It might seem weird to review the original Avernum at this point in time, years after the original release of the game. However, with the indie RPG series finally coming to a close, we thought we'd take a look at the original game.

Avernum is an indie RPG from Spiderweb Software, though it's not a completely new title - it's actually a remake of Spiderweb Software's first RPG series, Exile. The graphics have been overhauled from the original shareware title, but there have also been improvements in interface and a huge amount of new story added. These additions have allowed Avernum to thrive as a game series in its own right.

The game is set in the underground world of Exile, a huge series of caverns that have long been used by an oppressive empire to send prisoners and everyday citizens who oppose their laws. It's a story told entirely through written dialogue and narrative, and it's a story focused on the environment rather than on the player character.

It's clear from the first few hours of the game there isn't a huge amount of pure role playing going on in the world of Avernum. Despite a basic reputation system there's few moral choices presented and the vast majority of conversations can be had over again if you feel like you didn't ask the right questions. You interact with the world and its characters often, but there's not often a feeling that you've changed very much; at least not till later in the game.

Of course, the same criticism could be leveled at much bigger RPG titles, such as the vast majority of console RPGs and even newer PC games like Oblivion. What Avernum does well is freedom and story. The game has a huge amount of towns, dungeons and environments.

While you'll have seen everything the game has to offer graphically within a few hours, each town has its own style, its own problems and its own characters to enjoy. The variety helps keep the game fresh and give the player a reason to explore.

Playing Avernum feels like a weird mix of a roguelike and a standard RPG. It's less complicated and more story driven and much more forgiving than a game like ADOM or Nethack, but it's not as much of a pure RPG as something like Baldur’s Gate. Most of the RPG hallmarks are there though; a fairly comprehensive leveling system, basic equipment and inventory management and the usual fighting/magic/healing/thief class all RPG players will be instantly familiar with.

The combat is entirely turn based. Mages and healers cast spells for afar while warrior classes engage the enemy in close range. It's tactical, enjoyable and varied if you have enough different classes across the 4 characters you can control in the game. Ignore the special effects and it's not all that different from the combat in a game like Dragon Age: Origins.

Avernum’s graphics are vastly devoid of animation, and the game is played from an isometric view with 2D character tiles. While being a step up from the original Exile as with any tile graphics system, there's a lot of repetition. Caves and underground complexes can be bland even with the textures and polygons, but Avernum does a good job of giving areas individual personality through good level design, map design and varied NPCs.

Sound is the weakest part of the game, whether you're listening to the incredibly corny yawning and footstep sounds or wondering why an RPG has weird 80s ballad style music in the main menu it's noticeable little of the budget has been spent on the audio.

Avernum is still best played with the sound on as battles feel a little empty without the clash of swords, but having some good music tracks and some better designed sound effects would have really helped the atmosphere of the game.

The interface can also be a little tricky and more designed for players who are ready to start remembering hotkeys than pressing the mouse buttons all the time. Little things like the lack of a 'take all' button when exploring areas will be jarring to people used to the much more polished interfaces of mainstream RPGs.

Avernum feels like more than the sum of its parts, though. It takes some imagination on behalf of the player before the world truly comes alive, but once it does it's a surprising addictive title with a mass of content rarely seen indie games.

Avernum's open world system which allows you wonder at your heart’s content - and die just as easily - will appeal to people who feel too constricted by modern RPGs. At the same time, its leveling system and character creation elements will be instantly recognisable.

Wandering around, talking to people, visiting towns and regions and doing the odd quest in a nearby dungeon can take up a surprising amount of time, and the constant stream of new spells and skills to discover makes character progression interesting.

There's an easy thirty hours of game here. For all the problems caused by a lack of more engaging graphics, the tile system has allowed the developers to create a very believable and complex world underneath the earth. It's a good introduction to a series that could keep even a hardcore player occupied for a month.

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Reviewed By: Daniel