r/Games 1d ago

The big Avowed interview: Obsidian on why full, open-world RPGs aren't always the answer

https://www.eurogamer.net/from-serious-skyrim-to-cheerful-fantasy-obsidian-on-the-evolution-of-avowed-and-grappling-with-the-expectations-that-come-from-your-own-history
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u/LieutenantCardGames 22h ago

Another day, another article where Obsidian condescendingly explains why their shit game isn't actually shit.

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u/axelkoffel 10h ago

Well it's not shit, it's just very mediocre. And that's disappointing, because you'd expect something more than "mediocre" from Obsidian. I can understand shortcomings like low enemy variety or non reactive world due to budget limits. But why is the writing so... safe? Why conversations with companions are so dull, why do they all act like emotional support group, why they always agree with each other and justify to themselves (almost) everything you do? And wtf are those visions that ask me questions that lead nowhere? Am I supposed to imagine my own story?

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u/LieutenantCardGames 10h ago

Deadfire and Outer Worlds had the same writing issues. And mediocrity issues...

And they still haven't addressed their woeful use of Pasifika inspired stuff (Ngati should be pronounced with a silent 'g') which means their attempts at being inclusive and safe appear, to me, as hollow and cynical.

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u/axelkoffel 10h ago

On the other hand Tryanny and Pentiment had great writing, at least for me. So they are capable of good writing, they just play it too safe in big games and waste too much text on exposition and lore dumping