Avadon: The Black Fortress, Spiderweb Software’s most recent offering, not only signals the start of what Jeff Vogel hopes is a brand new series of games for the company in terms of narrative, but also introduces a revamped, turn-based combat engine departing from previous series. His blog, The Bottom Feeder, chronicles the trials, tribulations, and occassional triumphs of running a small independent studio making the types of huge, old school RPGs that so many gamers say they want. With a tiny staff and a small budget, founder and designer Jeff Vogel operates in the open, with no secrets between himself and his user base. Since 1994, the small Seattle-based Spiderweb Software has been independently producing RPGs of fine quality. You just might need to look a little harder. To some, BioWare’s emphasis on “streamlining” meant that we’d never see the likes of a Baldur’s Gate again.īut I’m here to tell you that’s simply not true. Obviously more nuance exists here, but in the wake of Dragon Age 2 in particular many fans of the old school began to declare that their type of RPG was dead – in fact they’d already been saying that with Mass Effect 2. What do you think of traditional towns being eliminated in FFXIII? What do you think of all the recycled environments in DA2? What do you think of all the single button mashing in DA2 or all the autopilot in FFXIII? Do you prefer Western-style RPGs or Japanese-style RPGs? Do you like random battles or not? Do you prefer this series or that? Do you like old school or new school? The latest issue to stoke the fires of debate seems to be over “streamlining”. The genre seems to demand allegiance to certain design ideologies. With the possible exception of Final Fantasy XIII before it, I can’t remember any game in recent memory that proved so divisive among the RPG community. (Note: I finished the game on Normal Difficulty with no cheats.They Don’t Make ‘Em Like They Used To, Or, You Kids Get Off My LawnĮven if you haven’t played Dragon Age 2, you probably have an opinion about it. Last thing to note is the level cap: while 30 does seem low (and I'd still argue it should be like 5 to 10 levels higher), it is not all that bad as it seems - by the time I finished the game, I was around level 25 to 26. Finally, the ability cooldown system is pretty neat and helps balance the game in an interesting way. Items like food and blessing crystals can make a huge difference in this game, but pure stats and equipment tend to make a lesser difference. Other things to note include the class-based skill trees which offer a variety of ways to play (and the character classes are significantly different to justify the use of classes in general). Healing outside of combat is by far my favorite. Spiderweb did a great job of creating an intricate story while keeping people hooked for a sequel with a spectacular ending.Īnother thing I like is the difference in game mechanics it gives players the power to develop their own strategy. I like the plot of this game quite a lot. "Anybody who pines for the days of the older, massive classics and decries the state of the new streamlined, big-budget RPGs needs to put their money where their mouth is and buy this game. "Avadon: The Black Fortress is easily one of the best RPGs you can buy. Strong story and characters, great combat, excellent quests, addictive loot and leveling and high replayability." - Inside Mac Games "In the end, Avadon: The Black Fortress has everything a good RPG needs. Huge adventure with lots of replay value. Use enchanted crystals to make your artifacts even more powerful. Your choices will change the world.ĭozens of side quests, hidden dungeons, and secrets to discover. Uncover the fascinating history of Avadon and the land of Lynaeus. Experience an exciting fantasy role-playing adventure and battle a conspiracy to destroy your people.Įpic fantasy role-playing adventure in an enormous and unique world.įour different character classes, with dozens of unique spells and abilities. As a servant of the Black Fortress, your word is Law. You will serve the keep of Avadon, working as a spy and warrior to fight the enemies of your homeland. Experience huge adventures, cunning foes, hundreds of magic artifacts to find, and countless enemies of your people to hunt down.Īvadon HD is the first chapter in a new, epic fantasy saga. Avadon: The Black Fortress HD is an epic, old school fantasy role-playing adventure, with a fascinating story and 40+ hours of gameplay.
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