combat within Avowed is immensely rewarding. The way enemies react to hits, combined with the player’s perspective shifting upon receiving damage, adds a layer of realism and responsiveness. Dodging attacks isn’t optional; it’s essential, and this interactive nature makes the combat feel alive. As you progress and your arsenal expands, each encounter becomes more thrilling. However, even at the game’s early stages, the combat feels polished and there’s an innovative mechanic here that RPGs should seriously consider adopting.
In Avowed, players have the nifty ability to switch between two weapon setups seamlessly during gameplay. A quick tap of “Y” on consoles or “Left Alt” on PC is all it takes to switch things up.
This feature encourages a strategy-driven playstyle, pushing players to get creative with their weapon choices. Imagine softening up foes with dual pistols from a distance, and then swiftly switching to a sword and spellbook combo to finish them off with style. It’s this kind of tactical flexibility that is especially valuable on higher difficulty settings, where simple brute force won’t suffice. Utilizing both loadouts efficiently becomes key to managing stamina and Essence, which becomes crucial in tougher battles.
Moreover, Avowed’s loadout system invites players to experiment with weapons they might usually pass over in other RPGs. You can maintain a reliable setup for your primary option while trying something completely new with your secondary loadout—knowing you can revert at any time offers a comforting safety net. This flexibility also complements Avowed’s approach to character classes, allowing players to dabble in multiple skill trees to personalize their characters completely.
Avowed’s simple yet innovative loadout feature proves to be more than just a convenience; it’s a game-changer that reinvigorates combat strategy and experimentation in RPGs.