Avadon 2: The Corruption
- October 29, 2013
- Spiderweb Software
- 65h median play time
"Avadon 2: The Corruption" is a large-scale indie fantasy role-playing game, serving as the second entry in the Avadon trilogy. As a servant of the Black Fortress, you will work as a spy and warrior to protect your homeland from civil war and destruction. The game features five character classes, each with distinct abilities, and offers multiple endings based on your choices, allowing you to save or betray your people.
Reviews
- Avadon 2 offers a rich and engaging story with well-written dialogue that immerses players in its world.
- The game features challenging turn-based combat that requires strategic thinking and character customization, appealing to fans of old-school RPGs.
- The addition of the Tinkermage class introduces new gameplay mechanics, enhancing combat options and tactical possibilities.
- The game suffers from balancing issues, with some classes being significantly stronger than others, leading to frustrating combat experiences.
- Many players find the difficulty spikes and enemy design to be unfair, often resulting in tedious trial-and-error gameplay.
- The graphics and sound design are dated, which may deter players looking for a more modern gaming experience.
- story123 mentions
- 38 % positive mentions
- 59 % neutral mentions
- 2 % negative mentions
The story of "Avadon 2: The Corruption" is praised for its engaging writing, rich world-building, and the depth of its narrative, which continues from the first game while allowing for player choices that impact the outcome. However, some players feel that the plot structure can be frustrating, with a reliance on backtracking and a lack of significant innovations compared to its predecessor. Overall, while the story is compelling and immersive, it may not appeal to those seeking a more streamlined or visually modern RPG experience.
“As a world, and as a story, Avadon intrigues me - I've thoroughly enjoyed reading the dialogue, understanding the mysteries to the best of my ability, and immersing myself in the world that it tries to create.”
“The writing and the story in general is quite engaging, and if you somehow did skip the first game and simply haven't played a game by this developer previously, the thing to be aware of is this is a reading-centric experience.”
“Avadon 2 is a sizeable game, it is fairly linear throughout but there are plenty of optional sidequests that can be attempted throughout the game, character quests for each of your party are interspersed through the game and serve to break up the main questline with some interesting little detours.”
“The story structure did much to undermine the enjoyment.”
“The experience was very anticlimactic and if the story is not top notch, which it isn't, then you're not in for a treat.”
“What did put me off the game a bit is how the story arc kind of fizzles out not even halfway through.”
- graphics41 mentions
- 15 % positive mentions
- 63 % neutral mentions
- 22 % negative mentions
The graphics of the game are widely described as outdated and simplistic, reminiscent of early '90s titles, with minimalistic isometric 2D visuals and a lack of modern enhancements like 4K support. While some players find the retro aesthetic charming, many agree that the graphics are a significant drawback, often detracting from the overall experience. However, the engaging story and gameplay can compensate for the visual shortcomings, making it appealing to fans of old-school RPGs.
“The graphics are slightly nicer looking and smoother, but it still has that old-school feel, and I love the continuation of the story from the first game :)”
“However, the graphics really don't matter; after a while, the graphics will look better and better because this game will engage your imagination as you personally construct the world Avadon presents.”
“While the graphics are a bit dated, the story and combat are not.”
“The graphics are like something straight out of the early ‘90s, and you’ll either find that charming or off-putting depending on your taste.”
“The graphics are bad, the sound is terrible, and the presentation leaves a lot to be desired... but the writing is great, the story and setting are interesting, and the game is a fun old-school RPG.”
- gameplay37 mentions
- 30 % positive mentions
- 62 % neutral mentions
- 8 % negative mentions
The gameplay in "Avadon 2: The Corruption" retains the core mechanics of its predecessor, featuring turn-based isometric CRPG elements with some minor tweaks, including the introduction of a new character class, the tinkermage. While the game offers solid mechanics and an engaging storyline, it suffers from pacing issues and a lack of variety, leading to repetitive gameplay over extended play sessions. Overall, it provides a decent RPG experience, appealing to fans of old-school CRPGs, but may feel tedious for those seeking more dynamic gameplay.
