Aveyond 4: Shadow of the Mist - A RPG with a Twist
Aveyond 4: Shadow of the Mist - A Review
If you are looking for a fun, humorous, and engaging role-playing game (RPG) with a twist, you might want to check out Aveyond 4: Shadow of the Mist. This game is the fourth installment in the popular Aveyond series, which features a rich fantasy world, memorable characters, and exciting adventures. In this review, we will explore what makes this game stand out from other RPGs, as well as its strengths and weaknesses.
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Introduction
Aveyond 4: Shadow of the Mist is a RPG developed by Amaranth Games, LLC and John Wizard Games, and published by Aveyond Studios. It was released on February 1, 2016 for Windows PC. The game is available on Steam, where it has a strategy guide DLC, as well as on Aveyond Studios' website .
The game belongs to the genres of fantasy, comedy, adventure, and romance. It features a turn-based combat system, a minion recruitment system, a cheeki collection system, a night watch system, a coven system, and multiple endings. The game also has different modes and difficulties to suit different preferences and challenges.
Story and Characters
The game follows the story of Boyle Wolfbane, a retired villain who wanted to rule the world but failed miserably. He now lives in a town called Wyrmwood with other former villains and his loyal storm wolf Fang. He spends his days arguing with haunted trees, scaring off knights, and avoiding heroes. However, his life changes when a strange mist starts to spread across the world, turning people into monsters. He soon finds himself on a quest to save his dog, his town, and possibly the world from this new threat.
Along his journey, he meets various companions who join him for different reasons. They include:
Ingrid, a witch who wants to join a coven;
Robin, a rogue who wants to find her missing brother;
Myst, a nymph who wants to restore her forest;
Phye, a hero who wants to prove himself;
Hi'beru, a prince who wants to reclaim his throne;
Rowen, a priestess who wants to serve her goddess.
He also encounters various enemies who oppose him for different reasons. They include:
Grimwell, a necromancer who wants to unleash the mist;
Gretchen, a witch who wants to destroy Ingrid;
Edward, a king who wants to capture Boyle;
Ruby, a princess who wants to marry Phye;
Zahra, a pirate who wants to loot Hi'beru;
Lorelei, a siren who wants to seduce Rowen.
The story is full of humor, twists, surprises, and choices that affect the outcome of the game. The characters are well-developed, diverse, and likable (or hateable). The dialogue is witty, funny, and engaging. The game also has some romance options for Boyle with Ingrid or Myst.
Gameplay and Mechanics
The game plays like a typical RPG with some unique features. The player controls Boyle and his party as they explore various locations in an overworld map. The player can interact with NPCs (non-player characters), objects, items, enemies, etc. The player can also access menus to manage their inventory (items), equipment (weapons and armor), skills (abilities), minions (recruited creatures), cheekis (collected figurines), quests (main or side objectives), etc.
The game has different modes that affect how it plays. They include:
Normal mode: The default mode where enemies are visible on screen and can be avoided or engaged;
Expert mode: A harder mode where enemies are invisible on screen and can ambush or surprise you;
Casual mode: An easier mode where enemies are visible on screen but do not chase or attack you;
Goodie mode: A special mode where you can access secret areas with extra items or bonuses.
The game also has different difficulties that affect how challenging it is. They include:
Easy difficulty: A difficulty where enemies are weaker and you gain more experience points (XP) and gold;
Normal difficulty: A difficulty where enemies are balanced and you gain normal XP and gold;
Hard difficulty: A difficulty where enemies are stronger and you gain less XP and gold.
The game has both main quests that advance the story and side quests that provide extra rewards or content. Some quests are mandatory while others are optional. Some quests have time limits while others do not. Some quests have multiple ways to complete them while others do not.
# Article with HTML formatting (continued) Gameplay and Mechanics
The game plays like a typical RPG with some unique features. The player controls Boyle and his party as they explore various locations in an overworld map. The player can interact with NPCs (non-player characters), objects, items, enemies, etc. The player can also access menus to manage their inventory (items), equipment (weapons and armor), skills (abilities), minions (recruited creatures), cheekis (collected figurines), quests (main or side objectives), etc.
The game has different modes that affect how it plays. They include:
Normal mode: The default mode where enemies are visible on screen and can be avoided or engaged;
Expert mode: A harder mode where enemies are invisible on screen and can ambush or surprise you;
Casual mode: An easier mode where enemies are visible on screen but do not chase or attack you;
Goodie mode: A special mode where you can access secret areas with extra items or bonuses.
The game also has different difficulties that affect how challenging it is. They include:
Easy difficulty: A difficulty where enemies are weaker and you gain more experience points (XP) and gold;
Normal difficulty: A difficulty where enemies are balanced and you gain normal XP and gold;
Hard difficulty: A difficulty where enemies are stronger and you gain less XP and gold.
The game has both main quests that advance the story and side quests that provide extra rewards or content. Some quests are mandatory while others are optional. Some quests have time limits while others do not. Some quests have multiple ways to complete them while others do not.
