Avernum 2, developed by Spiderweb Software, invites players on a perilous journey into a subterranean realm teeming with danger, intrigue, and moral dilemmas. This classic RPG, released in 1999, boasts a captivating story, intricate character customization, and challenging turn-based combat that rewards strategic thinking and careful planning.
A Tale of Exile and Redemption
Avernum 2 plunges players into the grim underworld of Avernum, a vast subterranean realm inhabited by exiled criminals, monstrous creatures, and desperate survivors. As members of a band of newly condemned prisoners, your fate hangs in the balance. The tyrannical Emperor has banished you to this unforgiving land, stripping you of your former life and leaving you to forge your own destiny amidst the shadows.
Your journey begins with simple survival: gathering resources, crafting basic equipment, and learning the ways of this subterranean world. But as you delve deeper into Avernum’s labyrinthine tunnels and cavernous cities, a grander purpose emerges. The exiled mages known as the “Order of the Eight” seek your help to restore balance to the land and overthrow the corrupt forces that rule Avernum from their lofty obsidian citadels.
The plot unfolds through a series of intriguing quests, challenging encounters, and moral choices. Will you align yourself with the Order and fight for the liberation of Avernum’s oppressed people? Or will you succumb to the temptations of power and forge your own path in this morally ambiguous world? The decision rests entirely in your hands, shaping both the narrative trajectory and your ultimate destiny.
Crafting Your Champion: Character Customization
Avernum 2 shines with its robust character customization system. Players can create unique adventurers from a variety of races and classes, each boasting distinct strengths, weaknesses, and gameplay styles. Want to wield powerful arcane magic as a Wizard? Or perhaps you prefer the swift strikes and cunning maneuvers of a Rogue? The choice is yours.
Here’s a glimpse into some of the available character options:
Class | Strengths | Weaknesses |
---|---|---|
Warrior | High strength, excellent melee damage | Limited magic resistance, slow movement |
Wizard | Powerful spells, versatility | Low physical defense, mana intensive |
Rogue | Stealth, lockpicking, high agility | Low HP, limited offensive power |
Priest | Healing magic, buffs | Low attack damage |
Druid | Nature magic, shapeshifting | Limited spell selection |
Beyond class selection, players can further customize their characters by allocating skill points and assigning attribute bonuses. This allows for the creation of truly unique heroes tailored to individual playstyles. Whether you prioritize brute force, arcane mastery, or a cunning combination of both, Avernum 2 empowers players to shape their destinies through meaningful choices.
Mastering the Art of Combat
Avernum 2 employs a classic turn-based combat system that rewards strategic thinking and careful planning. Encounters unfold on a grid-based battlefield where positioning plays a crucial role in determining victory or defeat.
Combat utilizes a dynamic action point system, allowing characters to perform multiple actions per turn depending on their speed and skills. This creates opportunities for strategic maneuvering, such as flanking enemies for critical strikes or utilizing spells and abilities that target specific areas of the battlefield.
Table: Combat Actions:
Action Type | Description |
---|---|
Attack | Basic melee or ranged attack |
Spell | Casts a spell from your character’s repertoire |
Skill | Uses a specific skill, such as lockpicking or healing |
Move | Moves your character to a different grid location |
Mastering the nuances of combat requires understanding enemy weaknesses, utilizing terrain advantages, and strategically managing your characters’ action points. The game offers a variety of challenging encounters, from swarms of lowly goblins to titanic dragons that test even the most seasoned adventurers.
Exploring Avernum: A World Teeming with Secrets
Avernum 2’s vast and intricate world invites exploration and discovery. From the bustling marketplaces of fortified cities to the eerie depths of ancient ruins, every location offers unique challenges and rewards. Players can uncover hidden treasures, engage in side quests that expand the narrative, and interact with a diverse cast of characters – some friendly, others less so.
The game features a detailed map system that allows players to track their progress and pinpoint points of interest. This proves invaluable when navigating Avernum’s sprawling subterranean labyrinth. As you delve deeper into the world, you’ll encounter treacherous landscapes, deadly traps, and formidable adversaries that test your courage and cunning.
Key Features:
- Intriguing Narrative: Immerse yourself in a captivating story of exile, rebellion, and redemption set within a morally ambiguous world.
- Extensive Character Customization: Create unique heroes from diverse races and classes, tailoring their skills and attributes to match your playstyle.
- Challenging Turn-Based Combat: Master the art of strategic warfare through tactical positioning, action point management, and skillful spellcasting.
- Vast and Intricate World: Explore a sprawling subterranean realm filled with hidden treasures, intriguing side quests, and unforgettable encounters.
- Classic RPG Experience: Avernum 2 delivers a timeless RPG experience reminiscent of classic titles like Ultima and Baldur’s Gate.
Avernum 2 stands as a testament to the enduring appeal of classic RPGs. Its captivating story, intricate character customization, and challenging combat offer a truly immersive gaming experience that will resonate with fans of the genre for years to come. So gather your party, prepare for adventure, and descend into the depths of Avernum – where darkness and despair await those brave enough to challenge them!