Avernum: Escape from the Pit
A subterranean RPG remake of Exile: Escape from the Pit.
Avernum: Escape from the Pit is a role-playing game from Spiderweb Software. It kicks off the remade Avernum First Trilogy and represents the second complete overhaul of the 1995 title Exile: Escape from the Pit (the first overhaul being 2000's Avernum). This version updated the graphics and game engine, and also fixed compatibility issues with Mac OS X 10.7 Lion and later versions. The game launched for Mac OS X on December 14, 2011, followed by releases for Microsoft Windows and the iPad in April 2012.
The story takes place in Avernum, an underground nation far beneath the surface world. Above ground, the cruel Emperor Hawthorne commands the monolithic Empire. Anyone who rebels, speaks out, or simply doesn't fit in is sentenced to life in Avernum, where they are expected to perish from starvation, monsters, or despair. The series follows the Avernites' fight to survive, take revenge on the Empire, and win their freedom and a return to the surface.
Players control a party of up to four adventurers in this single-player RPG. Characters can wield melee weapons, missile weapons, magic, or a mix of these skills. The game uses a skill-based system: a character's starting class only determines initial skills, and players can later train them in different abilities. The world is large and open, with quests that can be tackled in nearly any order. Combat is turn-based from an isometric perspective, with creatures taking turns to move, use abilities, and attack.
Critics gave mixed but largely positive reviews. Rock Paper Shotgun found the user interface lacking but praised the "great writing, a simple and effective turn-based combat system, and a great sense of freedom and exploration," later listing it among the best PC role-playing games. Gamezebo liked the gameplay, character customization, and exploration, though they noted modern gamers might be put off by the quest design, interface, and basic graphics. RPGamer enjoyed the exploration, fun battles, and customization, but criticized the graphics, sound, and game balance. Slide to Play called it "old-school, and we mean that in a good way." TouchArcade wrote that "the storytelling, customization, and sheer amount of content make this RPG a true powerhouse on iOS." RPGFan recommended Avadon: The Black Fortress instead but said fans of earlier Spiderweb games would enjoy this one. Digitally Downloaded described
- Developer
- Spiderweb Software
- Release Date (Mac OS X)
- December 14, 2011
- Release Date (Windows/iPad)
- April 2012
- Genre
- Single-player role-playing video game
- Platforms
- Mac OS X, Microsoft Windows, iPad
- Based On
- Exile: Escape from the Pit (1995) and Avernum (2000)
Lore & Background
The Avernum series is set in Avernum, a subterranean nation far under the surface of the world. The surface is ruled by the Empire, a single, monolithic power under the command of the cruel Emperor Hawthorne. Everyone on the surface who speaks out, rebels, or doesn't fit in is sentenced to life imprisonment in Avernum. Prisoners are expected to die, the victim of starvation, horrible monsters, or simple despair. The Avernum series tells the tale of the Avernites' struggle to survive, avenge themselves upon the Empire, and win both freedom and a return to the surface world.
Reader's Guide
Avernum: Escape from the Pit is a single-player role-playing video game. The player controls a group of up to four adventurers, who can use melee weapons, missile weapons, magic, or a mix of these skills to defeat opponents. The game system is skill based. Characters choose a character class at the beginning of the game, but this only determines the character's starting skills; the player is then free to train the character in different skills. The game features a large, open world, and quests can be completed in almost any order. Combat is turn-based with an isometric perspective, where creatures in battle take turns acting, during which they can move, use abilities, and attack. Reception was mixed: Rock Paper Shotgun criticized the user interface but praised the writing, combat system, and sense of freedom. Gamezebo praised gameplay, character customization, and exploration but noted modern gamers may be put off by quest design, user interface, and graphics. RPGamer praised exploration, battles, and customization but criticized graphics, sound, and game balance. Slide to Play called it 'old-school' in a good way, and TouchArcade highlighted its storytelling, customization, and content. RPGFan recommended Avadon: The Black Fortress instead but said fans of previous Spiderweb games would enjoy this one. Digitally Downloaded called it a superb iPad port.
Did You Know?
- Avernum: Escape from the Pit is the second ground-up rewrite of Exile: Escape from the Pit, which was released in 1995.
- The game was re-released to address incompatibilities with Mac OS X 10.7 Lion and newer.
- The player controls a group of up to four adventurers in a turn-based combat system with an isometric perspective.
- Rock Paper Shotgun listed it as one of the best role-playing games available for PCs.
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