Avernum 2: Crystal Souls
| Avernum 2: Crystal Souls | |
|---|---|
 Logo for Avernum 2: Crystal Souls | |
| Developer(s) | Spiderweb Software |
| Publisher(s) | |
| Platform(s) | |
| Release |
|
| Genre(s) | Role-playing |
| Mode(s) | Single-player |
Avernum 2: Crystal Souls is a role-playing video game developed by Spiderweb Software. It is the second game in the Avernum trilogy. The game was released for OS X and Microsoft Windows in January 2015,[1] The iPad version was released on the App Store on April 15, 2015.[2]
Setting
[edit]The Avernum series is based in Avernum, a subterranean nation. The surface is ruled by the Empire, who exiles anyone to Avernum who speaks out, misbehaves, or does not fit in. When someone from Avenum assassinates the cruel Emperor, the Empire take revenge by invading Avernum. At the same time, magical barriers appear and block both sides from access to various cities.[3] The story is a standalone but builds on the previous game's story.[4]
Gameplay
[edit]
Avernum 2: Crystal Souls is a single-player role-playing video game. The player controls a group of up to four adventurers, each of whom can be customized via a skill tree.[5] It features an open world that players can explore and many side quests.[3] Combat is turn-based and tactical.[6]
Development
[edit]The game is a remake of Avernum 2, which was itself a remake of Exile 2.[7] Jeff Vogel, who programmed and designed the game, updated the quests, dialogue, and dungeons. In some cases, he said he completely rewrote them or added new options.[8]
Reception
[edit]| Aggregator | Score |
|---|---|
| Metacritic | 78/100[9] |
| Publication | Score |
|---|---|
| RPGamer |    [6] |
| TouchArcade | (iOS) [3] |
| Digitally Downloaded | [5] |
Avernum 2 received "generally favorable" reviews, according to review aggregator Metacritic.[9] RPGamer said the game would not appeal to a mainstream audience, but they praised the worldbuilding and amount of content.[6] Though also acknowledging the game's niche appeal, Digitally Downloaded praised the game's story and exploration.[5] TouchArcade called it "a classic experience that is rarely seen in today’s modern RPGs" and said that the iPad version has a better control scheme than the PC version.[3]
References
[edit]- ^ O'Connor, Alice (2015-01-14). "Ye Olde Roleplaying - Avernum 2: Crystal Souls Released". Rock Paper Shotgun. Retrieved 2023-04-06.
- ^ "Avernum 2: Crystal Souls HD". TouchArcade. Retrieved 2023-04-06.
- ^ a b c d Ford, Eric (15 July 2015). "Avernum 2: Crystal Souls Review – The Empire Strikes Back". TouchArcade. Retrieved 16 January 2022.
- ^ Sykes, Tom (2014-09-04). "Avernum 2: Crystal Souls announced". PC Gamer. Retrieved 2023-04-06.
- ^ a b c H., Nick (2015-02-05). "Review: Avernum 2: Crystal Souls (PC)". Retrieved 2023-04-06.
- ^ a b c Moehnke, Mike (10 May 2015). "Avernum 2: Crystal Souls Review". RPGamer. Retrieved 15 January 2022.
- ^ Bell, Alice (2015-01-14). "Ye Olde Roleplaying - Avernum 2: Crystal Souls Released". Rock Paper Shotgun. Retrieved 2023-04-06.
- ^ A., Jonathan (2015-01-14). "Avernum 2: Crystal Souls Q&A With Jeff Vogel". thevideogamebacklog.com. Retrieved 2023-04-06.
- ^ a b "Avernum 2: Crystal Souls for PC Reviews". Metacritic. CBS Interactive. Retrieved January 16, 2022.