A recent Bloomberg report has revealed that Obsidian Entertainment, the studio behind the critically acclaimed Fallout: New Vegas, is shifting its focus to a new entry in the Fallout series. This development comes alongside significant layoffs at Obsidian and its parent company, Xbox, and has reportedly led to the cancellation of a planned sequel to Obsidian's fantasy RPG, Avowed. The original Avowed, released last year, offered players an action-RPG experience within the Eora universe, which was previously explored in Pillars of Eternity and its sequel.
Players in Avowed experienced combat from both first and third-person perspectives, utilizing a range of abilities and weapons across various character classes. The game featured expansive and diverse environments for players and their companions to explore. The potential loss of another title set in this world has prompted a search for similar experiences.
For those disappointed by the potential end of the Avowed series, several games offer comparable gameplay and exploration. Dragon's Dogma 2, available on PC, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X, and Switch 2, immerses players in a vast world filled with forests, deserts, and rugged coastlines. Players, as the Arisen, battle colossal monsters alongside AI-controlled pawns, engaging in combat that supports multiple character classes. An upcoming expansion, Dark Arisen, is set to introduce new regions and creatures.
Another option is The Outer Worlds, developed by Obsidian itself. This space-faring RPG satirizes classic Fallout elements with a heavy dose of sarcasm and humor. It features numerous quests, companions, extensive lore through in-game logs, and detailed environments to explore. The game has also seen additional content through DLC releases and a Spacer's Choice Edition that enhances visual fidelity and performance.
Dragon Age: Inquisition offers a rich fantasy world where players assume the role of the Inquisitor, leading a band of heroes to combat a demon invasion. The game emphasizes player choice, impactful decisions, and strategic combat that can be played in real-time or a tactical view. A Game of the Year Edition bundles the base game with all its DLC.
GreedFall, developed by Spiders, presents a unique premise where players, as a diplomat with a mysterious illness, explore the island of Teer Fradee in search of a cure. The game incorporates branching dialogue, relationship systems, numerous side quests, and an ambitious central story. Combat can be tailored to player preference, offering both real-time and turn-based options.
The Technomancer, also from Spiders, is a sci-fi RPG set on Mars. Players navigate four skill trees and three distinct combat styles as they battle across the hostile planet. The game includes elements of diplomacy, trickery, and intense combat, alongside crafting and equipment gathering. Early challenges may test players as they adapt to the mechanics, but a deep experience awaits those who persevere.
Elex 2, the final release from the now-closed developer Piranha Bytes, blends science fiction and fantasy elements in the world of Magalan. Players control Jax, who seeks to unite factions and defend against an alien invasion while searching for his son. Exploration is aided by a jetpack, and players will encounter companions whose past actions influence their presence. The game offers both close-quarters and ranged combat.
Lastly, Fatekeeper is an early access fantasy open-world game available on PC that draws comparisons to Skyrim. It features visually impressive environments and a robust skill tree for character customization. Developed by a small team, the game offers a passion project with a clear vision for players seeking a fantasy RPG experience on a budget.
While the cancellation of an Avowed sequel is unfortunate, Obsidian Entertainment's continued development on the Fallout series ensures the studio remains active. The availability of these diverse open-world RPGs provides ample opportunities for players to engage in new adventures, assemble parties, and make critical choices while awaiting future projects from Obsidian.