Big Preview: Avowed – Exclusive access and hands-on impressions of Xbox's first must-play RPG of 2025

GamesRPGAvowedBig Preview: Avowed – Exclusive access and hands-on impressions of Xbox’s first must-play RPG of 2025When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.

GamesRPGAvowedBig Preview: Avowed – Exclusive access and hands-on impressions of Xbox’s first must-play RPG of 2025When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.

When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.

(Image credit: Obsidian Entertainment)

A river leading out to sea in Dawnshore from the the Avowed Big Preview

Jump to:The Big PreviewGameplayHands-onInterviewsFeaturesRetrospectiveGuides

Jump to:The Big PreviewGameplayHands-onInterviewsFeaturesRetrospectiveGuides

KEY INFORelease date:February 18, 2025Developer: ObsidianPublisher: Xbox Game StudiosPlatform(s): PC, Xbox Series XGame Pass: Available Day OneEarly Access:Begins February 13, with Premium Edition pre-order

KEY INFO

Release date:February 18, 2025Developer: ObsidianPublisher: Xbox Game StudiosPlatform(s): PC, Xbox Series XGame Pass: Available Day OneEarly Access:Begins February 13, with Premium Edition pre-order

Release date:February 18, 2025Developer: ObsidianPublisher: Xbox Game StudiosPlatform(s): PC, Xbox Series XGame Pass: Available Day OneEarly Access:Begins February 13, with Premium Edition pre-order

It goes without saying that when we got the call to visit Obsidian Entertainment HQ in Irvine, California, we jumped at the opportunity to neglect the sunshine and instead stay indoors pouring over every facet of Avowed available to us. That means talking to the great RPG developers responsible for this rather unique and funky fungal take on the genre, and, of course, spending many hours with the opening of the game. We get into it all, from getting started with questing, meeting the companions, the combat, and more – all while discussing it all with the many individual developers that have been crafting it.

Keep reading to discover our Avowed Big Preview, your best place to get started with one of the biggestupcoming Xbox Series X gamesand one of the most anticipatednew games of 2024.

Avowed: The Big Preview

(Image credit: Obsidian Entertainment)

An axe-wielding Xaurip takes aim at the player from the the Avowed Big Preview

Cover StoryDespite the Skyrim comparisons, Avowed is an Obsidian RPG first and foremost: “Let’s bring in all the greatest hits”:Simply put, Avowed is Obsidian Entertainment at its best. It’s not just an epic new RPG, but one that feels truly like a culmination of everything the developer has wowed us with through the years. This feels like an RPG that only this team could make, at this moment. We unpack everything that happened in our visit to the dev’s offices as we speak to the team about the long road to building this pivotal RPG, as well as getting into the nitty gritty of what we got to play while we were visiting!

Cover StoryDespite the Skyrim comparisons, Avowed is an Obsidian RPG first and foremost: “Let’s bring in all the greatest hits”:Simply put, Avowed is Obsidian Entertainment at its best. It’s not just an epic new RPG, but one that feels truly like a culmination of everything the developer has wowed us with through the years. This feels like an RPG that only this team could make, at this moment. We unpack everything that happened in our visit to the dev’s offices as we speak to the team about the long road to building this pivotal RPG, as well as getting into the nitty gritty of what we got to play while we were visiting!

Cover StoryDespite the Skyrim comparisons, Avowed is an Obsidian RPG first and foremost: “Let’s bring in all the greatest hits”:Simply put, Avowed is Obsidian Entertainment at its best. It’s not just an epic new RPG, but one that feels truly like a culmination of everything the developer has wowed us with through the years. This feels like an RPG that only this team could make, at this moment. We unpack everything that happened in our visit to the dev’s offices as we speak to the team about the long road to building this pivotal RPG, as well as getting into the nitty gritty of what we got to play while we were visiting!

Cover StoryDespite the Skyrim comparisons, Avowed is an Obsidian RPG first and foremost: “Let’s bring in all the greatest hits”:Simply put, Avowed is Obsidian Entertainment at its best. It’s not just an epic new RPG, but one that feels truly like a culmination of everything the developer has wowed us with through the years. This feels like an RPG that only this team could make, at this moment. We unpack everything that happened in our visit to the dev’s offices as we speak to the team about the long road to building this pivotal RPG, as well as getting into the nitty gritty of what we got to play while we were visiting!

Cover StoryDespite the Skyrim comparisons, Avowed is an Obsidian RPG first and foremost: “Let’s bring in all the greatest hits”:Simply put, Avowed is Obsidian Entertainment at its best. It’s not just an epic new RPG, but one that feels truly like a culmination of everything the developer has wowed us with through the years. This feels like an RPG that only this team could make, at this moment. We unpack everything that happened in our visit to the dev’s offices as we speak to the team about the long road to building this pivotal RPG, as well as getting into the nitty gritty of what we got to play while we were visiting!

Cover Story

Cover Story

Cover Story

Despite the Skyrim comparisons, Avowed is an Obsidian RPG first and foremost: “Let’s bring in all the greatest hits”:Simply put, Avowed is Obsidian Entertainment at its best. It’s not just an epic new RPG, but one that feels truly like a culmination of everything the developer has wowed us with through the years. This feels like an RPG that only this team could make, at this moment. We unpack everything that happened in our visit to the dev’s offices as we speak to the team about the long road to building this pivotal RPG, as well as getting into the nitty gritty of what we got to play while we were visiting!

New Avowed Gameplay

GameplayThe ten things we love about Avowed:After spending hours with the opening of the game and trying different builds and approaches, Avowed is an RPG that really puts its best put forward to get you into the action and have a taste of everything as quickly as possible. Which also means several elements have already jumped out to impress us. Watch us cut about the Dawnshore ourselves as we get to grips, showing you all the little things we love already from the characters to the types of gear we use. We’ve also loved chatting with the party so far, even ifyou can’t romance them.

GameplayThe ten things we love about Avowed:After spending hours with the opening of the game and trying different builds and approaches, Avowed is an RPG that really puts its best put forward to get you into the action and have a taste of everything as quickly as possible. Which also means several elements have already jumped out to impress us. Watch us cut about the Dawnshore ourselves as we get to grips, showing you all the little things we love already from the characters to the types of gear we use. We’ve also loved chatting with the party so far, even ifyou can’t romance them.

GameplayThe ten things we love about Avowed:After spending hours with the opening of the game and trying different builds and approaches, Avowed is an RPG that really puts its best put forward to get you into the action and have a taste of everything as quickly as possible. Which also means several elements have already jumped out to impress us. Watch us cut about the Dawnshore ourselves as we get to grips, showing you all the little things we love already from the characters to the types of gear we use. We’ve also loved chatting with the party so far, even ifyou can’t romance them.

