With Obsidian’s new RPG just around the corner, the expectations built by fans are quite staggering. The many gameplay reveals and review roundups have hinted at an enjoyable RPG venture. Some gamers even went as far as to call it the next Elder Scrolls experience.

However, there has also been a motley of mixed reviews in the midst. Now, a new Avowed vs. The Elder Scrolls 4: Oblivion detailed comparison has further highlighted the disparity in gameplay mechanics that exists between both RPGs.

In almost all comparisons, Avowed seems to massively lag behind Oblivion in how reactive and immersive the world feels.

Why it matters: The new detailed comparison between Oblivion and Avowed might have confirmed that Obsidian’s answer to The Elder Scrolls series fails to meet similar standards, with many gamers holding a similar opinion.

The YouTuber TerakJK pitted both RPGs together in a turn-by-turn comparison, showcasing that the world and many objects in Avowed are completely static, like the food on the table. Oblivion—a 2006 release—features better props with satisfying physics behind them.

The NPCs are also a noticeable letdown in Avowed, as they feel more like map assets than immersive characters. Guards ignore the player harassing or attacking NPCs, only ever taking action against hostiles in scripted moments.

It is a similar story when it comes to stealing stuff from NPCs. Oblivion’s NPC crowds are also mostly static, but the characters themselves have dynamic, unscripted conversations. AvowedAvowed director also previously admitted that the game will be janky, asking players to accept it.
And while this might come to preference, the non-magic combat in Avowed also seems slower and boring than in Oblivion. The video also points out that you can enter more buildings in Bethesda’s magnum opus. 

Many who watched the comparison have voiced disappointment with how Avowed has turned out when pitted against Oblivion.

Regardless, an Oblivion remake is rumored to launch this summer. And Avowed is set to release on February 18, 2025, for PC and Xbox Series X|S.