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Avarice Review

Rating:

Avarice is a free action role-playing game in the tradition of games like Zelda. While having excellent visuals, story and combat system, the game suffers from an awkward control scheme that leaves a scar on an otherwise pleasant gaming experience.

Full Review

Avarice is a free downloadable game created using RPG Maker VX and released on RPG Maker Net. With the exception of its innovative mouse-controlled battle system, the game plays akin to traditional action role-playing games like Zelda and Landstalker, featuring real-time battles and enemies crawling about on game maps.

The game puts the player in the shoes of a young female scavenger named Lexi, who encounters a ruthless sorceror named Vandeli disguised as an ordinary traveller in need of help. The uneasy alliance between the two creates much narrative tension that draws the player into the story, eager to know what will happen as a result of such a partnership. The cutscenes and dialogue are very well paced and presented, creating an enjoyable flow for the player.

A high level of visual appeal is also maintained throughout the game, augmented by the pressence of well-drawn map tiles, character sprites and portraits. The game adopts a style of anime-influenced pixel artwork similar to older SNES classics such as Chrono Trigger and Secret of Mana, which remains very much relevant in this day and age.

The main failing of this game is in its control scheme, which uses an awkward combination of mouse and keyboard controls. Players regularly use a mixture of the 'Z' button, arrow keys and the left mouse button to interact with objects, move about and attack enemies respectively. Alternating between the keys require a lot of effort during play and leaves a bitter aftertaste on an otherwise pleasant experience.

Despite the flaws, this game is still very much a worthwhile download. The game's description claims an estimated playtime of 2-3 hours, with a focus on replayability and 2 endings. Download the game here.

Posted by Zhou Xuanming on April 14, 2010 Comments (8)


Anaryu said at 2010-04-26 09:35:

I think the confusion is that there are 2 control schemes; keyboard only, and keyboard mouse.

You never need to switch to use the Z/X/C and Arrow keys when using the mouse/W/A/S/D/E keys.

I can see where you would find this confusing since the MANUAL.txt lists both controls, but isn't clear that they're separate and not to be used in conjunction (you either stick the an arrow key/ZXC scheme for your hands, or you use your left hand on WASD and right on the mouse.)


Zhou Xuanming said at 2010-04-26 09:43:

Hi Anaryu, great to see you on the site. Ah I see, I got confused by the in-game instructions back there, thanks for clearing it up. :)


Solitayre said at 2010-04-26 10:20:

Hey, thanks for reviewing this! It makes me feel all warm and fuzzy inside. Happy to see you seem to have enjoyed the game!

Sorry about the control confusion, Glad that was straightened out!


Anaryu said at 2010-04-26 15:11:

Actually thank YOU; until I hear feedback on things like that (what confuses the players) I don't know what areas to improve.

Making a more clear manual or explaining those in-game are both things I'll make sure to address more clearly going forward. Thanks!


kentona said at 2010-04-28 12:25:

It's always nice to see indie RPGs get some feedback and exposure. Even though I did not create this game or had anything to do with its development, I appreciate your efforts, Zhou!


Zhou Xuanming said at 2010-04-28 12:40:

There are tons of indie RPGs on my backlog of games to review. :)

Don't worry, I'll get to them after we're done with the current batch of Ludum Dare 17 games. Keep up the excellent work over at RMN! I'm a fan.


Anonymous said at 2010-06-06 16:52:

Hi i'm having problem with keys. I click the reset button, but the only button that responds is the left key, but eventually the character keeps on moving up.


Solitayre said at 2010-06-09 06:14:

Do you have a game controller hooked up?