Avernum 5
- May 11, 2012
- Spiderweb Software
Get on SteamIn Avernum 5, delve into the subterranean nation of Avernum, rife with rogues and monsters. Embark on an epic journey in the second chapter of the Great Trials Trilogy, complete with a captivating narrative, a vast world, and hundreds of quests. Hone your skills with 50 spells, engage in strategic combat, and discover magical items or craft your own unique equipment.
PC
Windows
Reviews
- The game features a fantastic story, well-developed characters, and engaging dialogue, making it one of the best RPG experiences.
- It offers a classic RPG feel with deep stats, challenging gameplay, and a unique setting that keeps players invested for hours.
- Despite its low-res graphics, the game creates an immersive atmosphere that emphasizes storytelling and exploration over flashy visuals.
- The game suffers from extreme linearity, forcing players to follow a single path rather than allowing for free exploration.
- Combat can be punishingly difficult, leading to frustration, especially with enemies having excessive hitpoints that prolong battles.
- The lack of background music and cumbersome controls detract from the overall experience, making it feel outdated compared to other RPGs.
- story32 mentions
- 56 % positive mentions
- 34 % neutral mentions
- 9 % negative mentions
The story of the game is widely praised for its phenomenal narration, well-developed characters, and engaging dialogue, contributing to a rich RPG experience. Players appreciate the classic RPG feel, with a compelling main plot and numerous side quests that enhance the overall narrative. While some note a linear progression and limited resolution, the storytelling and immersive environment are highlighted as standout features, making it a captivating journey for players.
“The story, the narration, the setting, the characters, the dialogue, it's all phenomenal.”
“I love the saga, the storytelling is fantastic and the atmosphere fascinating.”
“Avernum has a great setting and story, great playability, decent length (about 100 hours) and many sidequests and secrets.”
“The only cons I find are the really small max resolution and kind of linear story, which is unusual for this series.”
“Normally it's the player deciding in which direction to go and how to proceed with the story, which has several main plots.”
“There is also a great walkthrough online for this game, and don't be afraid to cheat as long as it helps you progress the story.”
- graphics12 mentions
- 33 % positive mentions
- 42 % neutral mentions
- 25 % negative mentions
The graphics of Avernum are characterized as low-resolution and somewhat archaic, yet they contribute a unique charm that does not detract from the game's immersive world and storytelling. Many players appreciate that the game prioritizes solid gameplay over flashy visuals, proving that a well-crafted RPG can thrive without ultra-detailed graphics. Overall, while the visuals may not be modern, they are deemed adequate and fitting for the game's nostalgic appeal.
“An old-school RPG that proves you don't need ultra high-detailed graphics to create an immersive atmosphere.”
“For the value of this game, I'd say as long as you can tolerate the archaic graphics, controls, and resolution (I had to play on a smaller resolution on my 1920x1080), you'll be in for one treat.”
“I played a lot of RPG titles, from classics like Eye of the Beholder, Ultima 7, and Infinity Engine games to the newest games like Skyrim, Mass Effect, and Dragon Age series, and although Avernum does not have fancy graphics, I still think this series is one of the best RPGs ever.”
“Flashy graphics are not essential when you have a well-built world, good storytelling, and sound gameplay.”
- music4 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 50 % neutral mentions
- 50 % negative mentions
The music aspect of the game has received criticism for lacking background music, with users noting that only sound effects are present. There is speculation that music may be introduced in later stages of the game.
“Cons: it has sound effects but doesn't seem to have background music.”
“Maybe the music comes later?”
- atmosphere4 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The game's atmosphere is highly praised for its immersive quality, demonstrating that compelling storytelling and design can create a captivating experience without relying on high-end graphics. Reviewers appreciate the old-school RPG elements that contribute to its fascinating ambiance.
“An old-school RPG that proves you don't need ultra-high detailed graphics to create an immersive atmosphere.”
“I love the saga; the storytelling is fantastic and the atmosphere is fascinating.”
- replayability2 mentions
- 50 % positive mentions
- 50 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
Players highlight the game's strong replayability, noting that it offers extensive playtime and a challenging experience that encourages multiple playthroughs.
“Lots of playtime, replayability, and quite challenging.”
- gameplay2 mentions
- 50 % positive mentions
- 50 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The gameplay retains the familiar mechanics of previous installments, which players find enjoyable, featuring engaging turn-based combat and a compelling plot. Overall, it successfully combines nostalgia with entertainment.
“The gameplay feels almost exactly the same as previous parts of the game (which is awesome), the whole plot is nice, and the classic turn-based combat is entertaining.”
