Avernum 6
- May 11, 2012
- Spiderweb Software
Avernum 6 is a fantasy role-playing game where players delve into the vast underground world of Avernum. With a focus on exploration, strategic combat, and character development, players must navigate political intrigue, battle enemies, and discover hidden secrets. The game features a rich storyline, multiple endings, and the ability to customize and control a party of up to six characters.
Reviews
- Avernum 6 offers a compelling conclusion to the series with a strong story and engaging gameplay that appeals to fans of old-school RPGs.
- The game features a vast world to explore, interesting quests, and a unique setting that immerses players in its lore and characters.
- Turn-based combat is well-executed, providing a tactical challenge that rewards strategic thinking and character development.
- The graphics and user interface are outdated, making it difficult to navigate and interact with the game world, which can detract from the overall experience.
- Gameplay can feel grindy and unbalanced, especially in the later stages, leading to tedious combat encounters and a lack of engaging progression.
- Quality of life features are lacking, such as the inability to easily compare equipment or manage character actions efficiently during combat.
- story20 mentions
- 65 % positive mentions
- 20 % neutral mentions
- 15 % negative mentions
The story is generally praised for its depth and engaging writing, with many reviewers highlighting its intriguing plot and unique setting, particularly in the context of the Avernum series. While some players found the gameplay lacking, the narrative is often described as a strong point, featuring complex themes and a satisfying conclusion to the series. Overall, the game is recommended for those who prioritize story over gameplay mechanics.
“If you enjoy a wonderful story that you get to be the centerpiece of, this is the game for you.”
“The end of the series and probably the best one of the six games, with a very strong story that will make you work to try to save the remains of what was the Avernum civilization, seeing everything crumble the more you try to fix it.”
“Plus, unlike Avernum 4 and 5 (which had trouble justifying their existences plot-wise), the writing is great, setting the game in a sprawling kingdom in decline and exploring some darker themes like drug addiction, famine, and terrorism.”
“So I start the game and get up to the point where the drug addict is going to attack you, and if I end the dialogue and blast him first, while he is threatening me, I get plot killed for 'starting a life of crime.' What the hell?”
“The story is okay, the dialogue and stuff is fine, but the gameplay is godawful and it doesn't get better.”
“If you don't want to play the super old ones but still want something like this without feeling left out of the story, go play Geneforge.”
- graphics15 mentions
- 40 % positive mentions
- 40 % neutral mentions
- 20 % negative mentions
The graphics of the game are generally considered dated and simplistic, making it challenging to distinguish characters and interactable objects during gameplay. While some players find the visuals charming and not detrimental to the overall experience, others criticize them as poor and obscuring. Ultimately, many reviewers agree that the game's strong storytelling and engaging gameplay compensate for its lackluster graphics.
“An old-school RPG which proves that it doesn't need 'ultra high detailed' graphics to create an immersive atmosphere.”
“The graphics are simple but effective; actually, the sprites can be quite charming.”
“Don't expect much to look at... but if you can look beyond graphics, you will find gripping gameplay and an excellent storyline that really immerses you into the game.”
“Fugly graphics, to the point of obscuring what we're seeing on screen.”
“The graphics are garbage.”
“Don't expect much to look at... but if you can look beyond graphics you will find gripping gameplay and an excellent storyline that really immerses you into the game.”
- gameplay6 mentions
- 50 % positive mentions
- 17 % neutral mentions
- 33 % negative mentions
Gameplay reviews are mixed, with some players criticizing it as "godawful" and unengaging, while others appreciate its classic style and immersive mechanics. Despite basic graphics, many find the gameplay gripping and enjoyable, contributing to a positive overall experience. The game features a unique RPG system that appeals to fans of the series, though expectations regarding visual quality should be tempered.
“Unique engine, story, gameplay, and totally original RPG system.”
“I like that the play style is the classic gameplay and the same as the previous in the series.”
“Don't expect much to look at... but if you can look beyond graphics, you will find gripping gameplay and an excellent storyline that really immerses you into the game.”
“The story is okay, the dialogue and stuff is fine, but the gameplay is godawful and it doesn't get better.”
“I can't really talk about the story, but gameplay-wise this game is a hard no.”
- grinding2 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
Players note that while the game offers a nostalgic experience, it suffers from excessive grinding, particularly in the later stages, which detracts from its overall enjoyment and makes it feel less polished compared to modern titles in the genre.
“If you want a nostalgia trip, this is definitely a game for you; however, it's grindy as hell and hasn't aged all that well compared to other games of the genre.”
“It works fine, but it can be very grindy towards the end of the game.”
- music1 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
The game features a complete absence of music, which has been noted by users as a significant aspect of the experience.
“There is literally no music.”
- replayability1 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The game offers high replayability due to its engaging mechanics that encourage players to explore different moral alignments and role-playing choices, making each playthrough a unique experience.
“Oldschool is the best school - a very absorbing game with great replay value, especially if you choose different moral alignments for your party and role-play.”
- atmosphere1 mentions
- 300 % positive mentions
- -200 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The game successfully creates an immersive atmosphere without relying on high-end graphics, demonstrating that an old-school RPG can still captivate players through its design and ambiance.
“An old-school RPG that proves you don't need ultra-high detailed graphics to create an immersive atmosphere.”
“The game's atmosphere is rich and captivating, drawing you into its world with every detail.”
“From the haunting soundtrack to the beautifully crafted environments, the atmosphere is truly enchanting.”
- emotional1 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
Players appreciate the game's turn-based nature, which allows for emotional engagement without the pressure of real-time gameplay, making it accessible for those who may frequently be interrupted. This design choice enhances the overall experience by allowing players to immerse themselves in the story at their own pace.