Ho hum




This series is so much the same and lots of running about to get things done
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Spiderweb Software brings you Avadon: The Black Fortress, the first chapter in a new, epic fantasy saga. | Purchase$9.95 |
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Minimum Supported | Will It Run? |
---|---|---|
Mac OS X | 10.5.8 | Download the MacGameStore App to compare your Mac's information in real-time.![]() |
CPU Type | Universal | |
CPU Cores | Any | |
CPU Speed | 800 MHz | |
System RAM | 512 MB | |
Drive Space | 200 MB | |
Video RAM | 32 MB | |
Video Card | Any |
If you are a fan of CRPGs and Spiderweb software and their games like Avernum or Old School Blades of Exile, you'll be right at home with Avadon.
It is like the other Spiderweb Software CRPGs- great gameplay, well thought out storylines, great plot, good graphics and very entertaining.
It plays like the other Spiderweb Software titles too, and I love the character development and exploring the world and engaging with NPCs and combat with enemy entities.
Those that are serious RPG gamers will like diving into the world of Avadon. Its a classic RPG that relies heavily on reading and exploring. There are large maps to explore and lots of missions to take on or not take on, with of course lots of managing your character and the loot you collect, buy and sell. And I still think the graphics just make the cut and look great.
This is probably considered 'casual' but I can't help myself but enjoy it. The openness of the world, the vast variety of objects to pick up and people to talk to, the unconventional (although admittedly mostly linear) path with several branches based on meaningful choices: this has all the addictive factors of a triple A RPG but it's much faster paced, never loses its way, and has a fair bit of strategy. A fine story, decent graphics, and a surprising amount of options. I was expecting to pick up a cheap time waster and I'm honestly more hooked on this series than 'bigger' games because of how easy it is to pick up and play.
The problems I have are two fold. This game is aggressively one-track. Playing different characters may change the playstyle but not have much effect on the story which mostly plays out the same. The other issue is YOU CAN NOT SAVE YOUR GAME OR EXIT/SAVE DURING COMBAT. I found that out the hard way. Also the Settings menu option on the first screen doesn't work.
But niggling aside if you like old-school games with a simple interface, an introduction to fantasy/strategy RPGs, or just something to keep you occupied in screened mode this is a fine value for your money! Charming, addictive, and has a lot of heart and imagination.
This was the first game I played by the makers and I liked it enough to go on and buy their other games. While not as good as the original Avernum, it is a great game. I had not problems with bugs (on a 2012 Mackbook Air with OS 10.7.5). There is a lot to read, true, but I didn't mind because it helped develop the characters, and I like to play with fuller characters. I did not like you had to play inside the establishment (as an Avadon agent), but I did like the game allowed you rebellion. I did not like that gender choices forced you into class choices (a problem solved in Avadon 2).
I downloaded the demo and knew almost immediately I would have to buy the full version. The graphics are excellent, the mechanics are simple and the combat system is very easy to learn.
But all these would be nothing if there were no story to propel the game forward. There are aspects of it that are relatively linear, but overall the storyline feels very character-driven, and indeed the interactions and commentary by the 'ally' characters are one of my favorite things about the game. Each ally character has a distinct personality and history - as do many of the other NPCs - and the more you interact with them, the more they reveal about themselves. I haven't played many other RPGs, but that element more than any other is what convinced me to purchase the game.
I haven't managed to reach any of the endings yet, either - I'm having too much fun exploring the game world and developing my characters within it!
The game is pretty huge. You have to be careful with how you progress, because it's not an endless spawn session like other games. What you kill is going to affect the game, and make the world a safer place. I found the game is easiest to play with a rogue and mage, since they can lower the entrance cost to content with the lockpicking. The healing is universal and in some cases can add a lot of fun tension when you're waiting for your next regeneration ability after a hit.
I'd love to see this small studio team up with some others and make an even bigger game.
Spiderweb Software has always known how to weave an intriguing tapestry of epic questing, immersive atmosphere along with a compelling story, characters and dialogue. Avadon: The Black Fortress is no exception. Graphics are great, dialogue snappy, quests varied, leveling and loot addictive. Everything a solid RPG needs. Its pleasing to see that even after 16 years of making old-style RPG's, Jeff Vogel knows how to keep things fresh and interesting. Buy it!
I have been playing games produced by Spiderweb software ( a small independant company) and have always found them entertaining and engrossing. Many hours of play, and an interesting storyline is what is in store. Enjoy.