Abandoned Places: A Time for Heroes vs Avernum 2: Crystal Souls

Abandoned Places: A Time for Heroes is a 1992 fantasy RPG where you control four heroes on a mission to stop the evil arch‑mage Bronagh and save the world of Kalynthia. The game blends a 2D top‑down overworld with 3D real‑time dungeon crawling reminiscent of Dungeon Master, offering a sandbox feel and plenty of side activities beyond the main quest. The interface lets you travel to towns by clicking symbols for services like healing or hints, while combat is point‑and‑click: select a weapon or spell, then click the monster, with cooldown timers after each use. This mix of exploration, party management, and real‑time action creates a deep, nostalgic adventure for solo players.

Avernum 2: Crystal Souls drops you into a massive, underground fantasy world filled with over 100 towns and dungeons. The game offers an epic story where you can pursue up to three distinct game‑winning quests, master more than 60 spells, and hunt for hundreds of magical artifacts. With over 50 hours of gameplay, this indie title blends role‑playing, strategy, and adventure elements into a deep single‑player experience. Available on PC, iOS, and Mac, it delivers classic retro graphics and a rich, immersive world for fans of traditional RPGs.

• Rich open‑world exploration
• Blend of 2D and 3D perspectives
• Simple yet engaging point‑and‑click combat
• Deep party customization

• Massive amount of content and locations
• High replay value with multiple quest paths
• Deep spell‑crafting and customization
• Affordable one‑time price

• Dated graphics may not appeal to modern eyes
• Limited UI feedback during cooldowns
• No multiplayer or co‑op options

• User interface feels dated compared to modern titles
• Graphics are retro and may not appeal to all players
• Steep learning curve for new RPG fans