Introduction
Avowed has been out for over a week now, and many players have noticed significant differences in the physics compared to Skyrim, which was released nearly 14 years ago. So, how does a game developed almost a decade and a half ago compare to a modern RPG? Let’s dive into the key aspects and see what’s missing—and what Avowed does differently.

Bow and Arrow Physics: A Clear Difference
Let’s start with something simple: the bow and arrow mechanics. In Skyrim, shooting an arrow into a wall, tree, or mud results in the arrow sticking into the surface. What’s more, you can retrieve that arrow from the environment and add it back to your inventory. In contrast, Avowed has an infinite supply of arrows that you can shoot, but they don’t stick to surfaces. Once an arrow hits a target, it disappears—there’s no opportunity to retrieve it.

In Skyrim, you can even shoot an arrow up into the sky, and it will fall back to the ground. But in Avowed, the arrows vanish entirely, which shows that Avowed didn’t emphasize physics to the same extent that Skyrim did. While this may not ruin the gameplay experience, it’s a clear difference between the two games in terms of environmental interaction.

Wanted System: Less Complexity, More Focus on Combat
One of the most memorable features of games like GTA and Oblivion is the wanted system—where attacking an NPC or committing crimes leads to a police or guard response. Skyrim had a similar system in place, where attacking merchants or guards would cause them to chase you, attempt to arrest you, or even kill you.

However, in Avowed, there is no system for attacking NPCs who are not designated as enemies. You can only engage with hostile characters, which simplifies the gameplay. While this may seem like a limitation, it’s actually beneficial for the game’s focus on questing and combat. Adding a complex wanted system would likely have delayed development and detracted from the game’s streamlined combat mechanics. Personally, I think this was a good decision, allowing the developers to prioritize what matters most—combat and exploration.

Environmental Physics: A Less Interactive World
Skyrim has long been known for its interactive environment. You can break almost anything, set objects on fire, and interact with countless elements of the world. For instance, you can even observe fish swimming in the water—something that adds to the sense of immersion. Unfortunately, Avowed doesn’t provide the same level of interaction. While you can engage with the world in various ways, it lacks some of Skyrim’s attention to environmental detail, such as fish swimming in bodies of water.

This doesn’t mean Avowed’s world is lifeless, but it’s clear that the developers chose to focus more on other aspects of gameplay rather than creating a fully interactive environment. The world feels a bit less alive compared to Skyrim, where the environment itself contributes to the immersion.

The Thriving Combat System in Avowed
Where Avowed truly shines is its combat system. In comparison to Skyrim, the combat is fast-paced and highly customizable. You can easily switch up your combat style, whether you’re dodging enemy attacks, charging up powerful strikes with heavy weapons like hammers, or using ranged weapons like bows and muskets.

Avowed also boasts a robust magic system, with numerous spells available for players who wish to specialize in magic. I particularly appreciate the simplified skill tree, which allows you to focus on specific abilities to enhance your character’s power. Whether you want to be a melee powerhouse or a spellcaster, the game’s combat system offers enough flexibility to satisfy different playstyles.

Conclusion: A Decent Game Despite Missing Some Features
Although Avowed might not have the same level of physics or environmental interaction as Skyrim, it excels in combat mechanics and overall gameplay experience. As a player, you often find yourself less focused on the small details around you and more immersed in the thrill of battle and progression. While the missing features might be noticeable to fans of Skyrim, they don’t detract from the overall enjoyment of the game.

In summary, despite the absence of certain physics features, Avowed stands out in other areas like combat and graphics. As I continue my playthrough, I’ll be sure to post a full review once I’ve completed the game. So far, Avowed is a solid experience that shows a lot of promise.