Tainted Grail: The Fall of Avalon is like a smaller Skyrim, just better in telling the story

Initially, I didn’t pay much heed to this game. The Twisted Grail universe, which blended board game and RPG elements in an intricate way with a bit of unconventional mechanics and captivating storyline, was recommended for a group of four players – I wasn’t certain it would thrive under the mini-Elder Scrolls format. However, when Awaken Realms entered the realm of video games with Tainted Grail: Conquest, a tactical RPG that carried remnants of its board game ancestry, it primarily attracted fans who appreciated these unique characteristics.

The game “The Fall of Avalon” aspires to reach greater heights, yet initial screenshots hint at a genre that might be somewhat worn out for a specific player base, including myself. It appeared to be just another first-person view dungeon crawler or an economical version of Skyrim. Surprisingly, you’re right! This *is* an affordable Skyrim-like game – but with heart and soul. One that, despite some obvious constraints, already manages to do many things exceptionally well while in Early Access.

The Fall of Avalon

It’s no secret, I’ve got a good handle on this story – I’ve played through the campaign of the board game, “Fall of Avalon,” with my pals. Though the combat mechanics occasionally left me feeling lightheaded, the rich lore and intricate, sprawling plot made me want to play it again and again, leaving me captivated. Plus, I think I can delve deeper into this world than someone who’s just starting out. What’s more, every time I played, I couldn’t help but imagine an action-RPG similar to the “Souls series” set in this very universe.

As a gamer, I’ve always felt that the ancient Celtic myths and Arthurian legends were just waiting to be transformed into something truly epic – a video game where I could immerse myself in breathtaking 3rd person combat, exactly as I’d envisioned it. In my opinion, Tainted Grail: The Fall of Avalon comes closer to games like Elder Scrolls or even Avowed than it does to the intense challenge of Dark Souls. With so many Soulslikes popping up lately, even my dog might be secretly coding the next Khazan: The First Berserker when I’m not looking!

As a fan, I must address an issue that’s been bothering me: The world of “The Fall of Avalon” seems strangely empty, even for a post-apocalyptic fantasy populated by aliens who’ve wiped out entire civilizations. It feels like the studio had to make some budget-driven compromises, as there are rarely enough guards, warriors, or everyday folks to make this world feel authentic. The character models, particularly their facial animations, seem reminiscent of the previous console generation (and occasionally even harkening back to the PS3 era). While they’re decently animated, they lack the impact that characters from games like “Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2” (a first-person RPG with realistic sword combat) have when played side by side.

Additionally, you should bear in mind that this game adopts an antiquated design style and, despite its captivating aesthetics, immersive environment, and rewarding gameplay, it lacks some of the advanced features found in games like Morrowind or Skyrim, which offer extensive opportunities to craft your own story or generate emergent narratives. However, it does maintain many fundamental interaction points from earlier games such as places to rest, craft items, and everyday objects, similar to those found in games like Gothic and Elder Scrolls. It appears that the narrative penned by Awaken Realms takes precedence over these elements.

Absolutely, it’s important to note that not everything will function flawlessly in Tainted Grail right now due to its intricate nature. However, the game usually operates fairly stable, albeit with occasional hiccups such as a crash or HUD freezing (which has happened on rare occasions). Overall, you can enjoy a relatively smooth gaming experience, but be prepared for the occasional technical issue, unlike what was experienced in Chernobylite 2.

The rapid alternation between day and night in this game is a bit bothersome, as days seem to pass by quite swiftly, sometimes even quicker than half an hour. This accelerated pace does add to the ominous feel of the game’s atmosphere (since Avalon becomes haunted at night by an enigmatic force known as the Oddity), but it still interferes with the smooth flow of gameplay.

One element is conspicuously absent – a third-person perspective. Adding more animations to TPP might strain the budget, making it tougher to boost performance through tricks, but the game’s breathtaking landscapes and this world seem to yearn for it. In truth, there are instances where we encounter scenes reminiscent of Souls games that cry out for a contemplative, cinematic TPP view. Take a look at the photo mode screenshot. Fingers crossed, such an option will be included post-release, or like the original Kingdom Come, the modding community will step up. Let’s move on from the negatives and concentrate on the game’s strengths, of which there are plenty.

We have Johnny Silverhand at home… I mean, in Avalon

In “The Fall of Avalon,” we are transported to the island named after it. We arrive as an escapee from Asylum, a place where a band of red-robed priest-physicians isolate those infected with an incurable plague. Though the affliction touched us too, we attempt to flee and during our struggle, destiny grants us the spirit of… King Arthur. To put it simply, a piece of the legendary king lives on within us. This noble monarch, renowned for his power and justice, may hold the solution to the mysteries and problems that beset the land. Having this royal passenger protects us from the plague’s grasp, but indications suggest that this “cure” could be more complicated than it seems. After all, the king would hardly consult us before taking action.

