Avernum
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Avernum is a series of computer-based role-playing games by Spiderweb Software available for Macintosh and Windows-based computers. It is a remake of the Exile series by Jeff Vogel, who owns the company.
The original games used a two-dimensional grid-based graphical system, effectively displayed as an X-Y axis wherein each tile in the grid was filled by a base graphic and perhaps an item or character icon. Avernum has a 45-degree isometric display that appears more three-dimensional, allowing for more advanced terrain through the addition of a Z-axis.
With the design overhaul came improvements to the graphical user interface (GUI) and to the storyline as well. While primary plot devices remain relatively unchanged, many new encounters and side-quests were added. In-game art by Phil Foglio lends a more humorous feel to the game.
Among notable encounters in the game are the Vahnatai, a race of highly magical creatures who live in the deeper caves of Avernum. The Vahnatai were responsible in part for the defeat of the Empire in the Exilian Wars, after allying themselves with the Avernites once the sacred 'Crystal Souls' stolen by Empire soldiers had been returned to them.
Avernum, like Exile before it, is shareware. You can download the program, but your access to it is limited. By paying a registration fee to the creator, you gain access to the full game.
There are three games in the original Exile series plus Blades of Exile, which includes a toolkit for users to create their own adventure scenarios, which can be distributed to other players. The Avernum series recreated each of these for software titles. Creator Jeff Vogel has recently alluded to creating a fourth Avernum title, which would make it the first completely original game in the series.
Spiderweb Software also released the Geneforge series, new games in the visual style of Avernum but with some gameplay changes and a different theme.
External links
- Spiderweb Software (http://www.spiderwebsoftware.com)