Avernum: Escape From the Pit

The Good
Various visuals about the game are impressive, such as the character portraits, window borders and icons. It is good to see that the characters on the map are animated with walking and movement frames, which is a step up compared to everything else. Certain mechanics, such as the quest list, medals awarded and warrior disciplines are definitely welcome. Then there are spells that have a square-range of effect, something that hasn't been seen since Exile. Many additional quests added to the game, including ones that require you to make a decision, make for a longer lasting game. However, what you see on the surface is too good to be true.

The Bad
Graphically this game is not good enough. So many colours are dull and lack texture, giving the impression of a cosy cushy cave and not a dark dank dungeon. So many items you have are either palette-swapped or derived from another game. There's nothing to look at in the game that would wow you.

Combat mechanics are downgraded. Enemies cannot attack you unless you're in combat mode. When targeting multiple enemies, the letters that indicate the numerous targets are random, so you can't count on the keyboard to select your intended target. Also combat is way too easy in towns because you can do hit and run attacks against tough monsters and square-range spells like Icy Rain can be cast out of visual range for an unfair advantage against groups of monsters. There's absolutely no challenge when it comes to fighting.

So many things removed from this Avernum remake are disappointing to say the least. There are no thrown missiles, no unlock spell, no option to bash doors down, no alchemy to make your own potions, no option to camp outdoors, no poisonous swamps, you can't fall from ledges anymore, there are less items to sell and you can't run from combat outdoors. Some of the new things added made even less sense, such as the starting cave to act as a tutorial, which kind of defies how the Avernites work.

The Bottom Line
The changes that were made from the original Avernum really broke this game and didn't make it any better. The way it was put together graphically seems like lazy artistry. With so many original features plucked out of "Avernum" like feathers, this game feels more like a long cross-country journey than a proper RPG adventure, because the game gives you a lot less to work with. The real slap in the face is that the demo for this game is a lot shorter than the original Avernum demo; talk about bad showcasing. This would have been great if only they'd have implemented the core gameplay features of Exile, such as players starving and a monster roster, but in the end we got a watered down version of Avernum that quickly deteriorates the more you play and there's no joy in finishing it. Stick to the original Avernum if you want some real fun.