GameplayThe ten things we love about Avowed:After spending hours with the opening of the game and trying different builds and approaches, Avowed is an RPG that really puts its best put forward to get you into the action and have a taste of everything as quickly as possible. Which also means several elements have already jumped out to impress us. Watch us cut about the Dawnshore ourselves as we get to grips, showing you all the little things we love already from the characters to the types of gear we use. We’ve also loved chatting with the party so far, even ifyou can’t romance them.

GameplayThe ten things we love about Avowed:After spending hours with the opening of the game and trying different builds and approaches, Avowed is an RPG that really puts its best put forward to get you into the action and have a taste of everything as quickly as possible. Which also means several elements have already jumped out to impress us. Watch us cut about the Dawnshore ourselves as we get to grips, showing you all the little things we love already from the characters to the types of gear we use. We’ve also loved chatting with the party so far, even ifyou can’t romance them.

Gameplay

Gameplay

Gameplay

The ten things we love about Avowed:After spending hours with the opening of the game and trying different builds and approaches, Avowed is an RPG that really puts its best put forward to get you into the action and have a taste of everything as quickly as possible. Which also means several elements have already jumped out to impress us. Watch us cut about the Dawnshore ourselves as we get to grips, showing you all the little things we love already from the characters to the types of gear we use. We’ve also loved chatting with the party so far, even ifyou can’t romance them.

Hands-on with Avowed

(Image credit: Obsidian Entertainment)

Casting lightning in Avowed

Hands-on3 hours in, here’s the 10 things I love most about Avowed so far:And two of those things are spellbookandgun. Seriously, we’ve loved how malleable and tactical the combat experience has felt so far, and importantly, how it’s felt on an Xbox controller. It’s still early days – we’ve only played through the opening zone of the game – but we’ve come away impressed with the richness of the spaces on offer, the amount of customization in how you play, and the characters we’ve met so far.

Hands-on3 hours in, here’s the 10 things I love most about Avowed so far:And two of those things are spellbookandgun. Seriously, we’ve loved how malleable and tactical the combat experience has felt so far, and importantly, how it’s felt on an Xbox controller. It’s still early days – we’ve only played through the opening zone of the game – but we’ve come away impressed with the richness of the spaces on offer, the amount of customization in how you play, and the characters we’ve met so far.

Hands-on3 hours in, here’s the 10 things I love most about Avowed so far:And two of those things are spellbookandgun. Seriously, we’ve loved how malleable and tactical the combat experience has felt so far, and importantly, how it’s felt on an Xbox controller. It’s still early days – we’ve only played through the opening zone of the game – but we’ve come away impressed with the richness of the spaces on offer, the amount of customization in how you play, and the characters we’ve met so far.

Hands-on3 hours in, here’s the 10 things I love most about Avowed so far:And two of those things are spellbookandgun. Seriously, we’ve loved how malleable and tactical the combat experience has felt so far, and importantly, how it’s felt on an Xbox controller. It’s still early days – we’ve only played through the opening zone of the game – but we’ve come away impressed with the richness of the spaces on offer, the amount of customization in how you play, and the characters we’ve met so far.

Hands-on3 hours in, here’s the 10 things I love most about Avowed so far:And two of those things are spellbookandgun. Seriously, we’ve loved how malleable and tactical the combat experience has felt so far, and importantly, how it’s felt on an Xbox controller. It’s still early days – we’ve only played through the opening zone of the game – but we’ve come away impressed with the richness of the spaces on offer, the amount of customization in how you play, and the characters we’ve met so far.

Hands-on

Hands-on

Hands-on

3 hours in, here’s the 10 things I love most about Avowed so far:And two of those things are spellbookandgun. Seriously, we’ve loved how malleable and tactical the combat experience has felt so far, and importantly, how it’s felt on an Xbox controller. It’s still early days – we’ve only played through the opening zone of the game – but we’ve come away impressed with the richness of the spaces on offer, the amount of customization in how you play, and the characters we’ve met so far.

Insight from Obsidian

(Image credit: Obsidian Entertainment)

Teaming up with Kai from the the Avowed Big Preview in battle, using a big hammer to fight a skeleton in a robe

NewsAvowed’s flexible combat system represents Obsidian’s dedication to player choice: “It’s not just marketing speak – it really is the most important thing to us”:One of the standout features in our opening hours with the RPG is its robust first-person combat. Not only is tactile and immediate, but a host of gear to choose from, ways of equipping it, and the ability to mix-and-match mid-battle is impressive. We talk with the developers about crafting the battles that lay in wait.

NewsAvowed’s flexible combat system represents Obsidian’s dedication to player choice: “It’s not just marketing speak – it really is the most important thing to us”:One of the standout features in our opening hours with the RPG is its robust first-person combat. Not only is tactile and immediate, but a host of gear to choose from, ways of equipping it, and the ability to mix-and-match mid-battle is impressive. We talk with the developers about crafting the battles that lay in wait.

NewsAvowed’s flexible combat system represents Obsidian’s dedication to player choice: “It’s not just marketing speak – it really is the most important thing to us”:One of the standout features in our opening hours with the RPG is its robust first-person combat. Not only is tactile and immediate, but a host of gear to choose from, ways of equipping it, and the ability to mix-and-match mid-battle is impressive. We talk with the developers about crafting the battles that lay in wait.

NewsAvowed’s flexible combat system represents Obsidian’s dedication to player choice: “It’s not just marketing speak – it really is the most important thing to us”:One of the standout features in our opening hours with the RPG is its robust first-person combat. Not only is tactile and immediate, but a host of gear to choose from, ways of equipping it, and the ability to mix-and-match mid-battle is impressive. We talk with the developers about crafting the battles that lay in wait.

NewsAvowed’s flexible combat system represents Obsidian’s dedication to player choice: “It’s not just marketing speak – it really is the most important thing to us”:One of the standout features in our opening hours with the RPG is its robust first-person combat. Not only is tactile and immediate, but a host of gear to choose from, ways of equipping it, and the ability to mix-and-match mid-battle is impressive. We talk with the developers about crafting the battles that lay in wait.

News

News

News

Avowed’s flexible combat system represents Obsidian’s dedication to player choice: “It’s not just marketing speak – it really is the most important thing to us”:One of the standout features in our opening hours with the RPG is its robust first-person combat. Not only is tactile and immediate, but a host of gear to choose from, ways of equipping it, and the ability to mix-and-match mid-battle is impressive. We talk with the developers about crafting the battles that lay in wait.

(Image credit: Obsidian Entertainment)

Kai slashes at a Xaurip from the the Avowed Big Preview

NewsAvowed might look like Skyrim, but its director says Obsidian’s new fantasy RPG is actually much closer to The Outer Worlds than anything from Bethesda:Talking again to game director Carrie Patel, we discuss how the studio’s own identity is coming through in Avowed. For as much as attempts to pigeon-hole it have been made, there’s a strong throughline from Obsidian’s prior work and their latest RPG as you might expect. “You’ve still got a variety of styles of content, and certainly plenty of humor and levity that is largely character-based,” says Patel.

