Developer/Publisher: Digital
Tome
Reviewed by Luna_Cee
on 9/18/01
Article
Discussion Forum
First
Impressions:
Digital
Tome's unique approach to game packaging and distribution makes
Siege of Avalon a risk-free way to explore the RPG genre.
Released in six chapters, players can experience the first installment
free of charge and then "pay for play" to download the remaining
five episodes. As an alternative for those who are "bandwidth-challenged,"
Siege will also be released in a retail package that includes
all chapters on a CD-ROM.
The story opens as you enter the Avalon citadel in search of your brother. You soon become immersed in the battle
to save Avalon and agree to take on a series of assignments for
"the good of the cause." It is not long before you realize that
the citadel is a large place with a host of characters. Since most
conversations provide important information, the wise gamer will
take time to explore and speak to as many residents as possible.
Siege chapters build on each other, with the first providing
a general introduction to the history of the conflict and a chance
to map the landscape. The second chapter introduces party logistics
by allowing you to choose a companion to share your adventures.
Chapters 4, 5, and 6 are expansion chapters (i.e., not central
to the main story line) that focus on the skills of the fighter,
scout, and mage, respectively. Although these are deemed "optional,"
without the experience gained by playing them, your chances of
surviving the end game are less than that of the proverbial snowball
in a hot spot.
Graphics:
As
an isometric, traditional medieval CRPG, Siege of Avalon
is well done with an emphasis on visuals. The characters and scenery
are small but very detailed and those new to the genre should quickly
orient to the overhead point of view. As the story progresses, your
experiences are chronicled in an illustrated journal that reinforces
Digital Tome's concept of Siege as an "episodic computer
game novel."
The "paper doll" interface for inventory management is highly
effective, and your character will appear dressed just as you
have directed. Unlike adventure heroes with infinite storage in
their pockets, you are limited as to what you can carry or wear
in Siege. Thus, the player must manage inventory and sell
or drop items when he or she reaches capacity.
Sound/Music:
In
an interesting design decision, the makers of Siege of Avalon
decided not to include any character voice-overs. The advantage
is that the game can easily be translated into alternate languages.
The disadvantage (for some) is that you are going to do a lot
of reading. The sound track consists of classical-style music
with various ambient sound effects (doors closing, chains clanking,
etc.). After a few dozen hours, players may find that the music
becomes monotonous, and are apt to find themselves turning off
the sound to enjoy the quiet.
Gameplay:
Siege
is a standard single-player CRPG. You begin with a novice character
and build skills and attributes by killing enemies, completing quests,
and running errands. You apply experience points to traits such
as strength, coordination, constitution, mysticism, stealth, etc.
You can also purchase training packs of combined skills from experts
that you encounter.
The one area that Siege is sorely lacking in is the party
A.I. For most of the game, you are allowed to choose two companions
to accompany you on your travels. Although you can make some changes
in their clothing and equipment, you have no control over their
level development. In general, you lead and they follow, a management
style that is not effective in every combat situation. Digital
Tome has indicated that they are working to improve this feature
in future titles.
In terms of geography, Avalon is huge. In addition to the citadel, there
are caves beneath the castle and a large village area outside
the walls. Initially, plan to do a lot of walking to traverse
the landscape and get the lay of the land. As you explore each
section, an on-screen map is completed to aid you in future visits.
While the maps are highly effective for the zone you are exploring,
there is no global point of view outside of the castle and it
is easy to become disoriented.
Enjoyment:
For
those new to RPGs, Siege of Avalon may offer a delightful
introductory experience. It steps away from the complexity of
a game based on AD&D rules and removes the confusion of learning
how to simultaneously control multiple members of a party. For
the veteran gamer, however, Siege may not offer enough
challenge to hold one's interest. While it has an interesting
and well developed back story, it lacks the depth of a Planescape:
Torment or Baldur's
Gate.
Multiplayer:
N/A
Overall
Impression:
Siege
of Avalon is an enjoyable entry point into the RPG genre.
For those who do not mind a lot of reading, it provides many hours
of interactive entertainment. The episodic delivery is a nice
feature, as it allows you to go only as far into the Avalon story
as you choose. It will be interesting to see if Digital Tome can
expand their concept of episodic gaming beyond the traditional
"men in tights" scenario.
Marketing
Efforts Towards Women:
The
main character is predetermined to be a man. Women show up as
supporting characters, and it is refreshing to see that all are
fully clothed and true to their roles. Digital Tome has indicated
that gender selection may be incorporated into their next effort.
Additional Links:
Official
Siege of Avalon site with FAQs and user forums
|