“However, the addition of a new character class, the tinkermage, brings a fresh element to the gameplay.”
“Amazing RPG with balanced gameplay and an immersive storyline!”
“The combination of size and detail make this game a decent time sink, so be prepared for some fun, gritty CRPG gameplay and make sure to go into it with an open mind and a sharp eye.”
“Gameplay also suffers from pacing issues.”
“I don't know why, but the creatures are too tough and the gameplay therefore isn't fun.”
“The game is also quite long, and although the tactical combat isn’t terrible, it’s not quite rich or varied enough to stay fresh through 60-70 hours of gameplay.”
- music10 mentions
- 30 % positive mentions
- 40 % neutral mentions
- 30 % negative mentions
The music aspect of the game has received largely negative feedback, with many users noting the absence of background music and relying solely on ambient sound effects. While some appreciate the unique intro track featuring chanting, the overall consensus is that the lack of a robust musical score detracts from the gaming experience, leaving players to suggest alternative music to enhance their play. Despite these shortcomings, some players still find value in the game, particularly given its low price.
“The intro music track is a little bit different, foregoing the slight discordance in favor of adding a bit of chanting.”
“The only thing that is missing is nice background music that fills the gap of having no voice acting or a narrator in the game and to hide the basic environment sound loops (it's all text).”
“I suggest listening to some good instrumental music and playing this with all the sound off.”
“There is no music to speak of, only ambient sound effects to set the tone.”
“Classes are very similar, items are very similar, monsters are just about identical with only a couple new additions, almost all of the visuals are recycled and the game still lacks music.”
“-no background music”
- grinding8 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
Players generally find the grinding aspect of the game to be tedious, particularly in the later stages, where it can feel like a slog rather than an engaging challenge. While some appreciate the balance of side quests that allow for meaningful engagement, many feel that the repetitive nature of battles detracts from the overall enjoyment, especially for those who have recently played earlier installments in the series. Overall, the grinding can overshadow the game's strong narrative and character development.
“Honestly, the last 10 hours or so were so tedious that I'm not sure I can muster the energy to care about Avadon 3 - maybe after a break (I did just play Avadon 1, so maybe some fatigue has set in).”
“Instead, it's a tedious slog that only the most obsessed can manage to get through.”
“The last third of the game was a bit of a slog, and although the battles were ramped up both in scale and difficulty, they felt more tedious than climactic.”
- emotional5 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The emotional aspect of the game is characterized by familiar companion dynamics and impactful choices tied to a corruption plotline, which resonate with real-world issues. However, while the themes of freedom versus safety are present, they lack depth and emotional weight, leaving some players wanting more from the narrative.
“Despite this, the corruption plotline is enthralling, offering emotionally impactful choices.”
“This makes each of the factions not only easily identifiable, but immediately engaging as the issues at stake are so emotionally charged and relevant to our own world.”
“While the games do delve into the question of how much freedom citizens should be willing to give up in exchange for safety, the issue is never really tackled with much rigor or emotional resonance.”
- atmosphere2 mentions
- 50 % positive mentions
- -100 % neutral mentions
- 150 % negative mentions
The atmosphere of "Avadon 2: The Corruption" effectively maintains the dystopian medieval setting established in the original game, complemented by polished writing that enhances the overall experience.
“Avadon 2: The Corruption continues this story, staying true to the core mechanics and atmosphere of the original.”
“The dystopian medieval atmosphere works well, and the writing is polished.”
“The atmosphere feels flat and uninspired, lacking the depth needed to engage players.”
“Despite the intriguing premise, the overall atmosphere fails to immerse the player in the world.”
- humor1 mentions
- 300 % positive mentions
- -200 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The humor in the game is well-crafted, featuring clever writing and amusing moments that enhance the overall narrative, complemented by unexpected twists.
“The story is well written, funny at times, and has nice twists.”
“The humor in this game is spot on, making even the most mundane tasks entertaining.”
“I found myself laughing out loud at the clever dialogue and hilarious character interactions.”