Wednesday, July 27, 2011

Announced ... Avernum: Escape From the Pit


This blog has been sadly neglected lately, due to a combination of vacations and a frenzied effort to get our newest game to a point where we could officially announce it. But that day has arrived. Drop by our web site and take a look at Avernum: Escape From the Pit!

This is the second time that we have rewritten the Exile/Avernum trilogy, a move that is full of all sorts of questionable integrity. I am very nervous about announcing this title for exactly that reason, even though we have very, VERY good reasons to do a serious, polished rewrite of this game. Because Avernum has such a large and passionate fanbase, we have already put up an Avernum: Escape From the Pit FAQ to answer many of the questions that will be coming up. Such as, Why?

Short answer: Because the old version doesn't run on new machines anymore. Also, the iPad.

Longer answer. Look at this screenshot from Avernum:



Ghhhhahhhhh! Make it go away! Make it go AWAYYYYYYYY!

I mean, seriously.

We've been very determined not to half-ass this adaptation, and, when all is said and done, we will have put almost as much time into it as into a whole new game. It's been a little rough, and yet, I don't see how I had a choice. The first Avernum trilogy is my first creation and still one of my most beloved, and if we didn't rewrite it then it would have just disappeared. I can't abide that.

Other terrifying decisions. For the first time ever, we will be selling a new title for $20. When we released our first game, wayyyy back in 1995, we charged $25. At the time, that was a fair and unsurprising price for a shareware game. These days, the constant downward pressure on prices can no longer be ignored. Also, the market is developing in ways that finally make me think that we can make more money at lower prices.

I now hope to return to a sensible and semi-regular blogging schedule. For example, soon I will write a sort of review of LA Noire. Before I can write it, I want to see if the game ever has a murder victim that isn't naked.
at

67 comments:

  1. ClJuly 28, 2011 at 1:17 AM

    Awesome! Can't wait for this to be released. Looks great, and I like how the traits system looks.

    ReplyDelete
  2. ViridianJuly 28, 2011 at 2:34 AM

    That is a nice new logo.

    Oh, and game! Yes, game good.

    ReplyDelete
  3. phenomenosJuly 28, 2011 at 4:15 AM

    I cannot describe how happy I am to see the return of the "overworld" style map. I've been playing Avernum 6 and the world just feels... small. It's lost the sense of scale the earlier games had.

    Can't wait for release!

    ReplyDelete
  4. HavardJuly 28, 2011 at 8:26 AM

    As someone that purchased, played and enjoyed all the Exile and Avernum games, I'm looking forward to playing it again.

    ReplyDelete
  5. Joshua L. LyleJuly 28, 2011 at 8:28 AM

    Super, super excited. Will probably buy two copies, one for me and one for a friend I hope to convert.

    ReplyDelete
  6. AnthonyJuly 28, 2011 at 9:37 AM

    Since I've played both the Exile and Avernum versions, I'm pretty sure that I can manage to wait until the iPad release. Pretty sure.

    ReplyDelete
  7. ericJuly 28, 2011 at 9:58 AM

    Looking really good Jeff!! I cant wait to get my hands on this..:) I've been really looking forwards to the remake of the first trilogy, cant wait to see what they're like..

    ReplyDelete
  8. WalkerJuly 28, 2011 at 10:05 AM

    iPad is a good reason to get this even though I have Exile and Avernum.

    ReplyDelete
  9. Jeff VogelJuly 28, 2011 at 11:12 AM

    @phenomenos: Putting that back in ended up being a ton of work, but I stuck with it because I knew it would make a lot of people very happy.

    - Jeff Vogel

    ReplyDelete
  10. AnonymousJuly 28, 2011 at 12:21 PM

    Hey Jeff, regarding pricing...have you had a look at this article http://allthingsd.com/20110725/study-says-five-percent-of-mobile-gamers-are-willing-to-spend-more-than-50/ ?

    Don't give up on having your products reasonably priced.

    ReplyDelete
  11. DannyboyO1July 28, 2011 at 3:40 PM

    I'd noticed the update by way of facebook before checking the blog. I read the new page and mentally summarized. And find the exact wording of my thoughts listed under "short story".