NewsAvowed might look like Skyrim, but its director says Obsidian’s new fantasy RPG is actually much closer to The Outer Worlds than anything from Bethesda:Talking again to game director Carrie Patel, we discuss how the studio’s own identity is coming through in Avowed. For as much as attempts to pigeon-hole it have been made, there’s a strong throughline from Obsidian’s prior work and their latest RPG as you might expect. “You’ve still got a variety of styles of content, and certainly plenty of humor and levity that is largely character-based,” says Patel.

NewsAvowed might look like Skyrim, but its director says Obsidian’s new fantasy RPG is actually much closer to The Outer Worlds than anything from Bethesda:Talking again to game director Carrie Patel, we discuss how the studio’s own identity is coming through in Avowed. For as much as attempts to pigeon-hole it have been made, there’s a strong throughline from Obsidian’s prior work and their latest RPG as you might expect. “You’ve still got a variety of styles of content, and certainly plenty of humor and levity that is largely character-based,” says Patel.

NewsAvowed might look like Skyrim, but its director says Obsidian’s new fantasy RPG is actually much closer to The Outer Worlds than anything from Bethesda:Talking again to game director Carrie Patel, we discuss how the studio’s own identity is coming through in Avowed. For as much as attempts to pigeon-hole it have been made, there’s a strong throughline from Obsidian’s prior work and their latest RPG as you might expect. “You’ve still got a variety of styles of content, and certainly plenty of humor and levity that is largely character-based,” says Patel.

NewsAvowed might look like Skyrim, but its director says Obsidian’s new fantasy RPG is actually much closer to The Outer Worlds than anything from Bethesda:Talking again to game director Carrie Patel, we discuss how the studio’s own identity is coming through in Avowed. For as much as attempts to pigeon-hole it have been made, there’s a strong throughline from Obsidian’s prior work and their latest RPG as you might expect. “You’ve still got a variety of styles of content, and certainly plenty of humor and levity that is largely character-based,” says Patel.

News

News

News

Avowed might look like Skyrim, but its director says Obsidian’s new fantasy RPG is actually much closer to The Outer Worlds than anything from Bethesda:Talking again to game director Carrie Patel, we discuss how the studio’s own identity is coming through in Avowed. For as much as attempts to pigeon-hole it have been made, there’s a strong throughline from Obsidian’s prior work and their latest RPG as you might expect. “You’ve still got a variety of styles of content, and certainly plenty of humor and levity that is largely character-based,” says Patel.

(Image credit: Obsidian Entertainment)

A beetle from the the Avowed Big Preview roams the Dawnshore wilds

NewsAvowed is an RPG that aims to respect your time: “I’m getting older, I got a lot of responsibilities, I don’t got time for a 500-hour game”:Which isn’t to say Avowed isn’t going to be a massive quest. In our interview with Obsidian Entertainment, we learned plenty about how the RPG isn’t going deep while also respecting player time. “I will say that I did a full completionist playthrough, and the game is big,” says lead environment artist Dennis Presnell. Learn more from our interviews with the team here, as well as throughout the rest of the Avowed Big Preview!

NewsAvowed is an RPG that aims to respect your time: “I’m getting older, I got a lot of responsibilities, I don’t got time for a 500-hour game”:Which isn’t to say Avowed isn’t going to be a massive quest. In our interview with Obsidian Entertainment, we learned plenty about how the RPG isn’t going deep while also respecting player time. “I will say that I did a full completionist playthrough, and the game is big,” says lead environment artist Dennis Presnell. Learn more from our interviews with the team here, as well as throughout the rest of the Avowed Big Preview!

NewsAvowed is an RPG that aims to respect your time: “I’m getting older, I got a lot of responsibilities, I don’t got time for a 500-hour game”:Which isn’t to say Avowed isn’t going to be a massive quest. In our interview with Obsidian Entertainment, we learned plenty about how the RPG isn’t going deep while also respecting player time. “I will say that I did a full completionist playthrough, and the game is big,” says lead environment artist Dennis Presnell. Learn more from our interviews with the team here, as well as throughout the rest of the Avowed Big Preview!

NewsAvowed is an RPG that aims to respect your time: “I’m getting older, I got a lot of responsibilities, I don’t got time for a 500-hour game”:Which isn’t to say Avowed isn’t going to be a massive quest. In our interview with Obsidian Entertainment, we learned plenty about how the RPG isn’t going deep while also respecting player time. “I will say that I did a full completionist playthrough, and the game is big,” says lead environment artist Dennis Presnell. Learn more from our interviews with the team here, as well as throughout the rest of the Avowed Big Preview!

NewsAvowed is an RPG that aims to respect your time: “I’m getting older, I got a lot of responsibilities, I don’t got time for a 500-hour game”:Which isn’t to say Avowed isn’t going to be a massive quest. In our interview with Obsidian Entertainment, we learned plenty about how the RPG isn’t going deep while also respecting player time. “I will say that I did a full completionist playthrough, and the game is big,” says lead environment artist Dennis Presnell. Learn more from our interviews with the team here, as well as throughout the rest of the Avowed Big Preview!

News

News

News

Avowed is an RPG that aims to respect your time: “I’m getting older, I got a lot of responsibilities, I don’t got time for a 500-hour game”:Which isn’t to say Avowed isn’t going to be a massive quest. In our interview with Obsidian Entertainment, we learned plenty about how the RPG isn’t going deep while also respecting player time. “I will say that I did a full completionist playthrough, and the game is big,” says lead environment artist Dennis Presnell. Learn more from our interviews with the team here, as well as throughout the rest of the Avowed Big Preview!

(Image credit: Obsidian Entertainment)

Kai from Avowed does a big jump attack at a beetle enemy

News

News

News

(Image credit: Obsidian Entertainment)

The Dawnshore docks from the the Avowed Big Preview

NewsAvowed lead isn’t worried about launching between Assassin’s Creed Shadows and Monster Hunter Wilds because you’re never “going to find a window where absolutely nothing is coming out”:Game director Carrie Patel talks to GamesRadar+ about the busy Feburary launch window for Avowed. The Xbox Game Pass exclusive has been a long time coming, but we also want it to have the best shake possible at attracting fans. “We’re very confident that Avowed is going to stand on its own,” says Patel.

NewsAvowed lead isn’t worried about launching between Assassin’s Creed Shadows and Monster Hunter Wilds because you’re never “going to find a window where absolutely nothing is coming out”:Game director Carrie Patel talks to GamesRadar+ about the busy Feburary launch window for Avowed. The Xbox Game Pass exclusive has been a long time coming, but we also want it to have the best shake possible at attracting fans. “We’re very confident that Avowed is going to stand on its own,” says Patel.

