First off, I'd like to say that Elemental is a great game. Due to its being an indie game, it was my thought these forums would contain a very high concentration of intelligent gamers. By reading these posts as well as the in-depth analysis of possible Elemental improvements, I have been proven right. So it says a lot about Stardock, that I believe the opinions of their forum members is so valuable.
Anyways, I'm still playing/addicted to Avernum 6 right now. The graphics may be a little weak, this is true. However, at no point has the graphics ever detracted from my gaming experience. The same cannot be said for many AAA games, where their top-of-the-line graphics engine at times actually causes problems, ranging from bad clipping to annoying camera angles. There are also some things where Avernum's graphics are better than many other games. For instance, loot dropped on the ground actually has an image. Avernum 6 is such an amazingly fun game to play. I urge everyone here that enjoys old school baldurs gate, party based rpgs to give it a try. Yeah, the graphics will slap you in the face at first. But then you will realize something:
Great gameplay makes the game, there is no substitute.
I honestly get the feeling that some of these larger studios get all of the pieces together (graphics department, programming department, audio dep. etc. etc. etc.) then try to make a technically awesome game. But the gameplay is considered last. It is a pity that a large studio won't buy the rights to redo Avernum series with the only change being graphics. That way the masses would actually try it and be introduced to good games. With all of its glitter and prettyness, Neverwinter Nights never felt like an improvement over baldurs gate.
This is why we are all here and being understanding of Stardock and release difficulties of Elemental. Stardock wants to create great games for us, when every other studio writes us off as not worthwhile. By "us" I mean the gamers here that demand great gameplay.