    Granted, my first thoughts were "Are you crazy? Again?" but the arguments were obvious even to me.

    Besides, Nintendo has been making the same Zelda game for my entire life. I'm still looking forwards to the next one.

    ReplyDelete
  12. AdamJuly 28, 2011 at 4:09 PM

    Hey Jeff,

    As a long-time fan of the Exile series (played your Mac demos when I was but a wee lad of, gosh, probably nine or ten), I am SO glad I've found you again, just in time for a re-creation of one of my favorites. Just wanted to wish you good luck and let you know how much I appreciate your art!

    ReplyDelete
  13. Lord BobJuly 28, 2011 at 4:31 PM

    Fort Avernum! It's like saying hello to an old friend.

    ReplyDelete
  14. GregJuly 28, 2011 at 7:57 PM

    Never actually played through this one -- did the Exile demo back in college and liked it, but I was too poor to buy it and too lazy to pirate it. Looking forward to trying the modernized version. But I'm kinda with Oscar on pricing -- I'd have payed $25 for it. Or $30. Heck, I'd probably have paid $35 or $40. I'd have started to feel ripped off at that point... but not ripped off enough not to buy it. Not that I object to paying less, of course, if it works out for you. But I want to keep on buying your games for years to come; don't price yourself out of business.

    ReplyDelete
  15. JohnJuly 28, 2011 at 8:51 PM

    I’ve played the Avernum games since I discovered the demo of A Ruined World on a CD, included with a magazine I’ve long since stopped reading. I loved exploring the surface and desperately wished to see Avernum itself. I was elated to discover Avernum 1 and 2 let me do just that.

    It was a magical experience.

    And now, it seems I’ll be able to do it all over again.

    Thank you for this Jeff.

    You have my money the second I can give it to you.

    (Oh and +1 for phenomenos' comment)

    ReplyDelete
  16. Jeff VogelJuly 28, 2011 at 11:43 PM

    @DannyBoy: Believe me, there is not a lot of fulfillment in rewiting this game AGAIN. But the reasons are solid and the alternative is worse, so ...

    - Jeff Vogel

    ReplyDelete
  17. AnonymousJuly 29, 2011 at 6:57 AM

    Hi.

    What can u say 'bout walking animation?

    ReplyDelete
  18. Nate H.July 29, 2011 at 9:48 AM

    Yeah! Another game to review! Thanks Jeff!

    ReplyDelete
  19. Jeff VogelJuly 29, 2011 at 12:43 PM

    @blhl: All movement will be animated. There will be an option in settings to turn that off.

    - Jeff Vogel

    ReplyDelete
  20. AnonymousJuly 29, 2011 at 11:06 PM

    This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.

    ReplyDelete
  21. ArcadorJuly 29, 2011 at 11:55 PM

    Awesome! :D
    (not to mention the ability to play only by mouse on the keypadless laptops)

    If the sales go well I hope to see the other two exiles/avernums following!

    ReplyDelete
  22. AnonymousJuly 30, 2011 at 5:36 AM

    Ha! I'm looking forward to seeing the Tower of Magi again, as I'm sure you're looking forward to designing it again.

    ReplyDelete
  23. VerilazicJuly 31, 2011 at 12:51 AM

    Hah! You think that screenshot hurts people's eyes? What about a screenshot of Exile before the graphics got redone? I remember the first time I saw that game, I thought it was the coolest thing ever.

    More importantly, a question: Any way you could see going back to a 6-man party, like in the Exile series? Pretty please? I was sad when I had to trim two of my characters from my favorite party in Exile III.

    Either way, I'm very excited about this. The more you can add to the world, the better!

    ReplyDelete
  24. Josh DH0July 31, 2011 at 1:30 AM

    My main concern is not the presence of a walking animation, but the presence of an option for classic directional walking. I dislike having to click on a target and wait for them to arrive and attempt to go around obstacles. I prefer to just be able to hold my mouse button down while the pointer is south of The Party and The communist Party will move south until you let go of the button or move the cursor to the East or something. You can slide the mouse around to change direction, whereas you must press a different key on the keyboard when you cannot use the mouse the old fashioned way.
    However, still, the new remake of thy games exciteth me greatly! I found thine earlier games very enjoyable! Thou hast created some games most leet.
    In the Soyuz Sovyetskix Sotsialistichyekix Respublik, The Party controlleth THEE!

