Obsidian Entertainment's highly anticipated RPG, Avowed, is launching tomorrow, amidst a mixed reception of praise and skepticism.  A recent YouTube video by TerakJK, titled "Avowed vs. The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion: A Detail Comparison," showcases a surprising disparity in detail between the 2025 title and its 2006 predecessor.

The video highlights several key areas where Oblivion seemingly surpasses Avowed in terms of  immersive details.  The comparison isn't just about graphical fidelity, but the nuanced interactions within the game world.

One example involves archery.  In Oblivion, arrows shot into the sky realistically arc and fall back to the ground after a few seconds.  In Avowed, however, arrows simply vanish into thin air.

When arrows are shot at stone surfaces in Oblivion, they react with a convincing ricochet animation, reflecting the hardness of the material.  Avowed's arrows, on the other hand, inexplicably embed themselves in the stone without any discernible reaction.

The video further demonstrates the disparity in physics and interactivity.  In Oblivion, striking objects on a dining table with a sword results in realistic physics-based reactions.  Objects clatter, spark, and even fall to the floor.  Conversely, similar objects in Avowed appear static and impervious to interaction.

NPC interactions also reveal significant differences. Oblivion's NPCs engage the player with dialogue when approached and looked at directly, contributing to a more dynamic and responsive world. Avowed's NPCs, according to the video, feel more like static set pieces, lacking the depth and reactivity of their Oblivion counterparts.  Guards, for instance, reportedly ignore player harassment or attacks on other NPCs, reacting only during scripted events.

Stealing from NPCs further exemplifies this difference. Although Oblivion's NPC routines are largely static, their dialogue offers some dynamic and unscripted exchanges. Avowed's non-magical combat also appears slower and less engaging compared to Oblivion. Additionally, the video points out the greater accessibility of buildings in Oblivion.

While graphical advancements are expected, the video raises concerns about whether Avowed prioritizes visual fidelity over the interactive depth and responsiveness found in its older counterpart.