I am looking for turn-based RPGs in the style of the Avernum games. I'm a senior citizen who enjoys games, but without needing quick reflexes or super complicated gameplay. Any suggestions for me?

Well, you've already taken the recommendation I'd suggest. What do you like about Avernum? Do you think maybe Ultima would be up your alley?

Shadowrun games are very good, Dragonfall being the best of the bunch.

Divinity Original Sin is great. To be fair, the plot could be better and was rather forgettable after I finished it, but the game as a whole was imensly engrossing and fun.

Wasteland 2 isn't perfect, but I still had lots of fun with it.

Silent Storm Gold Edition. Old but still shines under the sun. And it's quite cheap right now.

I would recommend Age of Wonders series, they are definitely Turn-based RPGs + you get an extra kingdom/empire
layer.

You should really try Age of Wonders: Planetfall! It has almost everything! A good character creator, deep lore, side quests, alternative story endings... it's like someone put Civilization, XCOM, Warhammer, Fallout and Star-Wars into a blender and then add a dash of fantasy for a good measure!

CatDDA= free
https://cataclysmdda.org/releases/

Addons:
https://github.com/Kenan2000/Secronom-Zombies
https://github.com/Kenan2000/Otopack-Mods-Updates
For addons, click Code and it click Download for the file.


If by similar you like deep mechanics. If by graphics, then I apologize for my suggestion.

Baldur's gate 3 is good. Bg 1 and 2 can be configured to pause every time something happens (enemy spotted, end of turn, enemy dies, character takes x damage, etc).

Pillars of eternity has turn-based mode, Black Geyser is a good TBRPG.

I'd suggest sticking to Ultima 3-6, since 1-2 have real-time elements (Ultima 1 is the first instance of an otherwise turn-based game having a mandatory action minigame that I am aware of), and 7-9 are real time. (Note that Ultima 3 will also skip your turn if you take more than 5 seconds to enter a command.)

(Also, obligatory reminder to avoid the NES version of Ultima 5. The DOS version you get on GOG is good.) Note, however, that Genef0rge and Avadon are only turn-based once combat has started; the games run in real-time outside of combat.

Queen's Wish, on the other hand. *is* turn-based, both in and out of combat.

Hello txmimi!

Speaking of "Avernum", do you mean the first series of remakes from around 2000, which are available here as the "Avernum The Complete Saga" or the remakes of the remakes from 2012 onwards, of which parts 1 to 3 are available individually as "Avernum 1 Escape from the Pit", "Avernum 2 Crystal Souls", and "Avernum 3 Ruined World"?

And what did you liked or prefer especially, besides them being turn-based?
Maybe, the openess of the game world, the group/party system, the progression system (experience & levelling), the text-heavy, verbose stories and descriptions, the humor, the item/equipment/magic in the games, the presentation (graphics), or something else?

Did you played (the) other Spiderweb games, already?

If you liked the Avernum iteration(s) in the Complete Saga pack, then "Nethergate Resurrection" or the "Geneforge Saga" (consisting of the 5 original Geneforge games) are obviously close ones.
If you played and enjoyed the newer iteration(s) of Avernum 1 to 3 (Escape From the Pit, Crystal Souls, Ruined World), then the Avadon Series ("Avadon 1 The Black Fortress", "Avadon 2 The Corruption", "Avadon 3 The Warborn") or the Geneforge remakes from 2020 and 2024 ("Geneforge 1 Mutagen" and "Geneforge 2 Infestation") are options.
However, only "Nethergate" features an actual group or party from the get go versus summoned creatures in "Geneforge" and companions to be picked up in "Avadon" games.

In case you like the openess of Avernum's game world and the liberty to go where ever you want and you would not mind a change in perspective, then I would highly recommend the Realms of Arkania series--orginally known as "Nordlandtrilogie" in German, based on the German pen & paper table top game "Das schwarze Auge" (=The Dark Eye):
"Realms of Arkania 1: Blade of Destiny" and "Realms of Arkania 2: Star Trail" (both included in the "Realms of Arkania 1 and 2" pack, and
"Realms of Arkania 3 Shadows over Riva"

The first one of them is especially open to the player. And although the third one is practically limited to one city, this city is quite large and still relatively open for exploration! Furthermore, the third one is the one focussed more on storyof the trilogy.
All three of them use an isometric topdown perspective in turn-based combat encounters like the Avernum series. However, town and dungeon exploration is done from the first person perspective of the player's party, and overland travel uses a dedicated map system in both part 1 and 2 (absent in part 3). Parts 2 and 3 feature rudimentary 3D graphics in first person mode only.
There are remakes of the first two Realms of Arkania games available ("Remake of Blade of Destiny" and "Remake of Star Trail"), but I do not have experience with them and prefer the charm and design of the original trilogy!

