Ready for a dark fantasy RPG with a twist? Imagine escaping prison, only to be roped into defending a war-torn island from a mysterious, otherworldly force. Oh, and did we mention the soul of King Arthur is now hitching a ride in your subconscious? Buckle up, because Tainted Grail: The Fall of Avalon is here to take you on a wild ride.
What's the Deal with Avalon?
Tainted Grail: The Fall of Avalon is an open-world, first-person RPG that throws a unique, dark fantasy spin on the Arthurian legend. Developed by Questline and published by Awaken Realms, this game isn't afraid to swing for the fences. It's like someone took Skyrim, cranked up the grimdark atmosphere, and added a healthy dose of King Arthur's brooding spirit for good measure. Think:
- Open-world exploration
- First-person combat
- a storyline full of twists
- A dark fantasy Arthurian reimagining
- Deep character progression
A World Worth Getting Lost In
Avalon is divided into three distinct regions, each with its own storyline and secrets to uncover. I always found new armor, crafting recipes, and more almost everywhere I looked!
The environments are beautifully designed, which made my trips to the Wyrdrealm worthwhile, it also helped that there was very little filler space in the games maps. There were large statues of eldritch creatures and skylines filled with crumbling towers.
- Exploration is Key: Expect to spend hours exploring caves, abandoned villages, and the eerie Wyrdrealm – an alternate dimension teeming with otherworldly monsters and secrets.
- Loot Galore: You'll constantly find valuable items, new gear, and crafting recipes scattered throughout the world.
Meet the (Slightly Mad) Residents of Avalon
One of the game's biggest strengths is its memorable cast of characters. Every NPC has a story to tell, whether it's helping a nobleman fake his death, uncovering an undead chef's secret ingredient, or assisting a woman who accidentally turned her husband into a pig. This sense of humor adds a layer of charm to the otherwise dark and gritty world, and the larger story plays with well known tropes.
Level Up Your Way
The game utilizes a skill-based leveling system reminiscent of The Elder Scrolls. The game rewards whatever playstyle you like to play because you upgrade skills as you use them.
For more targeted upgrades, the game has 20 skill trees that you can use to power up your character even further.
- Experimentation is Encouraged: Don't be afraid to try different playstyles and builds.
- Plenty of Options: The game offers substantial upgrades to your abilities to play the way you want.
A Few Bumps in the Road
Despite its many strengths, Tainted Grail isn't without its flaws. I felt like a lot of the voice actors weren't properly briefed on the lore, because the names of the different regions changed throughout the game. Combat is smooth, but difficulty can spikes sporadically. Another frustrating feature is that dungeons are intentionally difficult to navigate and the lack of minimap made it even more tedious.
The Verdict
Tainted Grail: The Fall of Avalon is a genuinely fascinating open-world RPG. While some minor imperfections exist, I found their ambition refreshing in a genre often dominated by established studios. The bottom line? Questline and Awaken Realms have made their mark on the RPG landscape.