    ReplyDelete
  25. AnonymousJuly 31, 2011 at 3:23 AM

    Ok, Jeff. Your games look like crap. They always looked like crap(except maybe exile, which was on par of other games of it's time, but that was long ago).

    Your fans don't play Your games because they look good. They like it because story is good, or gameplay is fun to play. I'd even say that I prefered Avernum-style graphics, because it was more abstract and I could compensate stuff with my imagination. I also prefered when I could control my characters with numpad, using mouse is far more tedious.

    But hey, good luck.

    ReplyDelete
  26. AnonymousJuly 31, 2011 at 8:02 PM

    This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.

    ReplyDelete
  27. malikJuly 31, 2011 at 11:39 PM

    This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.

    ReplyDelete
  28. zamzummimAugust 1, 2011 at 7:30 PM

    Just to make sure... The GIFTS are still there, right?

    Also, if I buy a disc version of the game my mate can play it on his PC, right? I'm too possessive of my MacBook Pro to let him play on my compy...

    ReplyDelete
  29. Innocent BystanderAugust 1, 2011 at 7:50 PM

    Jeff,

    As someone who's spent probably weeks underground when you add up all the hours playing/replaying from E2 on I do have one small request. Can we get a journal that we can actually take notes in? It hit me again today as I was trying to take a new character through Avadon that a journal that I could make notes in would be incredibly useful.

    Being able to save conversations or descriptions of an event is useful for reviewing things later on in the game. However what I'd really like to do is make a note (in the game, yes I know I could open up a notepad on the computer or find a scrap of paper) that would remind me later that the blacksmith in Cotra has a trapped chest that I'm not good enough to open yet.

    In my initial run through an area I explore everything that I can. Passing through later though I'm not checking every chest, barrel, etc again as that is just too tedious. Being able to write a note in a section that is automatically labeled Cotra Blacksmith (or wherever I'm standing) that his chest currently would turn my guys into a fine pink mist but is certainly worth a return visit after getting more skilled at picking locks.

    Thanks. I'm looking forward to some updated spelunking....

    ReplyDelete
  30. VerilazicAugust 1, 2011 at 10:23 PM

    Ever thought of trying to write more than one of the Avernum stories together into one game? I imagine that might be way more complicated and involved than it'd be worth, but it'd be interesting to kill Hawthorne and then watch the Empire invade, and help to fight back.

    You'd probably have to change the story a lot, but it'd sure be fun and interesting to have everything merged together. And would totally justify charging more rather than less than what you usually do, imho.

    ReplyDelete
  31. CarlosAugust 2, 2011 at 12:46 AM

    Hi Jeff!

    I think remaking Exile/Avernum is a great idea! Please, let me take the liberty of giving you some suggestions:

    In a way I preferred Exile series to Avernum series for a very simple reason: graphics. As someone mentioned earlier, in Exile the player filled more holes with their imagination, made the game and the world its own and had a more special experience.

    I specially disliked the character graphics in the Avernum series, they felt flat and childish, and there wasn't a wide range to choose from.

    I suggest two options about character graphics:

    1-Go back to a (even) more simple style, were the imagination of the player can make the characters their own. It would be great if the pic of the characters changed depending on the equipped items. I know this would be a lot of work, but you could make it easier if the portraits were just "shadows". (I always wonder "Why is my heavily armored Slith always showing his tits on his portrait?").

    If the character portrait evolves as the stats and equipment do (even in a very slight way) the player would feel more rewarded and would have a sense of accomplishment).

    2- Make the portrait of the characters customizable (hair/fur/skin/eyes color, build, etc.) I know it sounds silly and is probably a lot of work, but this way the player would be able to feel the character it's own and identify more with him/her.

    (from Exile 3, I always play with a similar party, and they hve their own personality and story).

    Just being able to choose the clothes colour in the character graphics would be great!


    Anyway, congrats for your work, and keep doing what you know it works ^^

    ReplyDelete
  32. ducklessAugust 2, 2011 at 4:46 AM

    This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.