Another recommendation with respect to player freedom would be my biggest surprise from the recent years, "Realms of Antiquity - The Shattered Crown". A fantastic throwback to the old computer roleplaying games, such as the Ultima series and Goldbox series. It is actually made for and on a vintage hardware, the TI-99/4a home computer, but is here available comfortably running on an emulator. Other than the similar vintage hardware compatible "Nox Archaist" or the classics from yesteryear, "Realms of Antiquity" is easier approachable and much more accessible!
(In my opinion, it is aslo easier on the eyes, despite its very low resolution very readible similar to "Ultima V" in its enhanced DOS port.)

On the other spectrum of text-heavier, verbose roleplaying games there are the old-school inspired "SKALD Against the Black Priory" (which is a relative short game for RPG standards), "Arcanum of Steamworks and Magick" and the "Siege of Avalon Anthology", although the latter is not actually turn-based (neither in exploration nor in combat) and Arcanum has a somewhat weird hybrid turn-based system for combat.

For an exeptionally well implemented fully turn-based adaptation of the Dungeon & Dragons pen & paper table top roleplaying system, I would suggest "The Temple of Elemental Evil", which features more high fidelity prerendered isometric graphics on top of that. But, and this might be a huge but, it is very combat focussed, very limited in scope regarding both story and visitable locations!

Hopefully, you find something of interest in those maybe more outliers of the computer roleplaying games.

Kind regards,
foxgog

[Edit:]
typing errors corrected... And sorry, I did not see/read that others suggested some of those mentioned above in the meantime.

If you can compromise on the "turn-based" to include "pausable real time" then that does open a number of classic RPGs (Fallout, Baldur's Gate, Icewind Dale, Planescape Torment - though you have to pay more to get the "enhanced" versions with the originals available as an extra download).

I would second Balrum as being worth a look - the Eschalon 3-part series (starting with Book One - now free!) could be also.

However Avernum did offer (in common with other Spiderweb games) a strong storyline. Balrum starts well but concludes too quickly, while the Eschalon series is rather simpler and, while offering good graphics/music (for a 2D isometric game) doesn't really provide a "living world" feeling. Balrum does far better with NPCs that follow schedules (going to sleep at night, coming out to work during the day).

Aside from the other Spiderweb games, you might wish to consider roguelikes - two notable ones on GOG are:

Tales of Maj'Eyal
Ancient Domains of Mystery

Both have (more limited) free versions that you can try out. Unlike most roguelikes, these have a strong storyline with plenty of lore, but also a lot of randomly-generated content and permadeath (by default, can be disabled).

While some RTwP games that people are recommending to you *could* be to your liking, they also have a somewhat steppy learning curve if you've never touched one, fortunately some like Pillars of Eternity 2 Deadfire or Pathfinder Wrath of the Righteous have a turn based mode

Other than that, the Shadowrun trilogy is really neat (especially Dragonfall and Hong Kong) and you also have Warhammer Rogue Trader from the devs of Pathfinder, if you're into that universe

Here's a few I can toss your way, along with partial descriptions and full links.
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ATOM RPG is a turn-based post-apocalyptic indie roleplaying game, inspired by classic CRPGs like Fallout 1 - 2, Wasteland, Baldur's Gate and many others.

In 1986 both the Soviet Union and the Western Bloc were destroyed in mutual nuclear bombings. You are one of the survivors of the nuclear Holocaust. Your mission - to explore the wild and wondrous world of the Soviet Wasteland. To earn your place under the sun. And to investigate a shadowy conspiracy, aimed at destroying all that is left of life on Earth.

https://www.gog.com/en/game/atom_rpg_postapocalyptic_indie_game

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Druidstone: The Secret of the Menhir Forest is a labor of love from the co-creators of the critically acclaimed Legend of Grimrock series. Druidstone is a tactical, single-player, turn-based roleplaying game, which combines the best qualities of modern RPGs with the elegance of tactical boardgames. Every action, every turn counts as you control your party of heroes through handcrafted, challenging missions with varying, and often surprising, objectives.

Set in a unique fantasy world, Druidstone is filled with ancient lush forests, standing stones, snow-topped mountains, deadly creatures and puzzle-ridden ruins. And somewhere in the middle of all of this, caught in the flow of events, are Aava, the archdruid's daughter, who must now shoulder his responsibilities, Leonhard, a warden with a mysterious past and a lethal destiny, and Oiko, the failed Red Priest who is living proof that one may be very smart without being particularly wise. Along the way, they meet companions and villains, whose unique personalities and abilities make every encounter memorable.

https://www.gog.com/en/game/druidstone_the_secret_of_the_menhir_forest

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Lords of Xulima is an original Fantasy RPG set on the mythical continent of Xulima, where Gods and humans once walked side by side. Become the Herald of the Gods and travel to an uncharted land to fulfill your mission of restoring balance in the known world.

