Hey guys. The new Avernum game from Spiderweb Software finally has a Windows version of a demo released.

[url=ftp://ftp.spiderwebsoftware.com/win/AvernumDemo.exe]ftp://ftp.spiderwebsoftware.com/win/AvernumDemo.exe[/url]

Enjoy.

Been playing it for a review, and I must say it's pretty great. It's a bit like Avadon in terms of mechanics, but there's a bit of Fallout DNA in there.

Thank goodness Spider do proper character portraits now, those cartoonish abominations in the other Avernum titles almost make the games unplayable in my opinion.

I am going to try and see if this will run on my netbook. god knows I can't get Genforge 5 to run even though I think I meet the requirements.

Yeah, those character potraits were atrocious. Did you see the ones in Nethergate? Looks like they were wearing pajama bottoms :D.

I tried it out. I'm not big on the Spiderweb games, though I do like Avadon quite a bit.

I like how with each game he's making them a little more accessible and pleasing. I know someone will pish-posh on that, but I like having things like notifications of important buildings on the minimap personally. Graphics and sound are as you'd expect but the presentation was overall improved.

One thing I noticed, and maybe this was in other games (I've only ever watched Geneforge 1 footage, played Avernum 5 & Avadon), but when I left the fort the camera significantly zoomed out so I guess the playing field is respective to the size of the location?

I could see myself picking it up, but I doubt I will for $20. Not that it isn't worth it, but I find their games to be more situational. If the price was a little lower it'd probably be a for sure impulse buy even if I didn't play it immediately.

Oh, sorry for the off topic, but if you like turn-based fantasy I'd recommend Conquest of Elysium 3, it's strategy but it's role-play part is still strong. It's on Gamersgate too

It's actually sort of a world map grid based thing. When you leave an area the game zooms out to a much larger scale, but zooms back in for a random encounter or if you find a new area. That's one of the Fallout-like influences I kind of noticed.

As an avid Avernum 1-3 fanboy I really do hope Jeff didn't screw it up. Downloading.

I'm sceptical and grumpy because I care. <3

Interesting he still contiue with his pricing.

On GG it is &pound;9.95 ~ $15.80, and buying it directly from him is $20.00. GG version is also apparently is DRM free.

I know he has discussed his pricing strategy before, but to me it still do not make much sense.

The game does run on a netbook but it uses a 1024x600 resolution so some of the on-screen menus can sort of get in their own way just a tad. The game hasn't crashed on me but after I went out of Fort Avernum I couldn't use my mouse to tell the party where to go. I could make menu choices and click on things but I couldn't click on the ground anymore to get the party yo move again.

This is odd how I can't get the Geneforge 5 demo to run but this game runs. At least I know I can run this game:D.

It's out on GG now and is hitting Steam this morning. Hopefully Grimrock doesn't steal all its' old school RPG thunder.

After playing Avadon I'm pretty interested in trying Avernum. But I'm not sure if I should go with the original games or play the remakes as they come out. Maybe I'll go ahead and play the Geneforge saga while I make up my mind.

Thanks for the update, I downloaded it as soon as I saw it, Spiderweb's my favorite indie RPG makers since the Exile days, still kinda wish they'd stick with the new, this is the 2nd remake of Exile. They really must like the idea.

It's out now. It's still that weird situation of $20 on Spiderweb's site, $10 on Steam (actually $8 since it launched on sale).

Some of the stuff I've been reading about the game is that it's kind of in between the styles of the old SW games and Avadon, which sounds good to me.

On GamersGate it's selling for $7.96. With the IGN discount that's $6.77.

Instant purchase for that.