    ReplyDelete
  33. DaveAugust 2, 2011 at 9:38 AM

    I have an important question jeff if you have to time to hear me out. I really love the geneforge series because its the one experience ive played where flying solo character is possible and enjoyable. My question to you is this-Ive played and bought avernum 4 and avernum 5. I tried to solo them, but they lack the ability to actually have an enjoyable time. Will your new avernum game have more of an avadon feel to it when it comes to dealing with swarms and going solo. I hope it does. If so, that'd be great for oldschool baldurs gate fans like myself who are better without a party. Thanks in advance if you can get around to answering my question.

    -Dave

    ReplyDelete
  34. Happy walkerAugust 2, 2011 at 10:40 AM

    This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.

    ReplyDelete
  35. Person thingAugust 2, 2011 at 9:02 PM

    So so so exciting. I think the only thing I'm a little sad about is the new traits/skills system. Part of what made the old one not so great also made it campy and fun (I remember winning fights in the original game by casting walls of barriers around tough foes).

    I cannot wait to play it on my new computer. Seriously, the one thing missing was exile. You have no idea how delighted I am about this revamp (except for all the emails I sent pestering you about revamping it with the new engine).

    Thank you for all the effort you put into it. I'll be buying it as soon as it's out.

    ReplyDelete
  36. AnonymousOctober 12, 2011 at 10:00 PM

    very nice and beautiful.
    There is Metrogel at cheap rates from online pharmacy with secure deal.

    ReplyDelete
  37. CalaJanuary 9, 2012 at 7:08 AM

    Excellent review, Im also waiting for the game.
    viagra online

    ReplyDelete
  38. fassJanuary 11, 2012 at 3:05 AM

    green bay packers jerseys
    I like this post it is very good and informative. I am sure
    Aaron Kampman Jersey
    Aaron Rodgers Jersey
    AJ Hawk Jersey
    Al Harris Jersey
    Bart Starr Jersey
    BJ Raji Jersey
    Brandon Jackson Jersey a
    Brett Favre Jersey
    Charles Woodson Jersey
    Clay Matthews Jersey
    Donald Driver Jersey
    Greg Jennings Jersey
    Jermichael Finley Jersey
    Paul Hornung Jersey
    Ray Nitschke Jersey
    Reggie Jersey
    Reggie White Jersey
    Ryan Grant Jersey
    William Henderson Jersey
    Welcome come to Jersey

    ReplyDelete
  39. Van HelsFebruary 7, 2012 at 1:37 AM

    Very much thanks for this information, I actually invite you to www.teaspoontotablespoon.com site with incredibly fine stuff to glance at,
    Fiona

    ReplyDelete
  40. UnknownJuly 26, 2012 at 4:25 AM

    Love this game thanks Jeff for a great work.

    ReplyDelete
  41. dteMay 13, 2013 at 1:22 AM

    Behind every successful man.there is a woman, and behind every unsuccessful man, there are two IMVU Credits, IMVU Credit I don't want to be someone that you're settling for, I don't want to be someone that anyone settles for IMVU Credits.

    I know someone in the world is waiting for me, although I've no idea of who he is. But I feel happy every day for this 4story Gold, If a woman is not sexy, she needs emotion; if she is not emotional, she needs reason 4story Luna, in this world, only those men who really feel happy can give women happiness 4story Gold.

    ReplyDelete
  42. UnknownNovember 23, 2014 at 2:50 AM

    Bags Louis Vuitton, Cheap Louis Vuitton Handbags, cheap nike free, ugg soldes, uggs outlet, wholesale jordan shoes, cheap nike shoes, cheap jordan shoes, Cheap LV Handbags, ugg australia, wholesale jordan shoes for sale, cheap jordans, ugg pas cher, uggs on sale, ugg boots, jordan shoes for cheap, Cheap jordans, cheap nike air max, Discount LV Handbags, cheap nike free run, wholesale jordan shoes, discount nike jordans, cheap jordan, ugg, nike free, cheap nike jordan shoes, Discount Louis Vuitton, Cheap Nike jordan shoes, cheap jordans, air jordan shoes

