"Avernum series".
Avernum is a series of computer-based role-playing games by Spiderweb Software available for Macintosh and Windows-based computers. The first three games in the series were remakes of the Exile series by Jeff Vogel, who owns the company. The fourth, also by Vogel, was released for Macintosh in late 2005, and in early 2006 for Microsoft Windows. It is entirely original and not a remake of any previous game.
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. The user can download the program, and play a significant part of the game without restrictions, until he or she advances to a certain point in the storyline. By paying a registration fee to the creator, the user gains 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. Avernum IV, completely original, was released in late 2005 despite Vogel having previously stated that he did not intend to make it.
Spiderweb Software also released the Geneforge series, new games in the visual style of Avernum but with some gameplay changes, a modified, mostly real time engine and a different theme. Avernum IV's engines shares much in common visually with that of Geneforge, unlike the other games in the series, though it is still completely turn based.
Mac OS games | Windows games | Spiderweb Software games
This article is licensed under the GNU Free Documentation License.
It uses material from the "Avernum series".
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