Avernum 4: Greed and Glory - Review

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Digitally Downloaded reviewed Avernum 4: Greed and Glory:

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Review: Avernum 4: Greed and Glory (PC)

Sometimes all you need is a good story.

Jeff Vogel is a legend. It's not because he's produced a game that has sold a billion copies. The likes of EA, Microsoft and others haven't come sniffing for his company, Spiderweb Software, like they did for Bioware, Obsidian and others. He's a legend for another reason: For decades now, he's been able to carve out and maintain his niche as a largely one-man band. He's a survivor of the video game indie space, and that is something truly admirable. It's a tough space out there. And now he's back with a remake of one of his more loved titles, Avernum 4.

We're used to remakes and remasters bringing a graphical update to the original, but to be upfront: That's not the case with Avernum 4. Graphics - which are expensive to produce (particularly for epic-length RPGs) have never been Vogel's strong suit, and Avernum 4: Greed and Glory looks no different to the rest of SpiderWeb's games. Without sugar-coating it, these aesthetics are primitive and limited, and the mainstream audience would look at the game running in bemusement. I myself can't help but wonder what an HD-2D like engine remaster might do to the personality of any of Vogel's games, including Avernum. I do feel like the aesthetics put something of a wall between the game and player - they're so dry and functional that the games become an almost academic experience.

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I realise that Avernum, and Spiderweb Software's work in general, is a tough sell. One look at the screenshots and it's far too easy to file this one away as something too niche for its good. But I'll tell you this: Any time I've convinced someone to actually play a Spiderweb Software game, they've gone on to play at least a few more. Jeff Vogel has been a great survivor in indie development for a reason. If you like your RPGs, give Avernum 4 a go. Trust me.

Score: 4.5/5