NewsAvowed lead isn’t worried about launching between Assassin’s Creed Shadows and Monster Hunter Wilds because you’re never “going to find a window where absolutely nothing is coming out”:Game director Carrie Patel talks to GamesRadar+ about the busy Feburary launch window for Avowed. The Xbox Game Pass exclusive has been a long time coming, but we also want it to have the best shake possible at attracting fans. “We’re very confident that Avowed is going to stand on its own,” says Patel.

NewsAvowed lead isn’t worried about launching between Assassin’s Creed Shadows and Monster Hunter Wilds because you’re never “going to find a window where absolutely nothing is coming out”:Game director Carrie Patel talks to GamesRadar+ about the busy Feburary launch window for Avowed. The Xbox Game Pass exclusive has been a long time coming, but we also want it to have the best shake possible at attracting fans. “We’re very confident that Avowed is going to stand on its own,” says Patel.

NewsAvowed lead isn’t worried about launching between Assassin’s Creed Shadows and Monster Hunter Wilds because you’re never “going to find a window where absolutely nothing is coming out”:Game director Carrie Patel talks to GamesRadar+ about the busy Feburary launch window for Avowed. The Xbox Game Pass exclusive has been a long time coming, but we also want it to have the best shake possible at attracting fans. “We’re very confident that Avowed is going to stand on its own,” says Patel.

News

News

News

Avowed lead isn’t worried about launching between Assassin’s Creed Shadows and Monster Hunter Wilds because you’re never “going to find a window where absolutely nothing is coming out”:Game director Carrie Patel talks to GamesRadar+ about the busy Feburary launch window for Avowed. The Xbox Game Pass exclusive has been a long time coming, but we also want it to have the best shake possible at attracting fans. “We’re very confident that Avowed is going to stand on its own,” says Patel.

NewsAvowed is “an evolution” of Obsidian’s past RPGs, including The Outer Worlds and Fallout: New Vegas.At least, that’s what art director Matt Hansen and lead environmental artist Dennis Presnell tell us.

NewsAvowed is “an evolution” of Obsidian’s past RPGs, including The Outer Worlds and Fallout: New Vegas.At least, that’s what art director Matt Hansen and lead environmental artist Dennis Presnell tell us.

NewsAvowed is “an evolution” of Obsidian’s past RPGs, including The Outer Worlds and Fallout: New Vegas.At least, that’s what art director Matt Hansen and lead environmental artist Dennis Presnell tell us.

NewsAvowed is “an evolution” of Obsidian’s past RPGs, including The Outer Worlds and Fallout: New Vegas.At least, that’s what art director Matt Hansen and lead environmental artist Dennis Presnell tell us.

Image

NewsAvowed is “an evolution” of Obsidian’s past RPGs, including The Outer Worlds and Fallout: New Vegas.At least, that’s what art director Matt Hansen and lead environmental artist Dennis Presnell tell us.

News

News

News

Avowed is “an evolution” of Obsidian’s past RPGs, including The Outer Worlds and Fallout: New Vegas.At least, that’s what art director Matt Hansen and lead environmental artist Dennis Presnell tell us.

Avowed dev with credits on RPGs dating back 25 years says this is the most confident he’s ever been in a game at this point: “I’ve always felt a certain level of dread months before a game shipped.”

Avowed dev with credits on RPGs dating back 25 years says this is the most confident he’s ever been in a game at this point: “I’ve always felt a certain level of dread months before a game shipped.”

Avowed dev with credits on RPGs dating back 25 years says this is the most confident he’s ever been in a game at this point: “I’ve always felt a certain level of dread months before a game shipped.”

Avowed dev with credits on RPGs dating back 25 years says this is the most confident he’s ever been in a game at this point: “I’ve always felt a certain level of dread months before a game shipped.”

Image

Avowed dev with credits on RPGs dating back 25 years says this is the most confident he’s ever been in a game at this point: “I’ve always felt a certain level of dread months before a game shipped.”

Avowed dev with credits on RPGs dating back 25 years says this is the most confident he’s ever been in a game at this point: “I’ve always felt a certain level of dread months before a game shipped.”

Obsidian’s new first-person RPG Avowed channels Baldur’s Gate 3 in one key way: “The core of RPGs that makes them special is missable content,” says environment region director Berto Ritger.

Obsidian’s new first-person RPG Avowed channels Baldur’s Gate 3 in one key way: “The core of RPGs that makes them special is missable content,” says environment region director Berto Ritger.

Obsidian’s new first-person RPG Avowed channels Baldur’s Gate 3 in one key way: “The core of RPGs that makes them special is missable content,” says environment region director Berto Ritger.

Obsidian’s new first-person RPG Avowed channels Baldur’s Gate 3 in one key way: “The core of RPGs that makes them special is missable content,” says environment region director Berto Ritger.

Image

Obsidian’s new first-person RPG Avowed channels Baldur’s Gate 3 in one key way: “The core of RPGs that makes them special is missable content,” says environment region director Berto Ritger.

Obsidian’s new first-person RPG Avowed channels Baldur’s Gate 3 in one key way: “The core of RPGs that makes them special is missable content,” says environment region director Berto Ritger.

Obsidian defends the RPG’s lack of romance in the face of Baldur’s Gate 3’s intense relationships: “I think players will always respond well to a really good character,” says Avowed game director Carrie Patel.

Obsidian defends the RPG’s lack of romance in the face of Baldur’s Gate 3’s intense relationships: “I think players will always respond well to a really good character,” says Avowed game director Carrie Patel.

Obsidian defends the RPG’s lack of romance in the face of Baldur’s Gate 3’s intense relationships: “I think players will always respond well to a really good character,” says Avowed game director Carrie Patel.

Obsidian defends the RPG’s lack of romance in the face of Baldur’s Gate 3’s intense relationships: “I think players will always respond well to a really good character,” says Avowed game director Carrie Patel.

Image

Obsidian defends the RPG’s lack of romance in the face of Baldur’s Gate 3’s intense relationships: “I think players will always respond well to a really good character,” says Avowed game director Carrie Patel.

Obsidian defends the RPG’s lack of romance in the face of Baldur’s Gate 3’s intense relationships: “I think players will always respond well to a really good character,” says Avowed game director Carrie Patel.

Dive Deep Into Avowed

(Image credit: Obsidian Entertainment)

Kai from the the Avowed Big Preview walks behind the player character at the docks

OpinionAvowed’s party camp feature captures what I love most about RPGs like Mass Effect, Dragon Age, and Baldur’s Gate 3:We talk with game director Carrie Patel about how Avowed is tackling its companion characters and fitting them in with the epic RPG its looking to tell. While already the approach feels distinct from those that have come before, it nevertheless feels like it’s coming to competition with the greats. Give it a read to learn more about the party you’ll be adventuring with come February 2025.