The game has a turn-based combat system where you fight enemies in battles that take place on separate screens. You can have up to four characters in your party at a time. Each character has their own HP (health points), MP (magic points), SP (skill points), stats (attributes), skills (abilities), equipment (weapons and armor), and personality (affects dialogue and choices). Each character also has a unique class that determines their role and abilities in combat. For example, Boyle is a villain who can use dark magic and summon minions, Ingrid is a witch who can use elemental magic and hexes, Robin is a rogue who can use stealth and traps, etc.
In combat, each character and enemy takes turns to perform actions based on their speed stat. The player can choose to attack, use skills, use items, defend, or flee. The player can also switch characters in and out of the party during combat. The combat system is simple but strategic, as the player has to consider the strengths and weaknesses of each character and enemy, as well as the effects of status ailments, buffs, debuffs, etc.
The game has a minion system where Boyle can recruit various creatures to join his party as minions. Minions are different from regular party members in that they have fixed stats, skills, and equipment that cannot be changed. However, they can be leveled up by feeding them items or cheekis. Minions can also be used in combat as allies or as sacrifices for Boyle's skills. Minions can also provide passive bonuses or penalties to the party depending on their personality. For example, a goat minion can increase the party's speed but also increase their hunger, a frog minion can increase the party's luck but also decrease their charm, etc.
The game has a cheeki system where the player can collect various figurines called cheekis that represent characters or creatures from the game or previous Aveyond games. Cheekis can be found in chests, shops, quests, or by using a cheeki detector item. Cheekis can be used to level up minions, decorate Boyle's house, or trade with other collectors. Cheekis can also provide hints or tips about the game or its lore.
The game has a night watch system where Boyle can join a night watch group in Wyrmwood and patrol the town at night to fight monsters and protect the citizens. The night watch system is optional but rewarding, as it provides XP, gold, items, reputation points, and access to new areas and quests. The night watch system also affects the story and the ending of the game depending on how well Boyle performs his duty.
The game has a coven system where Ingrid can join one of three covens of witches: the Coven of Light, the Coven of Darkness, or the Coven of Twilight. The coven system is optional but influential, as it affects Ingrid's skills, appearance, personality, romance options, reputation points, and access to new areas and quests. The coven system also affects the story and the ending of the game depending on which coven Ingrid chooses.
Graphics and Sound
# Article with HTML formatting (continued) Graphics and Sound
The game has a retro-style 2D graphics that are colorful, detailed, and charming. The game uses pixel art for its characters, enemies, items, and environments. The game also has some animated cutscenes and effects that enhance the visual appeal. The game has a variety of locations to explore, such as forests, caves, towns, castles, islands, etc. The game also has a day and night cycle that affects the lighting and the appearance of some areas.
The game has a high-quality sound that matches the mood and the theme of the game. The game has an original soundtrack composed by Aaron Walz, who also composed the music for the previous Aveyond games. The soundtrack features 8 songs that range from upbeat and cheerful to dark and ominous. The soundtrack is available on Spotify and Apple Music. The game also has some sound effects that add to the immersion and the humor of the game. The game does not have voice acting, but it does have some text-based dialogue that is well-written and expressive.
Pros and Cons
The game has many pros and cons that may appeal to different types of players. Here are some of them:
Pros
Cons
- A unique and humorous story that subverts RPG tropes and clichés;
- A relatively short and linear game that may lack replay value;
- A diverse and likable cast of characters that have their own personalities and backstories;
- A limited and unbalanced character customization that may restrict player choices;
- A simple but strategic combat system that requires planning and tactics;
- A repetitive and tedious combat system that may become boring or frustrating;
- A variety of features and systems that add depth and fun to the gameplay;
- A lack of tutorials and explanations that may confuse or overwhelm some players;
- A retro-style 2D graphics that are colorful and charming;
- A dated 2D graphics that may not appeal to some modern players;
- A high-quality sound that matches the mood and the theme of the game;
- A lack of voice acting that may reduce the immersion and the emotion of the game.
The game has received mostly positive reviews from players and critics who praised its story, characters, humor, music, and features. The game has a rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars on Steam and a rating of 3.82 out of 5 stars on Aveyond Studios' website. Some of the positive reviews are:
"This is one of my favorite games ever! I love the humor, the characters, the story, everything! It's so refreshing to play as a villain who doesn't want to be a hero. The game is full of surprises and choices that make it fun and engaging. I highly recommend it to anyone who likes RPGs!"
"Aveyond 4 is a great RPG with a lot of charm and personality. The game has a lot of features and systems that make it unique and enjoyable. The combat is challenging but rewarding, the minion system is fun and useful, the cheeki system is cute and addictive, the night watch system is optional but rewarding, the coven system is influential but flexible. The game also has multiple endings depending on your actions and decisions."
