Avernum (series) - Reception

Reception

The titles in the Avernum series have frequently been met with praise for the depth of their storytelling and gameplay, while simultaneously receiving criticism for the use of crude graphics and game engines and lack of better sound effects.

Although Avernum is an indie game, it is nevertheless compared to games released by publishers. A review of the original Avernum in July 2000 noted that it was "not even in the same league as current RPG/RTS products the market". Despite having a solid concept, its visuals reportedly failed to deliver, making a negative impact on all but those willing to dig deeper at the gameplay underneath.

Several years later, in August 2002, the Just RPG review of sequel Avernum 3 reached a completely different conclusion. Scoring the game as an 88%, the review concluded, "Bottom line? Graphics don't make the game. Despite lack of animation and 32-bit graphics, this is a top-notch RPG that I would love to see more of in today's market".

The latter games in the series received more positive reviews. June 2006 review at Game Tunnel for Avernum 4 commented that "lots of thought given to the environment and background story, and the game itself seems very solid". At the same time, reviewers were sour on the graphics and their re-use from previous games, remarking "How can he still have the exact same graphics?! Same engine, same everything!" and that "the lackluster graphics are starting to wear on ".

Reaction to the final game of the series, Avernum 6, was reasonably positive and praised the storyline. IndieRPGs.com said it was "a game that lives and dies by the strength of its writing, and the writing is pretty good", while noting "it lacks a certain level of polish". IT Reviews commented: "As long as you can get past the aesthetics, Avernum 6 is a compelling slice of old school role-playing, which is well designed on the character development and combat fronts". It was also nominated and became the runner-up on "Independent RPG of the Year" by GameBanshee.

The games have received very varying scores throughout the series, often the tipping point being the "inadequate" graphics. However, most reviews admitted to good story-telling and well-presented RPG gameplay elements, noting that the game is recognisable for its gameplay value.