There is a certain allure when it comes to exploring the expansive underground locations of video games.Avowedwill likely feature such locations, as it has become incredibly popular for open-world games to do so in recent years.Elden Ringserves as one of gaming’s best examples of this, encapsulating the idea to near perfection.
But it isn’t enough thatAvowedshould have locations whose main trait is that they are below the ground. Happening upon an ancient and massive underground city or expansive network of caves provides a feeling that few other locations can.Avowedshould aim to dig as deep into its world asElden Ringdid to recreate that feeling.
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Avowed’s Underground Already Has Potential
When it comes to both the real world and the fantasy genre, anything below the ground is usually interpreted as “ancient” by default. This is typically where the appeal of exploring underground locations comes from. It’s not just the idea of not being able to see the sky, but that the player is exploring something incredibly ancient and unexplored. There are often secrets both in terms of story elements and physical rewards players can reap found in the walls of these decrepit locations. It puts the entirety of the world into perspective and makes the player ask just how old they think it might be.Avowed’s release date is up in the air, however, so there might be more secrets to unveil in time.
As many may know,Avowedtakes place in thePillars of Eternityuniverse, of which there are two games. The reason this is relevant is that it sets a precedent as to what underground content can look like inAvowed. For example, one of the most iconic underground locations inPillars of Eternityis the Caed Nua dungeon. In it, the player can find a massive buried statue carved out of living adra stones that towers over even buildings. While the player does later learn the reason for its existence, that’s not what’s important. What’s important is the ability to awe the player with such locations and findings.
As mentioned before,Elden Ringdoes this very well. Its underground locations are incredibly expansive, often appearing no different to the over world. Any player who has traveled down a magic elevator likely understands the feeling of depth they provide. Despite being underground, the architecture ofElden Ring’s city of Nokron is no less grand and brimming with secrets to find and enemies to battle. These locations also often held some of the best and rarest items in the game, which provided the underground with a functional purpose as well. As such,Avowedshould take a page out ofElden Ringin that regard.
Obsidian Entertainment likely understands this sentiment, as shown byAvowed’s teaser trailer. In it, the camera follows a flaming arrow that eventually drops into a ravine. Deeper into this ravine, city-like structures are shown, with bridges and massive buildings being the most prominent. The very end of the trailer teases a roaring creature whose footsteps are enough to send shock waves throughout the area. This alone suggests thatAvowedand its narrativewill take place underground, with the player treading ancient underground cities in search of something.
WhileAvowed’s release datehas yet to be confirmed, it is shaping up to be one of the most anticipated open-world games. It will likely bring a fresh perspective to the genre and fill in a niche that onlyThe Elder Scrollsfranchise has managed to fulfill. Hopefully, its underground locations follow this trend, digging deep into the world ofAvowed.
Avowedis currently in development for PC and Xbox Series X/S.
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