In this opening scene, there’s an undeniable echo of the world-renowned game Cyberpunk 2077, as we encounter a mysterious, unwelcome presence that lingers within our mind. Much like Johnny Silverhand, King Arthur intermittently appears during crucial stages and occasionally when we ignite a fire reminiscent of souls-like games for leveling up, cooking, or taking a short rest.

Our customized character, an unnamed outcast and former convict brought to life through the character creator, gains unique abilities thanks to King Arthur’s presence. However, his soul seems adrift – perhaps even more so, since it was fractured inexplicably. The game subtly implies that this event was grave, yet Arthur appears to be a friendly, though somewhat innocent and unsophisticated, individual.

In the initial setup, there’s an echo of Scrolls in its structure: we start off as a captive, discover our fate that leads to liberation, and subsequently speed through the game, ultimately saving the world. Essentially, it follows a familiar narrative pattern, one that might seem repetitive or overused, yet it manages to offer something unique at the same time.

The story matters – especially such this one

To start off, this game is impressively crafted, with even minor characters receiving thoughtful detail that would make Bethesda proud. The blend of ordinary folks and magical beings creates an engaging world where there’s always something interesting to see.

Each named character in this game stands out with their unique goals, needs, and strong opinions on various pressing issues. And let me tell you, there’s no shortage of issues in this world. There are warring factions, the impending arrival of the formidable Knights of the Round Table, a terrifying nighttime presence that makes travel dangerous, plus poverty, bandits, and common monsters – it seems corruption runs deep in the heart of Avalon.

…Despite being linear and having only one correct solution, the developers from Awaken Realms infused creativity into their NPCs to give the impression of an active and lively world. Side quests may lack complexity, but they compensate with unexpected plot twists, humor, and self-awareness. One memorable side quest involved a tipsy soldier in a tavern who needed help finding his papers, while another was stumbling upon a mischievous thief goddess at the bottom of a cave, who would share her powers if we stole something small as a joke and to show affection. These events can be ignored if one prefers not to delve deeper into them.

In the principal narrative, we encounter challenging decisions and unusual elements, such as a storyline about a necromancer and his servant. I find that despite budget constraints for dynamic action scenes and dialogue animations, there were moments of genuine creative enthusiasm and excellent writing. Consequently, tasks that may initially appear routine transform into something unexpected and intriguing.

The main stories that bind the game together often come with unexpected turns, and the challenges we encounter can vary greatly in severity. Some may be straightforward, such as resolving conflicts through force or diplomacy, while others delve into complex moral dilemmas where choices are not always black and white. The deeper you venture into the story, the more intricate it becomes, at least during the initial act, which is currently accessible in Early Access.

In Tainted Grail, even though developers may opt for simpler designs at times, what truly stands out is the variety in character responses through engaging dialogue. This diversity not only shapes our characters but also allows us to empathize with them more deeply. Additionally, the game provides ample role-playing tools, as demonstrated when I inadvertently offended an NPC during a medical conversation so severely that it negatively impacted the entire task.

Despite a slightly bothersome day-night cycle, the game’s content was evenly distributed throughout the map, and the designers effectively integrated the quests into the surroundings.

The game’s content was well-balanced across the map, and the designers successfully embedded the quests within the environment, even though the day-night cycle could be a bit frustrating at times.

With fire, sword, magic and some crafting

The mechanics primarily deliver top-tier math-driven problem solutions within their genre, though they don’t introduce anything groundbreaking. However, they do emphasize a certain degree of freedom, although this freedom often leads to conflicts with the narrative more so than in the Elder Scrolls series. The crafting system is traditional, even somewhat outdated, but it remains functional. We seek recipes for creating armor, talismans, or food like soup, or we improvise using various ingredients, sometimes resulting in a delicious meal and other times an almost inedible concoction. Additionally, we can improve equipment and brew potions in bulk. These items will prove useful since the gameplay primarily revolves around combat.

Initially, I wasn’t fond of this game system, particularly the battle experience. However, after spending around an hour or two on Tainted Grail, I began to appreciate its animations, sounds, and pace – although they may not be as flashy as some other games. The responsiveness is excellent; wielding a two-handed sword to deplete an enemy’s stamina before delivering a decisive blow feels incredibly rewarding. Interestingly, I prefer using a one-handed weapon, either for slashing, stabbing, or blunt force, while also utilizing shield or spell support. This playstyle is effective in my experience.

Employing a bow can make it easier to disrupt large enemy groups and lure out individual combatants, even though it might not be our primary skillset. The character development is adaptable, enabling you to fashion a character who excels in one or two fields, yet can also use various tools imaginatively to tackle challenges, thanks to the game’s versatility.

In battles, we employ swift or powerful strikes, defensive moves, and combo jumps. Mastering positioning, evading, and stamina conservation is essential, and occasionally we unleash a speed-boosting skill. It can be intense, particularly at the beginning, and even a handful of shots could spell our doom. Yet, with practice and strategy, victories can be achieved where they seemed unlikely. As we invest more in our character, upgrade gear, boost stats, and perhaps delve into crafting, the gameplay evolves to a Gothic-like style.