OpinionAvowed’s party camp feature captures what I love most about RPGs like Mass Effect, Dragon Age, and Baldur’s Gate 3:We talk with game director Carrie Patel about how Avowed is tackling its companion characters and fitting them in with the epic RPG its looking to tell. While already the approach feels distinct from those that have come before, it nevertheless feels like it’s coming to competition with the greats. Give it a read to learn more about the party you’ll be adventuring with come February 2025.

OpinionAvowed’s party camp feature captures what I love most about RPGs like Mass Effect, Dragon Age, and Baldur’s Gate 3:We talk with game director Carrie Patel about how Avowed is tackling its companion characters and fitting them in with the epic RPG its looking to tell. While already the approach feels distinct from those that have come before, it nevertheless feels like it’s coming to competition with the greats. Give it a read to learn more about the party you’ll be adventuring with come February 2025.

OpinionAvowed’s party camp feature captures what I love most about RPGs like Mass Effect, Dragon Age, and Baldur’s Gate 3:We talk with game director Carrie Patel about how Avowed is tackling its companion characters and fitting them in with the epic RPG its looking to tell. While already the approach feels distinct from those that have come before, it nevertheless feels like it’s coming to competition with the greats. Give it a read to learn more about the party you’ll be adventuring with come February 2025.

OpinionAvowed’s party camp feature captures what I love most about RPGs like Mass Effect, Dragon Age, and Baldur’s Gate 3:We talk with game director Carrie Patel about how Avowed is tackling its companion characters and fitting them in with the epic RPG its looking to tell. While already the approach feels distinct from those that have come before, it nevertheless feels like it’s coming to competition with the greats. Give it a read to learn more about the party you’ll be adventuring with come February 2025.

Opinion

Opinion

Opinion

Avowed’s party camp feature captures what I love most about RPGs like Mass Effect, Dragon Age, and Baldur’s Gate 3:We talk with game director Carrie Patel about how Avowed is tackling its companion characters and fitting them in with the epic RPG its looking to tell. While already the approach feels distinct from those that have come before, it nevertheless feels like it’s coming to competition with the greats. Give it a read to learn more about the party you’ll be adventuring with come February 2025.

(Image credit: Obsidian Entertainment)

Kai, a coastal aonuma companion in Avowed talks to the player outside Paradis city with some steps behind him

Opinion

Opinion

Opinion

Retrospective

(Image credit: Bethesda)

The Brotherhood of Steel in Washington DC in Fallout 3

HistoryThe 10 RPGs that defined Xbox and evolved the genre:With the launch of the original Xbox, Microsoft changed the RPG genre forever. With the likes of Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic from BioWare and The Elder Scrolls 3: Morrowind from Bethesda, the console bridged a gap between hardcore computer RPGs and the couch experience forever. Over the years, what was once two distinct branches of development became intertwined, reshaping not just the RPG space, but bleeding through into just about everything, from other games introducing RPG elements to the way console storefronts themselves are built. Join us as we take a look at the ten games that best defined that shift on Xbox!

HistoryThe 10 RPGs that defined Xbox and evolved the genre:With the launch of the original Xbox, Microsoft changed the RPG genre forever. With the likes of Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic from BioWare and The Elder Scrolls 3: Morrowind from Bethesda, the console bridged a gap between hardcore computer RPGs and the couch experience forever. Over the years, what was once two distinct branches of development became intertwined, reshaping not just the RPG space, but bleeding through into just about everything, from other games introducing RPG elements to the way console storefronts themselves are built. Join us as we take a look at the ten games that best defined that shift on Xbox!

HistoryThe 10 RPGs that defined Xbox and evolved the genre:With the launch of the original Xbox, Microsoft changed the RPG genre forever. With the likes of Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic from BioWare and The Elder Scrolls 3: Morrowind from Bethesda, the console bridged a gap between hardcore computer RPGs and the couch experience forever. Over the years, what was once two distinct branches of development became intertwined, reshaping not just the RPG space, but bleeding through into just about everything, from other games introducing RPG elements to the way console storefronts themselves are built. Join us as we take a look at the ten games that best defined that shift on Xbox!

HistoryThe 10 RPGs that defined Xbox and evolved the genre:With the launch of the original Xbox, Microsoft changed the RPG genre forever. With the likes of Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic from BioWare and The Elder Scrolls 3: Morrowind from Bethesda, the console bridged a gap between hardcore computer RPGs and the couch experience forever. Over the years, what was once two distinct branches of development became intertwined, reshaping not just the RPG space, but bleeding through into just about everything, from other games introducing RPG elements to the way console storefronts themselves are built. Join us as we take a look at the ten games that best defined that shift on Xbox!

HistoryThe 10 RPGs that defined Xbox and evolved the genre:With the launch of the original Xbox, Microsoft changed the RPG genre forever. With the likes of Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic from BioWare and The Elder Scrolls 3: Morrowind from Bethesda, the console bridged a gap between hardcore computer RPGs and the couch experience forever. Over the years, what was once two distinct branches of development became intertwined, reshaping not just the RPG space, but bleeding through into just about everything, from other games introducing RPG elements to the way console storefronts themselves are built. Join us as we take a look at the ten games that best defined that shift on Xbox!

History

History

History

The 10 RPGs that defined Xbox and evolved the genre:With the launch of the original Xbox, Microsoft changed the RPG genre forever. With the likes of Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic from BioWare and The Elder Scrolls 3: Morrowind from Bethesda, the console bridged a gap between hardcore computer RPGs and the couch experience forever. Over the years, what was once two distinct branches of development became intertwined, reshaping not just the RPG space, but bleeding through into just about everything, from other games introducing RPG elements to the way console storefronts themselves are built. Join us as we take a look at the ten games that best defined that shift on Xbox!

Your Guide to Avowed

(Image credit: Obsidian Entertainment)

A reflecting pool from the the Avowed Big Preview, within the Dawnshore forest

ExplainerAvowed guide:Read everything within the tomes of our Avowed Big Preview? Don’t think that’s where your quest has to end! There’s still plenty more to learn, and thanks to the game’s imminent 18 February, 2025 release date we already know a lot more about the game. In particular how it connects into the Pillars of Eternity world of Eora, how Avowed’s mix-and-match combat system works, what to expect from character customization and your party of companions, and much more!

ExplainerAvowed guide:Read everything within the tomes of our Avowed Big Preview? Don’t think that’s where your quest has to end! There’s still plenty more to learn, and thanks to the game’s imminent 18 February, 2025 release date we already know a lot more about the game. In particular how it connects into the Pillars of Eternity world of Eora, how Avowed’s mix-and-match combat system works, what to expect from character customization and your party of companions, and much more!

ExplainerAvowed guide:Read everything within the tomes of our Avowed Big Preview? Don’t think that’s where your quest has to end! There’s still plenty more to learn, and thanks to the game’s imminent 18 February, 2025 release date we already know a lot more about the game. In particular how it connects into the Pillars of Eternity world of Eora, how Avowed’s mix-and-match combat system works, what to expect from character customization and your party of companions, and much more!

