Well-Actually War Trall Spidweb Posted March 19, 2007 Share Posted March 19, 2007 I've put in some hours on Avernum 5. Some more news. i. Elevations are completely in the game. They look nice. ii. There is now a system of battle disciplines. People with high combat skills will be able to use special abilities. Some of them are cool enough that some mages will be tempted to train in pole weapons. iii. I have vastly expanded the keyboard shortcuts. You will now be able to target attacks and spells using only the keyboard. (This includes fireballs.) iv. The plot is very elaborate and cool. I tried for a similar level of intricacy as Geneforge 4: Rebellion. v. I have also borrowed the much less annoying action point system from Geneforge 4. And a ton of the nice graphical effects too. vi. The most irritating thing left to be done engine-wise is boats. There will be a lot of water travel. vii. The Anama are back. Solberg has a decently sized role. Rentar-Ihrno is still dead. - Jeff Vogel Edit: Fixed typo. Ircher 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Easygoing Eyebeast VCH Posted March 19, 2007 Share Posted March 19, 2007 Very good. I like! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hatchling Cockatrice Lilith Posted March 19, 2007 Share Posted March 19, 2007 i. Groovy. ii. Groovy. iii. Groovy. iv. Groovy. v. Wait, what was the difference again? vi. Groovy. vii. Groovy. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Well-Actually War Trall Micawber Posted March 19, 2007 Share Posted March 19, 2007 Hooray! All of this is really, really good news. (vii) Especially pleases me. I hope it will be possible to join win the game from the Anama point of view. And I missed the boats and boats in A4, glad to see they are coming back. Hooray again Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Understated Ur-Drakon Sudanna Posted March 19, 2007 Share Posted March 19, 2007 Perfect! Perfect! Everything that everyone wanted! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Well-Actually War Trall Spidweb Posted March 19, 2007 Author Share Posted March 19, 2007 "v. Wait, what was the difference again?" The two main changes: i. When you try to attack with low skill points, your turn doesn't end. You attack. ii. It is now much easier to use items (like potions and scrolls) and attack in the same turn. - Jeff Vogel Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Easygoing Eyebeast Xaiya Posted March 19, 2007 Share Posted March 19, 2007 Great! I was excited, now I am a whole new word of excitement. (transforms like crazy, and stops when gets to a fyora) Great! (trys to settle down, fails) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Magnificent Ornk Dikiyoba Posted March 19, 2007 Share Posted March 19, 2007 Originally by Spidweb: Quote: i. When you try to attack with low skill points, your turn doesn't end. You attack. Oh. The action point system will be like G4, not the skill point system. And G4's encumbrance system will carry over too, right? Dikiyoba. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Well-Actually War Trall Andraste Posted March 19, 2007 Share Posted March 19, 2007 Huzzah! I'm pretty excited and the fancy skills sound awesome. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Well-Actually War Trall Spidweb Posted March 19, 2007 Author Share Posted March 19, 2007 "Oh. The action point system will be like G4, not the skill point system." My mistake. I fixed it. - Jeff Vogel Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Well-Actually War Trall Delicious Vlish Posted March 19, 2007 Share Posted March 19, 2007 I think I just nerdgasmned. Anamana... Doo doo do doo doo... Doot doo de doo Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Curious Artila Shadestorm Posted March 19, 2007 Share Posted March 19, 2007 Love the Battle Disciplines. Definitely will be buying this one. You rock Jeff. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ineffable Wingbolt Milla Posted March 19, 2007 Share Posted March 19, 2007 Oh baby! So much love for this. Especially love the sound of the special battle skills. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Well-Actually War Trall Synergy Posted March 19, 2007 Share Posted March 19, 2007 Everything does sound terrific. Now, maybe in the meantime we could we get someone to refill Muffin's Ritalin prescription? -S- Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Magnificent Ornk Ephesos Posted March 19, 2007 Share Posted March 19, 2007 Wow... I'm psyched. If the Anama are in the game, maybe part of it is on the surface. If part of it is on the surface, there should be pretty trees. Yay! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rotghroth Rhapsody Dark Mage Posted March 19, 2007 Share Posted March 19, 2007 1: Yhh nice I can't wait. 2: Yay it's really here!!!! I think i'll love it!! REally where did Jeff got that idea, it seems awesome, from Diablo maybe?? hehe. 3: Nice, I expect some arrows spells like in Avernum, and some area spells like in exile(and A4 ). 4: What? Ow a cool plot is always nice, But I don't want a two sided Avenum please!! 5: Nice, I still suggest to adopt completely the old Avernum system... 6: Ow nice, no more sea monster cheap excuses!! Also a great complement to the game. 7:Tne anama are back?? Oh well...More temples to raid!! Solberg is cool, renthar is useful being dead... What will be the role of the Vahnatai in this game?? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Easygoing Eyebeast Enraged Slith Posted March 19, 2007 Share Posted March 19, 2007 Notice that Jeff only says that Rentar is dead. He never mentions whether or not she is in A5. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hatchling Cockatrice Alorael at Large Posted March 19, 2007 Share Posted March 19, 2007 I am filled with glee! —Alorael, who would be disappointed if Rentar didn't play at least a moderately important background role in A5 even though she's dead. She has, after all, been more or less central to three out of four prior Avernum games. Actually, it was jarring to have Erika's absence be so unimportant in A5. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Unflappable Drayk The Loquacious Lord Grimm Posted March 19, 2007 Share Posted March 19, 2007 -------------------- The Silent Assassin has created the next evolution in potato guns. Behold, the potato sniper rifle! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Magnificent Ornk Swimmin' Salmon Posted March 19, 2007 Share Posted March 19, 2007 Poor Rentar. She never did get her groove back. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Well-Actually War Trall Delicious Vlish Posted March 19, 2007 Share Posted March 19, 2007 So... Rentar in Lich form. She's still dead! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Well-Actually War Trall Emperor Tullegolar Posted March 20, 2007 Share Posted March 20, 2007 Quote: Originally written by Spidweb: Rentar-Ihrno is still dead. But... but... What do you mean 'still?' I didn't realize it had ever been made official before now! The ending... it was supposed to be open ended... Oh, Rentar! Say it isn't so! Who could ever fill the void left in my heart? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hatchling Cockatrice Randomizer Posted March 20, 2007 Share Posted March 20, 2007 I like what I hear, especially that Rentar won't be back. The Anama will make for an interesting challenge. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Magnificent Ornk Dikiyoba Posted March 20, 2007 Share Posted March 20, 2007 Originally by Delicious Vlish: Quote: Anamana... Doo doo do doo doo... Doot doo de doo You're terrible. Originally by Emperor Tullegolar: Quote: Oh, Rentar! Say it isn't so! Who could ever fill the void left in my heart? Barzahl. Edit 4: Dikiyoba really should use the preview post more often. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Well-Actually War Trall Andraste Posted March 20, 2007 Share Posted March 20, 2007 Quote: Originally by Emperor Tullegolar: Quote: Oh, Rentar! Say it isn't so! Who could ever fill the void left in my heart? Barzahl. Barzahl could fill another void as well. On to a more serious matters, Will we be able to move diagonally in the boats? And isn't Solberg like 120 now or something? How long do wizards live for? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hatchling Cockatrice Lilith Posted March 20, 2007 Share Posted March 20, 2007 Quote: Originally written by Spidweb:"v. Wait, what was the difference again?" The two main changes: i. When you try to attack with low skill points, your turn doesn't end. You attack. ii. It is now much easier to use items (like potions and scrolls) and attack in the same turn. - Jeff Vogel Whoops! In my pre-coffee morning daze I had read "action point" as "skill point". Having now been set straight, my verdict on this change is: groovy. EDIT: And having read the rest of the thread I see it did say "skill point" at the time I read it! You're a tricky one, Jeff! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Well-Actually War Trall Delicious Vlish Posted March 20, 2007 Share Posted March 20, 2007 Quote: Originally written by Dikiyoba:Originally by Delicious Vlish: Quote: Anamana... Doo doo do doo doo... Doot doo de doo You're terrible. Originally by Emperor Tullegolar: Quote: Oh, Rentar! Say it isn't so! Who could ever fill the void left in my heart? Barzahl. Edit 4: Dikiyoba really should use the preview post more often. I have used my Vlish powers for evil. You are hearing that song right now aren't you? Doo doo doo do de doo Anamana! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Easygoing Eyebeast VCH Posted March 20, 2007 Share Posted March 20, 2007 I would like to request that Cheeseball or at least Cheeseball ll make an appearance. The cat was more interesting than dusty old Solberg any how. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Well-Actually War Trall Synergy Posted March 20, 2007 Share Posted March 20, 2007 The Anama will be the new threat. The scourge of Bigail has ravaged the entire surface continent and has become so pervasive that now it has leaked like so much toxic waste down through the cracks to infect the already blighted underworld. Crusades. Holy Roamin' Emperors. Inquisistions. A new Dark Age. Fear! Fire! Foes! The Anama must be stopped...whatever it takes. Avernum and the Empire and GIFTS everywhere align for the love of God...or rather, for the pruning of it. This stuff writes itself. -S- Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Magnificent Ornk Kelandon Posted March 20, 2007 Share Posted March 20, 2007 Quote: Originally written by Emperor Tullegolar:Oh, Rentar! Say it isn't so! Who could ever fill the void left in my heart? Psh, you're not Drakey, no matter how hard you try. Quote: Originally written by Andraste:Barzahl could fill another void as well. Andraste is my hero!! Uh, as for the actual topic of the thread, I have little to add other than that this all sounds pretty good. I'll have to see the results, but I am happy with the pre-pre-pre-pre-release buzz. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chittering Clawbug Maimonides Posted March 20, 2007 Share Posted March 20, 2007 Quote: Originally written by Synergy:The Anama will be the new threat. The scourge of Bigail has ravaged the entire surface continent and has become so pervasive that now it has leaked like so much toxic waste down through the cracks to infect the already blighted underworld. Crusades. Holy Roamin' Emperors. Inquisistions. A new Dark Age. Fear! Fire! Foes! The Anama must be stopped...whatever it takes. Avernum and the Empire and GIFTS everywhere align for the love of God...or rather, for the pruning of it. This stuff writes itself. -S- They will not. It has not. You should not expect any of the above. They need not be. They should not. It does not. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hatchling Cockatrice Mea Tulpa Posted March 20, 2007 Share Posted March 20, 2007 This all sounds great, but I'm particularly excited to hear: Quote: Originally written by Spidweb: ii. There is now a system of battle disciplines. People with high combat skills will be able to use special abilities. Some of them are cool enough that some mages will be tempted to train in pole weapons. This is exactly what the character engine needed after A4. A4 was reasonably well balanced, but character progression was not terribly interesting. I'm not sure what exactly "battle disciplines" means -- whether it refers to the special abilities themselves, or -- be still my beating heart -- an open-ended, divergent specialization system like the one used in SAngband. Hopefully this also means the character skills will be more differentiated. We don't need multiple sets of skills that do almost exactly the same thing (Spellcraft/Magery, and so on) and we don't need skills that are almost impossible to train in *and* are less useful than other skills (Anatomy, Lethal Blow, Riposte, and don't even talk to me about Magical Efficiency and Blademaster). I do note that nothing has been written about more variety among the spells. That makes me sad, but you can't have everything. Edit: Oh yeah. Solberg having a bigger role is interesting. He's already the only major character to appear in every game. Hopefully, he will also have something interesting to say -- he hasn't really done that since 1996. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Articulate Vlish Cylon Posted March 20, 2007 Share Posted March 20, 2007 I definitely think a religious war perpetrated by the Anama is the way to go. Jeff certainly seems to be into capturing present day political issues. What is more current than religous war? Of course in my opinion, this would perhaps need a substantial redesign of priest spells. In addition to Martyr's Shield, it might necessitate a spell Martyr's Sword™. Martyr's Sword™ could damage both the caster and his enemies. I could also see the dramatic return of Quickfire. Maybe Quickfire is the Martyr's Sword™. Quickfire could become a mid-level priest spell that could only be cast so it formed around the caster, thus likely resulting in death. Repent Infidels? Akbar Anama? On second though, maybe this is too close to current events for Jeff's taste. -------------- Second Lt. to the Supreme Lord of the Noobs Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hatchling Cockatrice Alorael at Large Posted March 20, 2007 Share Posted March 20, 2007 Actually, the new highest priest spell will be Martyr's Terror. You horrify and appall your foes until they flee, weeping, but in exchanged your forced into the Path of Postmodernism. Oh, and probably banned, too. —Alorael, who is quite sure that Solberg is old enough that he's now 90% magical replacement parts, as he informs you in A4. He also deserves better than to be shunted off to somewhere that isn't the center of events. He needs to go set some Anama missionaries on fire! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Magnificent Ornk Aran Posted March 20, 2007 Share Posted March 20, 2007 Quote: Originally written by Spidweb:Rentar-Ihrno is still dead. Hallelujah, praise the Lord! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Garrulous Glaahk Blake81 Posted March 20, 2007 Share Posted March 20, 2007 What about vanhatai PCs,I STILL thinking than they can be useful.By the way,I hope than still using the Genevernum style(I borrowed your word Dark Mage!)because one of the most useful stuff is than you can use in that engine are the in-game cheats(I hope than is'nt illegal speak about cheats here).What about crafting,it is very useful,the item-making of A4 is like the one in G2(you gave to the crafter the materials and he makes the item),that is not eficient,I was thinking too in the ``combination´´ of items(like Resident Evil and other games),it is like crafting but you don't need an enchanted anvil,you only need the recipe and the components. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kyshakk Koan Vicheron Posted March 20, 2007 Share Posted March 20, 2007 It would be nice to get extra perks from having higher skills. Like if you had 6 dexterity and 8 melee you could wield a dagger instead of a shield, if you had 8 dexterity and 12 melee, you could wield a shortsword instead of a shield. If you had something like 6 dexterity and 8 throwing weapon, the AP cost of throwing weapons is reduced by 1, if you had 6 strength and 8 throwing weapon, you do extra damage if your target is close to you. I would also like to see some of the minor mysteries expanded upon like the giant lizard statues with the Bloodthirst Spear near Khoth's lair, the Vahnatai with the Jade Halberd near the surface exit, the Slith with the Obsidian Spear in the spore tunnels, and the Cthulhu-esque Bug shrine. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Easygoing Eyebeast Dintiradan Posted March 20, 2007 Share Posted March 20, 2007 Battle Disciplines <==> Feats à la d20? -------------------- Run, run, run, run away from my psychotic teammate! - Elan (OotS #125) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Well-Actually War Trall Synergy Posted March 20, 2007 Share Posted March 20, 2007 Thanks for the best laugh I've had all day, Alorael. You forgot to add that the Martyr's Terror spell also has unspeakably unfortunate effects upon the victim's mother at the same time. -S- Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Magnificent Ornk Kelandon Posted March 20, 2007 Share Posted March 20, 2007 Oh, that talk of cheats reminds me: any word on whether we will have a character editor? The cheats are fine, I guess, but the char editor was useful in various situations. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Understated Ur-Drakon Sudanna Posted March 20, 2007 Share Posted March 20, 2007 Oh, yes the cheats were relatively useless compared to the Character Editor and the Geneforge version, though the one that shows you all the units on the minimap is invaluable. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hatchling Cockatrice Randomizer Posted March 21, 2007 Share Posted March 21, 2007 After that slip about using skill points in combat, I thought of a way to do it. Unused skill points can be expended in combat to give an extra action. Now you would have to decide with saving them for a more powerful character or burn them to do more things in a major fight. This would keep some characters at a lower level. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rotghroth Rhapsody Hawk King Posted March 21, 2007 Share Posted March 21, 2007 Quote: Originally written by Auctioneer par non: He needs to go set some Anama missionaries on fire! I got the most delightfully evil giggle after reading that. But on topic, this looks wonderfull!! Boats boats boats! Oh and rentar is dead and gone (if he shows up at the next RW cult meeting l'll just pretend I cant see him.) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Unflappable Drayk Jeran Korak Posted March 21, 2007 Share Posted March 21, 2007 Quick qustion. Just how long does it take to make an Avernum game? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hatchling Cockatrice Randomizer Posted March 21, 2007 Share Posted March 21, 2007 It depends on how much is changed in the game engine, how many new graphics are made, and how long Jeff spends thinking about the plot. He is currently working on the new game engine and doing the Celtic half of Nethergate:Resurrection. Figure about 6 months for the game and 2 months for testing. He does need some time off for rest and recreation. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Magnificent Ornk nikki. Posted March 21, 2007 Share Posted March 21, 2007 Yay. Everything sounds so, so promising. Especially the hills... And I'm with Eph - fingers crossed that the surface makes some sort of appearance. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Garrulous Glaahk Blake81 Posted March 21, 2007 Share Posted March 21, 2007 Quote: Originaly written by Kelandon: Oh, that talk of cheats reminds me: any word on whether we will have a character editor? The cheats are fine, I guess, but the char editor was useful in various situations. You re right,the editor is a very useful tool but,in A4 you use ``leetbuffz´´and your party is fully blessed,hasted,shielded,etc.You can't do that with the Editor(I speak of the A4 editor).Is good than I would be able of speak about cheats here,because I know troubles they have and how to fix them and a lot of sites were you can found them. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Understated Ur-Drakon Sudanna Posted March 21, 2007 Share Posted March 21, 2007 See, with the Editor, you didn't need any cheats. You were just completely invincible. If you're going to cheat, go all the way. A4 didn't have an Editor in the sense that the last games did. It did have that rudimentary one that someone(Hawk King?) made. Nalyd usually runs a single maxed out party, with the rest being a good variety. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Easygoing Eyebeast Xaiya Posted March 21, 2007 Share Posted March 21, 2007 So Jeff, how much will Avernum 5 cost? I will start saving/earning money right now! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Unflappable Drayk Jeran Korak Posted March 21, 2007 Share Posted March 21, 2007 What cheatcodes will be in this one Jeff? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.