Have no worries – there’s no level balancing. Should we venture too deep, it might lead to a tough battle or a harsh punishment. While the game offers and even stimulates various strategies, such as using overpowered builds or finding perks that boost damage based on weapon weight (with some weapons being incredibly heavy), or even manipulating AI behavior by avoiding their aggro zones. In another game, these elements might be considered flaws, but here they’re more like unique aspects of the genre. The developers are testing our limits, urging us to think strategically, even if it means taking shortcuts. It’s engaging, enjoyable, and rewarding, much like in Gothic.

The process of character advancement is timelessly effective, straightforward, and undeniably functional. It involves distributing points in skill branches and fundamental attributes, progressively enhancing the skills that we find useful. The former rewards you for utilizing your preferred equipment, while the latter provides Experience Points (XP) upon leveling up.

Character development is a classic way of improving characters by investing points into skills and stats they’ll use often. This approach also encourages using favorite gear and rewarding players with XP when they level up.

As a devoted fan, I’m thrilled that Tainted Grail steers clear of the dreaded level scaling conundrum, sparing us from endless hopscotch adventures or spending our days simmering pea soup. Could we ascend to demigod status? It seems likely, but during its early access stage, I didn’t sense a harsh punishment for persistence or creativity.

In many ways, it offers so much and yet remains so mysterious. Monsters regenerate after a night of wild chaos, offering ample opportunities for hunting under the cover of darkness, although we may also find ourselves on the wrong side of the hunter’s crosshairs. This dynamic allows us to hone numerous skills, provided we have the patience and desire.

In this stage, there’s quite a mix of adversaries to battle against: thugs, bandits, undead, water dwellers, wild beasts, spirits, and creatures from Celtic mythology, each with their own variations. Despite moments when I found myself reloading the game several times due to being overpowered, the battles were still engaging and fun. Admittedly, prolonged stays in one area may lead to a hint of monotony, but overall it’s not too bad. Moreover, while these opponents might not be the smartest or most cunning individually, they can certainly catch us off guard when they band together, ensuring there’s always an adrenaline rush.

Dangerous, but beautiful island

What captivated me most was the environmental storytelling and setting creation. On a relatively basic engine, the designers skillfully crafted evocative landscapes and intricately wove a tale of a troubled land, subtly suggesting the atrocities that had occurred there. Other locations exude mystery. As we delve into open areas and dungeons, numerous hidden secrets lie in wait, rewarding us with powerful weapons, small missions, or rejuvenating shrines.

Exploring each attraction was rewarding and sparked a palpable excitement, as if the enthusiasm was catching. I found both the main plot and the exploration engaging, with everything presented in such an immersive way that it never felt dull or repetitive. At first glance, certain expanses appeared somewhat bare, but this emptiness seemed intentional, perhaps to reflect the desolation of the Celtic coastline. Even the location introduced in the prologue harbors a few hidden gems waiting to be uncovered.

As a gamer immersed in the world of Tainted Grail, I can attest that while its technology may have its limitations, it’s the rich, enchanting atmosphere that truly captivates me. This is an environment as thick with mystery as the mists of Avalon, as you might have gathered by now. Creatures reminiscent of the Arthurian bestiary, along with conflicts, traditions, and magical elements frequently borrow from ancient myths and legends. I’d wager a bar of dark chocolate that the chilled NPC I encountered on a small island near the first city is none other than the Fisher King. There are many more tantalizing details in this game that developers use to create cultural clashes, dilemmas, and intrigue.

The atmosphere is further enhanced by the music, particularly the main menu theme – a fusion of excitement, apprehension, and intrigue. At times, the graphics are quite vivid too. While the decor takes inspiration from early Medieval motifs, it’s not just about plain and predictable visuals. It incorporates elements of body horror (given that it’s a tale of a plague) and architectural wonders reminiscent of H.R. Giger’s work. In the end, even the most daring artistic concepts within the game blend seamlessly to contribute to the overall richness. It may not be as wildly innovative as the retro-pixel Dread Delusion, but it certainly keeps you on your toes.

A crude work of art

In my opinion, given a larger budget, this game could surpass most rival titles, particularly within the fantasy genre. However, it may not necessarily outshine “KCD2,” as that’s an exceptionally powerful game and not strictly fantasy. The allure of this game might stem from its ambitious scope, potentially igniting creativity. Nonetheless, be aware that there are flaws present, some of which might give you pause before purchasing the game. Despite these imperfections, the RPG from Awaken Realms possesses numerous appealing aspects and charm, though I must caution that the term “charming” may seem outdated to some online video critics. Nevertheless, it can be quite captivating if one overlooks this perceived outmoded description.

The Fall of Avalon” boasts an unashamed blend of ideas borrowed from earlier role-playing games, and it carries them off brilliantly. Its nostalgic appeal, amplified by a witty, humorous narrative, sets the standard for modern titles. The gameplay mechanics vary from serving their purpose effectively to promoting strategic thinking and exploration. To put it simply, if the upcoming chapters maintain this quality, we’re looking at a gem among European-style indie games, possibly even a blockbuster hit.

2025-04-08 11:06