ExplainerAvowed guide:Read everything within the tomes of our Avowed Big Preview? Don’t think that’s where your quest has to end! There’s still plenty more to learn, and thanks to the game’s imminent 18 February, 2025 release date we already know a lot more about the game. In particular how it connects into the Pillars of Eternity world of Eora, how Avowed’s mix-and-match combat system works, what to expect from character customization and your party of companions, and much more!

ExplainerAvowed guide:Read everything within the tomes of our Avowed Big Preview? Don’t think that’s where your quest has to end! There’s still plenty more to learn, and thanks to the game’s imminent 18 February, 2025 release date we already know a lot more about the game. In particular how it connects into the Pillars of Eternity world of Eora, how Avowed’s mix-and-match combat system works, what to expect from character customization and your party of companions, and much more!

Explainer

Explainer

Explainer

Avowed guide:Read everything within the tomes of our Avowed Big Preview? Don’t think that’s where your quest has to end! There’s still plenty more to learn, and thanks to the game’s imminent 18 February, 2025 release date we already know a lot more about the game. In particular how it connects into the Pillars of Eternity world of Eora, how Avowed’s mix-and-match combat system works, what to expect from character customization and your party of companions, and much more!

(Image credit: Obsidian Entertainment)

Whacking a xaurip with a mace in Avowed

GuideAvowed backgrounds, attributes and builds: Obsidian Entertainment is known for building complex RPGs which empower you to create really unique characters. Looking at the backgrounds and abilities coming to the studio’s new fantasy-RPG, it’s clear that expression is a core factor of the experience. Get a head start on your build planning with our guide to Avowed’s core combat.View Deal

GuideAvowed backgrounds, attributes and builds: Obsidian Entertainment is known for building complex RPGs which empower you to create really unique characters. Looking at the backgrounds and abilities coming to the studio’s new fantasy-RPG, it’s clear that expression is a core factor of the experience. Get a head start on your build planning with our guide to Avowed’s core combat.View Deal

GuideAvowed backgrounds, attributes and builds: Obsidian Entertainment is known for building complex RPGs which empower you to create really unique characters. Looking at the backgrounds and abilities coming to the studio’s new fantasy-RPG, it’s clear that expression is a core factor of the experience. Get a head start on your build planning with our guide to Avowed’s core combat.View Deal

GuideAvowed backgrounds, attributes and builds: Obsidian Entertainment is known for building complex RPGs which empower you to create really unique characters. Looking at the backgrounds and abilities coming to the studio’s new fantasy-RPG, it’s clear that expression is a core factor of the experience. Get a head start on your build planning with our guide to Avowed’s core combat.

GuideAvowed backgrounds, attributes and builds: Obsidian Entertainment is known for building complex RPGs which empower you to create really unique characters. Looking at the backgrounds and abilities coming to the studio’s new fantasy-RPG, it’s clear that expression is a core factor of the experience. Get a head start on your build planning with our guide to Avowed’s core combat.

Guide

Guide

Guide

Avowed backgrounds, attributes and builds: Obsidian Entertainment is known for building complex RPGs which empower you to create really unique characters. Looking at the backgrounds and abilities coming to the studio’s new fantasy-RPG, it’s clear that expression is a core factor of the experience. Get a head start on your build planning with our guide to Avowed’s core combat.

View Deal

View Deal

View Deal

Thank you for reading our Big Preview on Avowed, our deep-dive into one of the most-anticipated RPGs of 2025. Be sure to stick with GamesRadar+ in the months ahead as we cover the game ahead of its release on February 18, 2025.

Sign up to the GamesRadar+ Newsletter

Weekly digests, tales from the communities you love, and more

TOPICSXbox Game StudiosXbox Game Pass

TOPICS

CATEGORIESXbox Series XPC GamingPlatformsXbox

CATEGORIES

More about rpgPlanescape: Torment was a revolutionary RPG, but many of its devs had no experience with the D&D campaign it was based on: “What the f*ck is that?“Elder Scrolls modders have released a playable part of the ambitious Project Tamriel, which aims to recreate all of the beloved RPG’s regions in Morrowind

More about rpg

Planescape: Torment was a revolutionary RPG, but many of its devs had no experience with the D&D campaign it was based on: “What the f*ck is that?“Elder Scrolls modders have released a playable part of the ambitious Project Tamriel, which aims to recreate all of the beloved RPG’s regions in Morrowind

Planescape: Torment

Planescape: Torment was a revolutionary RPG, but many of its devs had no experience with the D&D campaign it was based on: “What the f*ck is that?”

Planescape: Torment was a revolutionary RPG, but many of its devs had no experience with the D&D campaign it was based on: “What the f*ck is that?”

a monster of some sort being attacked with a spear

Elder Scrolls modders have released a playable part of the ambitious Project Tamriel, which aims to recreate all of the beloved RPG’s regions in Morrowind

Elder Scrolls modders have released a playable part of the ambitious Project Tamriel, which aims to recreate all of the beloved RPG’s regions in Morrowind

Latest

See more latest►

Most PopularPatton Oswalt and Jordan Blum explain why comics are still the perfect medium for superhero stories - “Visuals that will never be achieved in TV or movies can be achieved in comics"Team Asobi’s gigantic 2024 proves it’s time to free Astro Bot from PlayStation’s pastWarhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2 was the favorite shooter of the year, and it also made me fall even harder for my fiancé17 years on, Sam Barlow reflects on Silent Hill: Origins: “To pull it out of the bag with a seven-out-of-ten game was incredibly rewarding"Here’s our Black Ops 6 multiplayer playlist to keep you and your pals connected over ChristmasSpy x Family season 3: Everything we know so farOne of 2024’s best anime shows subverts all expectations, but that’s its biggest strengthHow Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth represents the best of Final Fantasy’s past while charting a course for the futureI’m proclaiming 2024 to be the year of outstanding indie puzzle gamesThe Inside Out 2 panic attack scene is one of the best depictions of anxiety ever – and something Pixar director Kelsey Mann is incredibly proud of: “I couldn’t be happier"Marvel Rivals has what it takes to shake up the PvP shooter genre if it can maintain its hero fantasy while also making balance changes

Most PopularPatton Oswalt and Jordan Blum explain why comics are still the perfect medium for superhero stories - “Visuals that will never be achieved in TV or movies can be achieved in comics"Team Asobi’s gigantic 2024 proves it’s time to free Astro Bot from PlayStation’s pastWarhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2 was the favorite shooter of the year, and it also made me fall even harder for my fiancé17 years on, Sam Barlow reflects on Silent Hill: Origins: “To pull it out of the bag with a seven-out-of-ten game was incredibly rewarding"Here’s our Black Ops 6 multiplayer playlist to keep you and your pals connected over ChristmasSpy x Family season 3: Everything we know so farOne of 2024’s best anime shows subverts all expectations, but that’s its biggest strengthHow Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth represents the best of Final Fantasy’s past while charting a course for the futureI’m proclaiming 2024 to be the year of outstanding indie puzzle gamesThe Inside Out 2 panic attack scene is one of the best depictions of anxiety ever – and something Pixar director Kelsey Mann is incredibly proud of: “I couldn’t be happier"Marvel Rivals has what it takes to shake up the PvP shooter genre if it can maintain its hero fantasy while also making balance changes