Looking for a challenging adventure?

In Lords of Xulima, we do not hold your hand through the journey. We have created a world of diverse regions that are as vibrant with life as they are fraught with danger; from the alluring Golden Woods, through the Great Desert of Pernitia, to the daunting icy peaks of Karraga. You are free to explore and choose which path to follow, but be careful about where the adventure takes you. Your success or failure in Lords of Xulima all depends on your strategies and ability lead your customized party. Immerse yourself in the playability and depth of old school classics, presented through modern visuals and a user-friendly interface.

More than 100 hours of true role playing experience.

Create your party with up to six characters, choosing between 9 classes and more than 100 unique skills. Customize your companions for the best of both worlds: A story-driven, active main character and a party which suits your favorite playstyle!

Strategic turn-based combat in first person view: Battle more than 100 enemies with unique skills and powers. 16+ Epic bosses to test your mettle

https://www.gog.com/en/game/lords_of_xulima_deluxe_edition

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You are a servant of Avadon. The Black Fortress. Your job is to protect the Pact, five nations that have banded together in a fragile alliance. The purpose of the Pact: To hold back the waves of invaders that seek to destroy you. Outside the lands of the Pact, there are limitless threats. Barbarians. Fading, jealous empires. Titans and unspeakable horrors. The warriors and spies of Avadon are charged to keep them at bay, weak and divided. You fight in the shadows, rooting out small threats before they have the chance to grow. Your resources are unlimited, and your word is law.

Made by the same people as Avernum. Check their catelog on the right side for what all they have on GOG.

https://www.gog.com/en/game/avadon_the_black_fortress

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Eschalon: Book I is a role-playing game game designed from the ground up to offer an experience not unlike the classics of the RPG genre. You'll venture through massive outdoor environments and delve deep into sprawling dungeons as you seek to uncover the mystery of who, or what, you really are.

This title was developed with the classic role-playing fans in mind. It sports an old-school feel, isometric graphics, large open-ended world, and classic cRPG gameplay mechanics, just to fit perfectly with your idea of how a computer role-playing game should be like.

Eschalon: Book I is a turn-based, single-player RPG that's carefully designed to feel like the great old school RPGs of the past such as Ultima or Might & Magic.

Choose from 24 unique skills to make the character you want and 8 base attributes that affect your character’s every action throughout the game.

A combination of randomly generated treasure and carefully hidden goodies means that no two games will play the exact same way.

It's free on GOG and has 2 more in the series here.

https://www.gog.com/en/game/eschalon_book_i

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Shadowrun: Dragonfall - Director’s Cut Features:

A Classic, Story-Driven cRPG: See why PC Gamer hailed Dragonfall as “one of the most memorable and complex RPG stories of the decade.” Dragonfall hearkens back to the golden age of computer RPG’s with a novel-like branching narrative full of sharp prose and deep character development. Immerse yourself in a smart, 20+ hour campaign with a diverse cast of all-too-human characters.

A One-of-a-Kind Cyberpunk Setting: Experience the unique “Tech meets Magic” dystopian future of Shadowrun, a fan-favorite game setting now celebrating it’s 25th anniversary. Shadowrun: Dragonfall - Director’s Cut is the perfect entry point to the setting for those with no prior Shadowrun experience, while providing plenty of classic Shadowrun characters and tech for veteran players to sink their teeth into.

Gripping, Turn-Based Tactical Combat: When you’re running the shadows, every turn matters. Choose your actions wisely - move to better cover, charge into melee, or lob a fireball into a crowd of enemies. With over 200 weapons and spells at your disposal, every turn is filled with meaningful choices.

https://www.gog.com/en/game/shadowrun_dragonfall_directors_cut

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Underrail is an old school isometric turn-based RPG set in a distant future, when the life on the Earth’s surface has long since been made impossible and the remnants of humanity now dwell in the Underrail, a vast system of metro station-states that, it seems, are the last bastions of a fading race.

The player takes control of one of the denizens of such a station-state whose life is about to become all that much more interesting and dangerous, as our protagonist is caught midst the conflicting factions of Underrail as they violently struggle to survive in the harsh underground environment.

Turn-based combat - Open-world exploration - Extensive character customization

https://www.gog.com/en/game/underrail

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I highly recommend giving Caves of Lore a try. It's a one-man project and the developer is very dedicated to his game, plus very friendly and open to player feedback, which helped him polish and refine it. Combat is turn-based with very enjoyable mechanics, the game feels oldschool and modern at the same time, and offers quite a lot of playtime for such a low price.

Okay, what about Tangledeep? It's turn-based both inside and outside combat.