Retro Replay Review

Gameplay

Avernum builds on the solid foundation laid by its predecessor, Exile, delivering a turn-based RPG experience that feels both nostalgic and refreshingly modern. The game utilizes the tried-and-true Nethergate engine, which means players familiar with Spiderweb Software’s earlier titles will immediately feel at home with the tile-by-tile, isometric exploration. Every step you take through the winding caverns and desolate dungeons requires careful planning and strategy, making each encounter feel meaningful.

One of the most notable enhancements in Avernum is its revamped dialogue system. Gone are the days of clicking cryptic topics and receiving a flat block of text in response. Now, you’re presented with multiple conversational choices that can steer quests, uncover lore, or defuse dangerous situations. This branching approach to dialogue adds a layer of role-playing depth, allowing your party’s personality and moral compass to shine through in ways that were impossible in the original release.

Combat remains faithful to the classic turn-based mechanics: move your characters on the hex grid, manage action points, and unleash devastating spells or well-timed melee strikes. What’s changed, however, is the wealth of new equipment and nearly double the number of spells compared to earlier entries. Mages can now experiment with powerful elemental blasts, summoning rituals, and intricate enchantments, while warriors and rogues benefit from a broader arsenal of swords, axes, and stealth tools. The strategic possibilities feel richer and more varied than ever before.

Exploration in Avernum is equally rewarding. Side quests and hidden areas are tucked away in alcoves, requiring keen observation and creative problem-solving to uncover. Whether you’re mapping out every corridor to avoid ambushes or delving into an uncharted cave for rare treasure, the game consistently rewards curiosity. The pace strikes a fine balance between tension and discovery, ensuring that each new environment offers fresh challenges.

Graphics

Visually, Avernum stays true to its sprite-based roots while introducing significant improvements to character animation. The additional frames added to each sprite bring a smoother, more fluid feel to combat and exploration. When your sword-wielding warrior lunges at an enemy or your archer draws back her bow, the extra animation frames convey a sense of weight and momentum that was absent in the original engine.

The isometric tile set remains largely unchanged, but careful attention has been paid to color palettes and detail. Cavern walls glisten with mineral veins, moss-covered ruins evoke a sense of ancient history, and the ambient lighting shifts subtly as you progress deeper underground. These graphical touches may seem modest by modern standards, yet they contribute significantly to immersion, making the subterranean world of Avernum feel both dangerous and captivating.

Spell effects in Avernum deserve a special mention. Fireballs burst into animated plumes of flame, frost spells emanate shimmering crystalline patterns, and summoning animations ripple across the battlefield in vivid hues. These visual flourishes not only help distinguish one ability from another but also provide satisfying feedback when your carefully crafted strategy pays off.

Story

The narrative of Avernum revolves around a sprawling underground empire where exiles and outcasts carve out a life of danger and intrigue. From the moment you descend into this world, the stakes are clear: survive hostile terrain, fend off monstrous inhabitants, and navigate the political machinations of rival factions. The sense of peril is ever-present, yet the promise of uncovering hidden knowledge and reclaiming lost glory keeps you pressing forward.

Character-driven quests form the backbone of the story, and thanks to the improved dialogue mechanics, NPCs feel more dynamic and memorable. Whether you’re brokering peace between warring tribes or rescuing captives from slavers, your choices carry weight—sometimes leading to unforeseen consequences that ripple through the campaign. This branching narrative gives Avernum impressive replay value, as different approaches can unlock entirely new lines of questing and dialogue.

Behind the main storyline lies a tapestry of lore encompassing ancient civilizations, fallen gods, and the ever-present threat of surface reclamation. Many of these details are optional discoveries, tucked away in journals, murals, and unassuming conversations. For players who relish piecing together lore, Avernum offers a rich, rewarding tapestry that deepens the sense of mystery and grandeur beneath the earth.

Overall Experience

Avernum delivers a robust RPG experience that successfully blends classic mechanics with thoughtful modern enhancements. The improved dialogue system and expanded spell list breathe new life into a venerable engine, while the updated animations and refined tile set ensure that the game remains visually engaging. Fans of traditional turn-based exploration will find plenty to love, and newcomers seeking a deep, story-rich adventure will be pleasantly surprised by its depth.

While the graphics won’t compete with AAA titles, the art style’s charm and the enhanced animations strike an appealing balance of nostalgia and polish. The soundtrack and ambient effects further enhance the atmosphere, from the distant dripping of subterranean water to the thunderous roar of an awakened beast. Together, they form a cohesive audio-visual experience that complements the game’s RPG framework.

Perhaps the most compelling aspect of Avernum is its unwavering commitment to player choice. Whether you lean into combat prowess, diplomatic finesse, or arcane mastery, the world responds in kind, offering paths and challenges attuned to your style. For players craving a sprawling underground saga filled with tactical battles, moral dilemmas, and rich lore, Avernum stands as a shining example of classic RPG design done right.

Retro Replay Score

6.8/10