Most PopularPatton Oswalt and Jordan Blum explain why comics are still the perfect medium for superhero stories - “Visuals that will never be achieved in TV or movies can be achieved in comics"Team Asobi’s gigantic 2024 proves it’s time to free Astro Bot from PlayStation’s pastWarhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2 was the favorite shooter of the year, and it also made me fall even harder for my fiancé17 years on, Sam Barlow reflects on Silent Hill: Origins: “To pull it out of the bag with a seven-out-of-ten game was incredibly rewarding"Here’s our Black Ops 6 multiplayer playlist to keep you and your pals connected over ChristmasSpy x Family season 3: Everything we know so farOne of 2024’s best anime shows subverts all expectations, but that’s its biggest strengthHow Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth represents the best of Final Fantasy’s past while charting a course for the futureI’m proclaiming 2024 to be the year of outstanding indie puzzle gamesThe Inside Out 2 panic attack scene is one of the best depictions of anxiety ever – and something Pixar director Kelsey Mann is incredibly proud of: “I couldn’t be happier"Marvel Rivals has what it takes to shake up the PvP shooter genre if it can maintain its hero fantasy while also making balance changes

Most Popular

Patton Oswalt and Jordan Blum explain why comics are still the perfect medium for superhero stories - “Visuals that will never be achieved in TV or movies can be achieved in comics”

Team Asobi’s gigantic 2024 proves it’s time to free Astro Bot from PlayStation’s past

Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2 was the favorite shooter of the year, and it also made me fall even harder for my fiancé

17 years on, Sam Barlow reflects on Silent Hill: Origins: “To pull it out of the bag with a seven-out-of-ten game was incredibly rewarding”

Here’s our Black Ops 6 multiplayer playlist to keep you and your pals connected over Christmas

Spy x Family season 3: Everything we know so far

One of 2024’s best anime shows subverts all expectations, but that’s its biggest strength

How Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth represents the best of Final Fantasy’s past while charting a course for the future

I’m proclaiming 2024 to be the year of outstanding indie puzzle games

The Inside Out 2 panic attack scene is one of the best depictions of anxiety ever – and something Pixar director Kelsey Mann is incredibly proud of: “I couldn’t be happier”

Marvel Rivals has what it takes to shake up the PvP shooter genre if it can maintain its hero fantasy while also making balance changes

GAME REVIEWSMOVIE REVIEWSTV REVIEWS1Nemesis review: “A magical sense of tension"2Arcs review: “A whole lot of game in a small package"3Path of Exile 2 review: “A stellar start to a thrilling and brutal dark adventure"4Indiana Jones and the Great Circle review: “The best adventure Indy has embarked on in over 30 years"5Marvel Rivals review: “So preoccupied with trying to be like Overwatch that it forgets to play to its own strengths"1Sonic the Hedgehog 3 review: “Keanu Reeves as Shadow is wasted whilst Jim Carrey steals the show"2Mufasa: The Lion King review – “It’s no Hakuna Matata but this Disney origin story is a class above the 2019 movie"3Kraven the Hunter review: “The insistence on an R-rating helps save this, with a decent helping of bloodthirsty action"4The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim review – “An uninspired expansion of the most iconic screen take on Tolkien"5Nightbitch review: “Amy Adams' disappointing dark comedy is all bark and no bite"1Doctor Who 2024 Christmas special review: “Ncuti Gatwa is as magnetic as ever in this delightful festive treat"2Secret Level review: “An uneven experience with serious highlights that ultimately make up for the misses"3Skeleton Crew review: “Perfectly captures the vibes of classic Star Wars with a swashbuckling twist"4Creature Commandos review: “James Gunn’s heartwarming, R-rated tale about super-monsters proves that the DCU is in good hands"5Cobra Kai season 6, part 2 review: “Returns to the sort of hard-hitting form that made it such a fan favorite in the first place”

GAME REVIEWSMOVIE REVIEWSTV REVIEWS1Nemesis review: “A magical sense of tension"2Arcs review: “A whole lot of game in a small package"3Path of Exile 2 review: “A stellar start to a thrilling and brutal dark adventure"4Indiana Jones and the Great Circle review: “The best adventure Indy has embarked on in over 30 years"5Marvel Rivals review: “So preoccupied with trying to be like Overwatch that it forgets to play to its own strengths"1Sonic the Hedgehog 3 review: “Keanu Reeves as Shadow is wasted whilst Jim Carrey steals the show"2Mufasa: The Lion King review – “It’s no Hakuna Matata but this Disney origin story is a class above the 2019 movie"3Kraven the Hunter review: “The insistence on an R-rating helps save this, with a decent helping of bloodthirsty action"4The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim review – “An uninspired expansion of the most iconic screen take on Tolkien"5Nightbitch review: “Amy Adams' disappointing dark comedy is all bark and no bite"1Doctor Who 2024 Christmas special review: “Ncuti Gatwa is as magnetic as ever in this delightful festive treat"2Secret Level review: “An uneven experience with serious highlights that ultimately make up for the misses"3Skeleton Crew review: “Perfectly captures the vibes of classic Star Wars with a swashbuckling twist"4Creature Commandos review: “James Gunn’s heartwarming, R-rated tale about super-monsters proves that the DCU is in good hands"5Cobra Kai season 6, part 2 review: “Returns to the sort of hard-hitting form that made it such a fan favorite in the first place”

GAME REVIEWSMOVIE REVIEWSTV REVIEWS1Nemesis review: “A magical sense of tension"2Arcs review: “A whole lot of game in a small package"3Path of Exile 2 review: “A stellar start to a thrilling and brutal dark adventure"4Indiana Jones and the Great Circle review: “The best adventure Indy has embarked on in over 30 years"5Marvel Rivals review: “So preoccupied with trying to be like Overwatch that it forgets to play to its own strengths"1Sonic the Hedgehog 3 review: “Keanu Reeves as Shadow is wasted whilst Jim Carrey steals the show"2Mufasa: The Lion King review – “It’s no Hakuna Matata but this Disney origin story is a class above the 2019 movie"3Kraven the Hunter review: “The insistence on an R-rating helps save this, with a decent helping of bloodthirsty action"4The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim review – “An uninspired expansion of the most iconic screen take on Tolkien"5Nightbitch review: “Amy Adams' disappointing dark comedy is all bark and no bite"1Doctor Who 2024 Christmas special review: “Ncuti Gatwa is as magnetic as ever in this delightful festive treat"2Secret Level review: “An uneven experience with serious highlights that ultimately make up for the misses"3Skeleton Crew review: “Perfectly captures the vibes of classic Star Wars with a swashbuckling twist"4Creature Commandos review: “James Gunn’s heartwarming, R-rated tale about super-monsters proves that the DCU is in good hands"5Cobra Kai season 6, part 2 review: “Returns to the sort of hard-hitting form that made it such a fan favorite in the first place”

