A Vow Review: Dynamic Combat and Vibrant World in Xbox's RPG

Today on Gameranx, we delve into "A Vow," the audacious RPG venture from Xbox and Obsidian, the maestros of the genre. This game, years in the making, promises a vibrant world set in Aora, a realm steeped in the lore of Pillars of Eternity. While the gameplay on the Xbox Series X impresses with its fluidity and dynamism, the narrative and characters fail to ignite the same level of excitement. It's a tale of highs and lows, where the combat shines brightly, urging players to experiment with magic, ranged attacks, and melee mayhem. The character creation system offers a delightful mix of freedom and strategic depth, allowing players to tailor their attributes and abilities to suit their playstyle.

As you traverse the living lands region, you'll encounter a plethora of challenges, from battling fearsome foes to unraveling the mysteries of the Dream Scourge plague. The game's combat system, reminiscent of Skyrim but with a modern twist, keeps you on your toes with its fast-paced action and strategic nuances. While the loot system may feel a bit stingy at times, the joy of discovering a legendary weapon or armor piece adds a layer of excitement to the exploration. The world of Aora is a visual feast, with its detailed cities and vibrant landscapes, although occasional performance hiccups on the Xbox Series X may detract from the overall experience.

However, where "A Vow" truly stumbles is in its storytelling, drowning players in a sea of exposition and dialogue that often feels verbose and unnecessary. The companions, with the exception of the memorable Kai, lack the depth and charisma needed to truly engage players in the narrative. While the game excels in world-building and thematic elements like reincarnation, it falls short in creating a compelling core mystery that drives the player forward. Despite its flaws, "A Vow" presents a solid foundation for future projects from Obsidian, showcasing their expertise in crafting engaging combat systems and immersive worlds.