    ReplyDelete
  43. Ariana RichardoDecember 19, 2014 at 12:59 AM

    This web site is really a walk-through for all of the info you wanted about this and didn’t know who to ask. Glimpse here, and you’ll definitely discover it…. Ford Makassar

    ReplyDelete
  44. UnknownJanuary 15, 2015 at 11:24 PM

    You may post on the professional credentials for the blog owner. You could express it's outstanding. Your blog experience can springboard your click through. Travel Holiday

    ReplyDelete
  45. UnknownJanuary 30, 2015 at 7:19 PM

    I agree with you. This post is truly inspiring. I like your post and everything you share with us is current and very informative, I want to bookmark the page so I can return here from you that you have done a fantastic job. Midsummer Day

    ReplyDelete
  46. Ian SheardMay 22, 2015 at 2:43 AM

    Its a great pleasure reading your post.Its full of information I am looking for and I love to post a comment that "The content of your post is awesome" Great work Liga Jerman

    ReplyDelete
  47. UnknownAugust 25, 2015 at 12:52 AM

    Perfect transaction from a 5 star seller all the way, love the shoe, thanks!
    Jerry Allen Travel Jets |

    Wall of Death World Tour |

    Tour by Student |

    Kermiton Tour |

    S Tour Financial |

    Fab 4 Tours |

    Travel Odgeau Burn |

    South Tyrol Travels |

    Resident Technologies |

    Monitor any Computer |

    ReplyDelete
  48. UnknownAugust 25, 2015 at 4:06 AM

    So what does this mean for the future of Rails dev? gw2 gold Does DHH need to find a new gig?
    Clu Coffee Food |

    Foodie Fruit Garden |

    Fruit Foodie |

    Fruit Ful Foodie |

    Prescott Sea Food |

    Cobalt Fish Food |

    Food Lovers Miami |

    Attardco Food Stuffs |

    Saman Food |

    Food Managemet |

    ReplyDelete
  49. UnknownAugust 25, 2015 at 11:05 PM

    Today is Violet Folklore’s 5th anniversary! It was on September 19th, 2008 that Sasha and I, after weeks of talking about how we’d work it all out, plunged forward and set up our Etsy account. We had met at a local herb class the previous year; I remember noticing Sasha right away on the first
    Wing Walk Wedding |

    Simply Wedding |

    Wedding Connection |

    Falls Wedding |

    Wedding Guest Dress |

    U Wedding |

    Albany Wedding |

    Star Light Wedding |

    ReplyDelete
  50. call andyOctober 16, 2018 at 12:37 PM

    Pune escorts
    Pune escort
    Pune Call Girls
    Call Girls in Pune
    Call Girl in Pune
    Chandigarh escorts
    Chandigarh escort
    Dehradun escorts
    Hyderabad escorts

    ReplyDelete
  51. HillNovember 25, 2018 at 4:29 PM

    I do agree with all the ideas you’ve offered to your post. They are very convincing and will definitely work. Still, the posts are very short for starters. May you please prolong them a little from subsequent time? Thanks for the post.
    free slots online

    ReplyDelete
  52. prediksianggota4dMarch 9, 2019 at 1:08 PM

    Thank you, honestly this article is very helpful. Once again, thank you

    pengeluarantogeltoday
    adalah Situs Game togel online terbesar dan terpercaya di Indonesia. Situs kami menyediakan berbagai pasaran togel seperti

    togel hongkong
    togel online
    togel singapore

    HKpools
    Situs Togel Terpercaya
    Nonton Anime Sub Indo
    Download Anime Sub Indo

    Anime

    ReplyDelete
  53. Robert HowardJune 10, 2019 at 9:52 PM

    Aw, this was a really nice post. In idea I would like to put in writing like this additionally – taking time and actual effort to make a very good article… but what can I say… I procrastinate alot and by no means seem to get something done.

    Slides.com
    Website
    Information

    ReplyDelete
  54. amanda stephanieOctober 11, 2019 at 3:32 AM

    Thanks for making this post available to us.
    Tips To Write Attractive Thesis

    ReplyDelete
  55. KeiraDoltanOctober 14, 2019 at 5:37 AM

    Great Blog with useful information. student Faces many problems while doing Assignment. Solve student Academic Problem.
    Cheap Assignment Help

    ReplyDelete
  56. Nick WilksJanuary 16, 2020 at 3:55 AM

    Facing a deadline for finishing the essay? Well, your anxieties end here. We have with us a team of essay writing services and assignment help - GoAssignmentHelp for australia students who can solve all your writing issues so that you score high grades in your essay assignment.