# Article with HTML formatting (continued) Pros and Cons
The game has many pros and cons that may appeal to different types of players. Here are some of them:
Pros
Cons
- A unique and humorous story that subverts RPG tropes and clichés;
- A relatively short and linear game that may lack replay value;
- A diverse and likable cast of characters that have their own personalities and backstories;
- A limited and unbalanced character customization that may restrict player choices;
- A simple but strategic combat system that requires planning and tactics;
- A repetitive and tedious combat system that may become boring or frustrating;
- A variety of features and systems that add depth and fun to the gameplay;
- A lack of tutorials and explanations that may confuse or overwhelm some players;
- A retro-style 2D graphics that are colorful and charming;
- A dated 2D graphics that may not appeal to some modern players;
- A high-quality sound that matches the mood and the theme of the game;
- A lack of voice acting that may reduce the immersion and the emotion of the game.
The game has received mostly positive reviews from players and critics who praised its story, characters, humor, music, and features. The game has a rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars on Steam and a rating of 3.82 out of 5 stars on Aveyond Studios' website. Some of the positive reviews are:
"This is one of my favorite games ever! I love the humor, the characters, the story, everything! It's so refreshing to play as a villain who doesn't want to be a hero. The game is full of surprises and choices that make it fun and engaging. I highly recommend it to anyone who likes RPGs!"
"Aveyond 4 is a great RPG with a lot of charm and personality. The game has a lot of features and systems that make it unique and enjoyable. The combat is challenging but rewarding, the minion system is fun and useful, the cheeki system is cute and addictive, the night watch system is optional but rewarding, the coven system is influential but flexible. The game also has multiple endings depending on your actions and decisions."
"I really enjoyed playing this game. It has a great balance of comedy, adventure, romance, and drama. The story is well-written and unpredictable, the characters are well-developed and likable (or hateable), the dialogue is witty and funny, the music is catchy and fitting, the graphics are retro and charming. The game also has a lot of content and replay value, with different modes, difficulties, quests, endings, etc."
The game has also received some negative reviews from players and critics who criticized its graphics, combat, writing, and bugs. The game has a rating of 6 out of 10 on Metacritic, where it has only three critic reviews. Some of the negative reviews are:
"The game is too easy and boring. The combat is repetitive and tedious, the enemies are weak and dumb, the skills are limited and unbalanced, the items are useless and expensive. The game also has a lot of bugs and glitches that ruin the experience. The game is not worth buying or playing."
"The game is too old-fashioned and outdated. The graphics are pixelated and ugly, the sound is low-quality and annoying, the interface is clunky and inconvenient, the controls are awkward and unresponsive. The game also lacks voice acting, animations, cutscenes, etc. The game is not appealing or immersive."
"The game is too silly and childish. The story is nonsensical and ridiculous, the characters are stereotypical and annoying, the humor is forced and unfunny, the dialogue is cheesy and cringy. The game also lacks depth, emotion, and originality. The game is not entertaining or memorable."
Conclusion
Aveyond 4: Shadow of the Mist is a RPG that offers a unique and humorous twist on the genre. It features a retired villain as the protagonist who has to save his dog, his town, and possibly the world from a mysterious mist that turns people into monsters. The game has a rich fantasy world, a diverse and likable cast of characters, a simple but strategic combat system, a variety of features and systems that add depth and fun to the gameplay, a retro-style 2D graphics that are colorful and charming, and a high-quality sound that matches the mood and theme of the game.
The game also has some flaws and limitations that may detract from its appeal. It features a relatively short and linear story that may lack replay value, a limited and unbalanced character customization that may restrict player choices, a repetitive and tedious combat system that may become boring or frustrating, a lack of tutorials and explanations that may confuse or overwhelm some players, a dated 2D graphics that may not appeal to some modern players, and a lack of voice acting that may reduce the immersion and emotion of the game.
The game is suitable for players who enjoy fantasy, comedy, adventure, and romance genres, as well as for fans of the previous Aveyond games or other RPGs with similar styles. The game is not suitable for players who prefer realistic, serious, dark, or complex genres, or for players who expect modern graphics, voice acting, animations, or cutscenes.
The game has a rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars on Steam, a rating of 3.82 out of 5 stars on Aveyond Studios' website, and a rating of 6 out of 10 on Metacritic. The game costs $14.99 USD on Steam and $19.99 USD on Aveyond Studios' website. The game also has a strategy guide DLC that costs $9.99 USD on Steam.
In conclusion,Aveyond 4: Shadow of the Mistis a RPG that offers a unique and humorous twist on the genre with its retired villain protagonist who has to save his dog, his town, and possibly the world from a mysterious mist that turns people into monsters. The game has many pros and cons that may appeal to different types of players. The game is worth trying if you are looking for some old-school RPG action with some fun and funny features.
FAQs
Q: How long does it take to finish the game?
A: It depends on your playstyle, mode, difficulty, and completion rate. But on average, it takes about 15-20 hours to finish the main story, and about 25-30 hours to finish all side quests.
Q: How many endings does the game have?
A: The game has four main endings depending on your choices in two major events: whether you join or reject Grimwell's offer to unleash the mist, and whether you choose Ingrid or Myst as your love interest. The endings are: - Hero Ending: You reject Grimwell's offer and choose Ingrid; - Villain Ending: You accept Grimwell's offer; - Neutral Ending: You reject G