Avernum: Escape From the Pit

From indie developers Spiderweb Software comes Avernum: Escape From the Pit, a turn-based strategy RPG game set in a curious and hostile fantasy world. Technically the eighth title in the Avernum series, the game is available for Mac and Windows OS as well as Android and iOS devices. Check it out on Steam!

not to be confused with sword of the stars: escape from the pit

This game has a companion hint book (sold separately of course). When's the last time you bought a guide for a game?

Released back in late 2011, Escape From the Pit is the reworked version of the Avernum games that came before it. The game was given a new engine and brushed up graphics while still emulating the 1990s fantasy RPG game feeling. I picked up Escape From the Pit on Steam while the game was on sale (only $2!) a couple weeks back with the promise of an "epic fantasy adventure in an enormous underground world," and man did the game deliver.

Avernum: Escape From the Pit has you taking control of four best friends that decided to party up after being thrown in jail by some cops. For crimes unknown committed against the empire on the surface, your crew gets thrown through a portal into a vast underground cave system full of all kinds of monsters. Over time, as more people were flung into the caves, towns and cities began to form. Factions took hold and people try their best to live in the dark, dank caves of Avernum. Buckle down, there's no escape. Or that's what people tell you ("Escape" From the Pit). But don't worry; that's not the only route you can take!

huge overworld (click to enlarge)

What I love the most about the game is the setting. Avernum seems like a character itself as you slowly explore the various hospitable and hostile environments found within. Townspeople and bar keepers will tell you about the various things they do to survive in the caves (domesticated lizards, cave cows, mushroom bread, just to name a few things). For a dark and sinister world, I was surprised at just how overcoming the citizens of Avernum were in a seemingly hopeless situation. The attention to detail in the writing provides Avernum with great amounts of characterization and development. You'll visit various locations, talk to different people and creatures, learn about assorted cultures, and in general be immersed into this oddity of a world.

The gameplay is mostly elements of classical RPG elements and this game does it justice. You have your traditional RPG attributes (STR, END, DEX, INT) and skill trees. There are individual skills and party skills that combine the abilities of all four party members. These skills are very nice utility skills such as First Aid, Tools Use, and Luck. Skills are purchased and upgraded in towns. Sometimes, you might come across a spell tome in the world and that can also upgrade your skills. The game is full of secret areas and hidden paths, most not too difficult to find. The game rewards exploration and let me tell you: in Avernum, everything counts. Especially in boss fights. 

for your sake, loot everything

One of the more difficult obstacles I encountered in the game was actually knowing what my characters can do and keeping all those skills in the back of my mind. There were many instances where I said to myself "Oh, I could've done that instead and made that fight ten times easier." I tend to hoard many items and potions (especially on a first run through a game), but just realizing the many options you have during a fight are crucial.

In retrospect, I'm surprised at how easy the game was to pick up, mechanics wise. For bonus points, you can play without your mouse and go full keyboard only for the true NetHack experience. I thought that there would be various hotkeys and menus but in reality the system is fairly streamlined save for some interface issues that I feel could've been changed (during combat when lots of enemies are around you, it can be difficult to click on the enemy or tile you want). Also, let me warn you right now: there will be downright bullshit moments first time running through the game. The game offers you the opportunity to save anytime after combat and is generous in its autosaves, so use what you learn.

this part right here

Avernum: Escape From the Pit was a nice palate cleanser. I'm only 18 hours into my first run but no where close to finishing. If you enjoyed experiences like Skyrim or Mass Effect but wished the game was a bit more strategic or if you just yearn for the old Fallout and Fallout 2-esque play, this game is right for you. There is a great deal of content for a great price. The game is $20 from the developer website, but $10 on Steam. If you're interested in looking at the Avernum saga that came before this title, GoG has the entire saga, DRM free, for only $5. 

In the event that you do need some hints, this is a brief guide to Avernum that I found helpful in figuring out the small intricate nuances that sometimes appear in the game.

Avernum: Escape From the Pit- it's great, it's cheap, be sure to take a look at it if you can!