Joel Sanda

Anyone else notice their MacBook (2 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo) fan runs quite a bit with Avernum games? It probably isn't restricted to Avernum - it's just that's the only games I have on my machine (I'm either fiercely loyal or more likely haven't found anything better :-) I'm running Leopard (with latest software and firmware updates) with 1 GB RAM. Avernum 1 or 5 is the only application running. The fan runs about three minutes every four or five minutes, whether I'm playing or not. Anyone seeing this behavior? The fan doesn't seem to kick on when I'm running a large spreadsheet in Numbers, where I'd expect it to - and Avernum games aren't that processor intensive so it's rather curious. I know there have been some fan 'issues' with the MacBook line - is this expected behavior?

Quote: Originally written by Technoctopus: It's a full version, I tried redownloading it, which didn't help. Then I deleted the prefs and tried again to no avail. I've seen a similar problem with Avernum 4 on my new MacBook with Leopard. I tossed Avernum 4 on to play a bit before Avernum 5 was released. My problem seems to be in between what you describe and the lines described in the previous thread. I downloaded the latest version from Spiderweb when I installed it - and there were no preference files since it was a clean install on my new computer. The problem I had developed into something very similar to what your screenshots show - the longer I played the worse it became. Bummer ... one of the first things I *always* put on a new Mac are the Spiderweb games I own. I hope the problem is sufficiently simple enough new builds can be made of the Avernum series.

What a great game! If I weren't leaving for vacation tomorrow I'd order the CD now - will certainly order it when I return so I'm here for the postal delivery. I never played the original Nethergate, though I've played Avernum and Geneforge. This game is a blast - I'm glad it was released! - Joel

Anyone know what's up with the "DEBUG" mode in Avernum I? I think I entered by hitting the caps lock key (MacOS 10.4.5) accidentally, then the "e" key when I tried to exit combat. Everytime I accessed the "e" key the following text was displayed, in bold red text "DEBUG: ADD XP." When I tried to look into a container with the "L" key it read ""DEBUG: GET AN ITEM." I can't replicate it, so I'm guessing it resulted from hitting the caps lock key. Game seems fine, just curious. - Joel

I had the same question, but I'm not at my Mac to try this - have you looked at the .plist file to see if that's an option that can be changed by editing the preferences list file? I miss the Window mode in Blades of Avernum.

Quote: Originally written by SNM: Video drivers for this? Heh. I've never found Jeff's newer engines to be terribly efficient; when I was using my upgraded-to-G3 400MHz system Geneforge and BoA had some noticeable slowdown points. If it helps you any, sometimes when traveling long distances it burps on my 1.5 G5. Yeah, with my RAM (I know one can never have enough, but ...) at 256 MB I was hoping I could keep skating on the G3 iBook through a good chunk of 2006 - I want an Intel-based Mac but I also want to wait about six months so those less patient experience the first growing pains ;-). When I was in the Goblin area just SW of Fort Monastery it ran about as slow as Neverwinter Nights did when I played that - which was uncomfortable on a G3 iBook. But if you notice some creepiness on a 1.5 G5 ... well ... guess I won't complain too loudly with my G3!

Alright, hate to post this, but one of the many things I've always loved about Spiderweb games is their low system requirements. I played every Exile game on a Mac LC, and never once noticed performance issues. But Avernum 4 seems rather sluggish on my meek Mac 800 MHz G3. Compared to Blades of Avernum and Geneforge it's really sluggish - I'm sure compared to the latest bloatware game from my local Apple store, though. Anyone else notice this? Am I still in the dark ages running an 800 MHz G3? The mouse tracks across the screen very slowly, though movement is a little better. Anyway ... can't complain. Price is always right on a Spiderweb game and I really enjoy playing them. If nothing else, this is another reason to pick up a new Intel Mac early next year!

I think you are absolutely correct about the fonts. I'm not sure why, but reading text in Avernum is damn near impossible for me - and I just use reading glasses. No other UI gives me as much trouble as the font and poor contrast in Avernum. Having said that, it's still my favorite game. Though I'll admit to longing for Exile on my old Mac Performa every now and then!