Modern RPGs present a diverse array of combat styles, showcased by popular titles like The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt, Baldur’s Gate 3, and Skyrim. A particularly captivating type of combat found in first-person RPGs such as Avowed and Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 immerses players deeply by directly putting them in the protagonist’s shoes. Even though Avowed and Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 share this first-person perspective, the way they approach combat couldn’t be more different, illustrating that games within the same genre can offer vastly unique experiences.
Avowed and Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 both employ a first-person perspective, but that’s where their similarities in combat end. Obsidian’s Avowed takes players into the fantasy realm of Eora, featuring segmented zones ripe for exploration. In contrast, Warhorse Studios’ Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 immerses players in a sprawling, open world grounded in real medieval Bohemia. Both games excel in drawing players into their worlds through a first-person view, yet their distinct approaches to combat compel players to adapt unique strategies within those immersive experiences.
Avowed stands out with its fast-paced, arcade-like combat that feels more akin to an action shooter than a traditional first-person fantasy RPG. Its gameplay is rapid and streamlined, removing concerns like ammo for projectile weapons and allowing players to dodge enemy attacks quickly. This heightened pace likens it more to Doom’s action-packed vibe rather than the methodical pace of Skyrim. However, Avowed doesn’t neglect the RPG elements, offering a range of weapons and skill trees to maintain player interest in creating unique character builds within this dynamic combat setting.
Though both Avowed and Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 feature similar weapon options, like swords, axes, bows, and basic firearms, Avowed’s fantasy setting introduces magic, significantly altering combat dynamics. Even if players don’t fully delve into the Wizard skill tree, they’ll likely dabble in magic due to the protagonist’s Godlike nature. This element of magic injects that quick, arcade feel into Avowed’s encounters, enabling players to tackle multiple foes with great efficiency.
Avowed engages players with dialogue and role-playing skill checks, mirroring Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2’s approach, allowing players in both games to tackle situations diversely.
Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 demands a slower, more precise approach, requiring strategic thought and patience akin to a turn-based RPG. This slower pace contrasts starkly with Avowed’s quick actions but lends itself to a more tactical and rewarding experience. Players must carefully plan each strike, aligning their weapon with the opponent’s vulnerabilities. Missteps can be costly, as foes can swiftly overpower players, especially if they take on adversaries ill-prepared, including lone bandits along the road. Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2’s combat challenges players to select their battles wisely, a marked departure from Avowed’s approach.
Avowed offers a choice between first-person and third-person views, a feature not available in Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2.
The combat styles in Avowed and Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 highlight a wide spectrum of options available for first-person RPG combat. Each game defines its niche, showcasing that no single approach is inherently superior. They both set a standard for the genre, showing that first-person RPGs can diverge widely in style, allowing future titles ample space to explore and innovate within the realm of first-person combat.