    ReplyDelete
  57. William smithNovember 2, 2020 at 11:26 PM

    Are you looking for Perdisco Assignment Help? Get Assignment Help Service From Experts. Assignment Hippo is the best assignment service provider offered online by a team of experts tutors. We offer 100% original and plagiarism free answers for all assignments.We are available to you around the clock to solve your issues. You can contact us whenever you face any challenges while writing your perdisco. So what are you waiting for? Avail our assignment help Now.

    ReplyDelete
  58. Solidwork Assignment HelpJanuary 7, 2021 at 1:52 AM

    Solidworks can be used for the many applications in mechanical engineering. If you are facing issues in mechanical engineering assignments especially in solidworks assignments, we at AssignmentHippo provide solidworks assignment help under the mechanical engineering assignment help. To know more about us visit our website.

    ReplyDelete
  59. Sarah WingetApril 4, 2021 at 9:48 PM

    You probably won't know about it yet Law Assignment Writing Services are very basic in the United States, where students benefit such administrations consistently. The justification doing so isn't remarkable. A student stands to acquire colossal comfort and advantages by associating with such Law Assignment Writing Service, which he can use to improve and build his evaluation in class. In the event that you haven't effectively caught wind of us, you should investigate the rundown of our examples and tributes, to become acquainted with additional about our Law assignment composing administrations in the United States. law assignment help , economics assignment help

    ReplyDelete
  60. Academic mantra servicesOctober 22, 2021 at 3:53 AM

    Nice post. I really like it. we also provide assignment help, content writing services, resume writing services, essay writing services, exam help services, etc.
    Australia assignment help
    Canada assignment help
    Germany assignment help
    U.S assignment help


    ReplyDelete
  61. 123betDecember 8, 2021 at 7:46 PM

    I love reading articles that are very helpful.
    Also, thanks for allowing me to comment. 123 สมัคร

    ReplyDelete
  62. vasavi atlantisApril 7, 2022 at 3:59 AM

    Good,Thanks for the useful information

    vasavi atlantis is a new under construction project in Narsingi near Gachibowli,Hyderabad.Vasavi Atlantis In Narsingi is built up in 12 acres, 8 towers, 2199 units, 70% open spaces.They offer 2 BHK, 3 BHK, and 4 BHK Residential apartments with world class amenities and high standard specifications. The size andrange of these residential apartments is 1250 SFT to 3200 SFT.This project is constructed very careful manner with latest technologies and modern design.

    ReplyDelete
  63. Samuel JacksonMay 6, 2022 at 8:36 AM

    found your post using more education This is a very well written article.. I really like this post. However, If any student worried about their assignment in Australia. so, don't waste your time, here I would like to suggest TFTH which offers's the best Assignment Help Australia service with a great discount and offer.

    ReplyDelete
  64. anandhMay 26, 2022 at 10:07 AM

    I am truly inspired by this online journal! Extremely clear clarification of issues is given and it is open to every living soul. I have perused your post, truly you have given this extraordinary informative data about it.See more theme visit my blog .Assignment Help Services

    ReplyDelete
  65. Do Assignment HelpAugust 24, 2022 at 12:56 AM

    Excellent and informative post you posted. I am your regular visitor and read your blog carefully. Like you, I am also here to promote my “Do Assignment Help” website organically and that’s why I am here. We offer online help to complete the academic task for students for the last 5 years and we completed thousands of assignments with A+ grades. We live in Santa Clara, USA, and provide assignment help worldwide.

    ReplyDelete
  66. Estatedekho5March 28, 2024 at 10:46 PM

    Nice Blog
    Thank You For Your Valuble Information
    apartment for sale in narsingi hyderabad

    ReplyDelete
  67. kmkMay 24, 2024 at 3:22 AM

    Fair rates, excellent customer service, and reliable transactions are all provided by KMK Gold Traders.
    Gold Buyers in Gachibowli

    ReplyDelete