I hope Avowed is good, but I found PoE2 a really difficult play in a way that gives me pause over that IP. The first POR was okay, even if the story was a big forgettable, but the design decisions introduced in the second game were really unpleasant for me. Also, the games take themselves soooo seriously, which can work, but I don’t think Obsidian sufficiently pulled that off.
Hahaa, your impressions seem in quite a contrast to mine. For example I would count story as easily the best part of PoE1.
May I ask which design decisions in Deadfire didn't work for you?
I do agree that PoE1&2 had a tone problem. I overall really like atmosphere and soberness of PoE1, and it's focus on philosopical and sociopolitical aspects of its universe but it is too one tone for 80h game. On the other hand, I am not a fan of humor of PoE2 - they went precisely for comic reliefs and I just think that doesn't fit the world. I generally love what PoE1&2 were doing, but they could use a bit more... texture...? Maybe explore those topic from a more absurdist or ironic side as well. Perhaps some gallow humor wouldn't hurt either.