GAME REVIEWSMOVIE REVIEWSTV REVIEWS1Nemesis review: “A magical sense of tension"2Arcs review: “A whole lot of game in a small package"3Path of Exile 2 review: “A stellar start to a thrilling and brutal dark adventure"4Indiana Jones and the Great Circle review: “The best adventure Indy has embarked on in over 30 years"5Marvel Rivals review: “So preoccupied with trying to be like Overwatch that it forgets to play to its own strengths"1Sonic the Hedgehog 3 review: “Keanu Reeves as Shadow is wasted whilst Jim Carrey steals the show"2Mufasa: The Lion King review – “It’s no Hakuna Matata but this Disney origin story is a class above the 2019 movie"3Kraven the Hunter review: “The insistence on an R-rating helps save this, with a decent helping of bloodthirsty action"4The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim review – “An uninspired expansion of the most iconic screen take on Tolkien"5Nightbitch review: “Amy Adams' disappointing dark comedy is all bark and no bite"1Doctor Who 2024 Christmas special review: “Ncuti Gatwa is as magnetic as ever in this delightful festive treat"2Secret Level review: “An uneven experience with serious highlights that ultimately make up for the misses"3Skeleton Crew review: “Perfectly captures the vibes of classic Star Wars with a swashbuckling twist"4Creature Commandos review: “James Gunn’s heartwarming, R-rated tale about super-monsters proves that the DCU is in good hands"5Cobra Kai season 6, part 2 review: “Returns to the sort of hard-hitting form that made it such a fan favorite in the first place”

GAME REVIEWSMOVIE REVIEWSTV REVIEWS

1Nemesis review: “A magical sense of tension”

Nemesis board game models and tokens laid out on a board

1Nemesis review: “A magical sense of tension”

1

Nemesis review: “A magical sense of tension”

2Arcs review: “A whole lot of game in a small package”

2Arcs review: “A whole lot of game in a small package”

2

Arcs review: “A whole lot of game in a small package”

3Path of Exile 2 review: “A stellar start to a thrilling and brutal dark adventure”

3Path of Exile 2 review: “A stellar start to a thrilling and brutal dark adventure”

3

Path of Exile 2 review: “A stellar start to a thrilling and brutal dark adventure”

4Indiana Jones and the Great Circle review: “The best adventure Indy has embarked on in over 30 years”

4Indiana Jones and the Great Circle review: “The best adventure Indy has embarked on in over 30 years”

4

Indiana Jones and the Great Circle review: “The best adventure Indy has embarked on in over 30 years”

5Marvel Rivals review: “So preoccupied with trying to be like Overwatch that it forgets to play to its own strengths”

5Marvel Rivals review: “So preoccupied with trying to be like Overwatch that it forgets to play to its own strengths”

5

Marvel Rivals review: “So preoccupied with trying to be like Overwatch that it forgets to play to its own strengths”

1Sonic the Hedgehog 3 review: “Keanu Reeves as Shadow is wasted whilst Jim Carrey steals the show”

Shadow brandishes a gun in Sonic The Hedgehog 3

1Sonic the Hedgehog 3 review: “Keanu Reeves as Shadow is wasted whilst Jim Carrey steals the show”

1

Sonic the Hedgehog 3 review: “Keanu Reeves as Shadow is wasted whilst Jim Carrey steals the show”

2Mufasa: The Lion King review – “It’s no Hakuna Matata but this Disney origin story is a class above the 2019 movie”

2Mufasa: The Lion King review – “It’s no Hakuna Matata but this Disney origin story is a class above the 2019 movie”

2

Mufasa: The Lion King review – “It’s no Hakuna Matata but this Disney origin story is a class above the 2019 movie”

3Kraven the Hunter review: “The insistence on an R-rating helps save this, with a decent helping of bloodthirsty action”

3Kraven the Hunter review: “The insistence on an R-rating helps save this, with a decent helping of bloodthirsty action”

3

Kraven the Hunter review: “The insistence on an R-rating helps save this, with a decent helping of bloodthirsty action”

4The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim review – “An uninspired expansion of the most iconic screen take on Tolkien”

4The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim review – “An uninspired expansion of the most iconic screen take on Tolkien”

4

The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim review – “An uninspired expansion of the most iconic screen take on Tolkien”

5Nightbitch review: “Amy Adams' disappointing dark comedy is all bark and no bite”

5Nightbitch review: “Amy Adams' disappointing dark comedy is all bark and no bite”

5

Nightbitch review: “Amy Adams' disappointing dark comedy is all bark and no bite”

1Doctor Who 2024 Christmas special review: “Ncuti Gatwa is as magnetic as ever in this delightful festive treat”

Ncuti Gatwa as the Doctor and Nicola Coughlan as Joy in Doctor Who Christmas special Joy to the World

1Doctor Who 2024 Christmas special review: “Ncuti Gatwa is as magnetic as ever in this delightful festive treat”

1

Doctor Who 2024 Christmas special review: “Ncuti Gatwa is as magnetic as ever in this delightful festive treat”

2Secret Level review: “An uneven experience with serious highlights that ultimately make up for the misses”

2Secret Level review: “An uneven experience with serious highlights that ultimately make up for the misses”

2

Secret Level review: “An uneven experience with serious highlights that ultimately make up for the misses”

3Skeleton Crew review: “Perfectly captures the vibes of classic Star Wars with a swashbuckling twist”

3Skeleton Crew review: “Perfectly captures the vibes of classic Star Wars with a swashbuckling twist”

3

Skeleton Crew review: “Perfectly captures the vibes of classic Star Wars with a swashbuckling twist”

4Creature Commandos review: “James Gunn’s heartwarming, R-rated tale about super-monsters proves that the DCU is in good hands”

4Creature Commandos review: “James Gunn’s heartwarming, R-rated tale about super-monsters proves that the DCU is in good hands”

4

Creature Commandos review: “James Gunn’s heartwarming, R-rated tale about super-monsters proves that the DCU is in good hands”

5Cobra Kai season 6, part 2 review: “Returns to the sort of hard-hitting form that made it such a fan favorite in the first place”

5Cobra Kai season 6, part 2 review: “Returns to the sort of hard-hitting form that made it such a fan favorite in the first place”

5

Cobra Kai season 6, part 2 review: “Returns to the sort of hard-hitting form that made it such a fan favorite in the first place”

Contents