Avalon Code

 DS
Avalon Code Image
Metascore
71

Mixed or average reviews - based on 29 Critic Reviews What's this?

User Score
7.8

Generally favorable reviews- based on 17 Ratings

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  • Summary: From the creative minds behind Rune Factory and Harvest Moon with the development studio responsible for the Final Fantasy III and Final Fantasy IV DS remakes comes Avalon Code, an action RPG boasting a deep and engrossing story and innovative game play mechanics. Using the main character’sFrom the creative minds behind Rune Factory and Harvest Moon with the development studio responsible for the Final Fantasy III and Final Fantasy IV DS remakes comes Avalon Code, an action RPG boasting a deep and engrossing story and innovative game play mechanics. Using the main character’s "Book of Prophecy", players can modify the rules of engagement during battle as well as weapon and monster attributes. The player even has control over the story as it changes depending on which gender the player chooses to play as, enhancing the ability to immerse themselves into the story. [XSEED]… Expand
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Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 14 out of 29
  2. Mixed: 14 out of 29
  3. Negative: 1 out of 29
  1. Vandal
    87
    It is a game that rewards those players willing to dedicate it the many hours its learning curve requests.
  2. IGN
    83
    Avalon Code offers a unique experience among action RPGs. Capturing people and objects in the Book of Prophecy and playing with their attributes is a compelling mechanic you won't find anywhere else. The interface isn't perfect, but it's definitely engaging.
  3. GameZone
    80
    Sure, dealing with the interface can be irritating. That doesn’t change the fact that Avalon Code is as unique and satisfying a game as your likely to find on the DS, or any system for that matter. If you’re willing to put up with a little frustration to experience one of the most original RPGs in recent memory, then Avalon Code is for you.
  4. Cubed3
    70
    A fun, new, interesting experience that separates itself nicely from the rest of the crowd with the use of the Book of Prophecy.
  5. GamePro
    70
    Avalon code is a pretty linear game with lots of hidden things to find, and some fun little side tasks. [Apr 2009, p.83]
    All this publication's reviews
  6. Game Informer
    70
    Collecting codes and manipulating them is engaging, but the rest of the experience is merely functional.
  7. Game Revolution
    42
    Since the combat is so shallow, and the story is rather bland in spite of how different it is, Avalon Code never really sucked me in.

See all 29 Critic Reviews

User Reviews

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Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 9 out of 10
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 10
  3. Negative: 1 out of 10
  1. JoseC
    Mar 26, 2009
    10
    It is one of the RPG's we've been waiting for to come out on the DS. Its cool and long, most like Runefactory and Harvest Moon with It is one of the RPG's we've been waiting for to come out on the DS. Its cool and long, most like Runefactory and Harvest Moon with Zelda Graphics, or so the critics say. Its nice to have this game for the DS. I mean, its the most fun I had after The Legend of Zelda: Phantom Hourglass.… Expand
  2. LordXam
    Feb 21, 2019
    10
    не идеальна , но хороша.
    Сделана с душой и любовью.
    Nice game for you (30 -50h)
  4. and00r
    Sep 30, 2020
    10
    It's a good game. Real score I would give it is 8.5 and not a 10. I only gave it 10 because I feel the current score is too low and I want itIt's a good game. Real score I would give it is 8.5 and not a 10. I only gave it 10 because I feel the current score is too low and I want it to go higher.
    But anyway, the game is sort of an unconventional RPG. May be difficult to understand how everything works at first. Also the story is a bit slow and bland at the start. But the gameplay picks up pretty good. Overall this is a solid RPG, especially for a handheld title.    … Expand
  5. ninjaguy454
    Aug 14, 2020
    9
    The rating for this game has personally the most contested out of the ones I've done so far and I would label the game as a sleeper hit.The rating for this game has personally the most contested out of the ones I've done so far and I would label the game as a sleeper hit.

    The plot for Avalon Code is rather basic, but interesting and makes me curious. It roots itself in the 'chosen one' trope like many other games do, but where it's interesting is the story that the game is based around. The world is about to end as foreseen by your character, who is chosen by 'The book of prophecy' to save the information of those whom he deems worthy or unworthy to save into the next world. Among this, you find out some other information about the prior chosen one before you and some political intrigue that is going on while the apocalypse is looming. Overall, I think it's interesting and kept me engaged with the game.

    The graphics are outstanding in this title. I love the art style used for the setting, characters, and monsters. The overall aesthetic of the game is very pleasing and it's great to see such a nice looking game that runs so well on the DS.

    Avalon Code's gameplay is pretty solid but does have a couple of weak points. I found the dungeons to be a bit underwhelming, and as mentioned before by other reviewers, navigating the book can become tiresome. However, I think it was a cool idea and helped sell the idea behind 'The Book of Prophecy'. Essentially, you can "scan" an item into the book by whacking it with the book. This saves the data and any essences that may be affecting the person/plant/monster/item's strength. You can use this to your advantage and the aspect of changing these essences plays out somewhat like a puzzle. It's fun to solve these and try to tilt the battles in your favor.

    Exploring the world is very much like Zelda, or Pokemon in the sense that there are individual micro-maps that all link together to give off the feeling of an open-world and it sells it well, although I feel the plot is a bit linear.

    The combat in the game only gets more fun the further you play through it. I think it really picks up when you learn your specialties and performing attacks like 'Judgement Link' successfully feels rewarding and is just fun too by itself. Look up "Avalon Code Judgement Link" on youtube and you will be greeted with what I consider to be one of the most entertaining attacks in a game. You literally just juggle the enemies as high as you can, into the air, until they explode. It makes me chuckle every time.

    The Soundtrack for Avalon Code fits the game well and has become one of my favorite. There's something whimsical and classical about it, with a hint of mystery. It makes me feel like I'm adventuring within the world as well as relaxing at the same time. It's a soothing soundtrack and the pieces within it do much to enhance the gameplay experience. When facing bosses or in dire situations, the music reflects that beautifully. You can feel the danger looming.

    Overall, I thoroughly recommend Avalon Code. I debated whether I should give it a 10/10 and almost did had it not been for the few shortfalls of the gameplay. As of right now, this is the closest I've come to consider a game on the masterpiece while working my way through the DS library. Pick it up and check it out if you're considering it!    … Expand
  6. DanG.
    Mar 15, 2009
    9
    It has a unique take on the concept of a world-making game. You can re-define the meaning of anything in the game.
  7. WallidK
    Mar 30, 2009
    8
    Wow, this really is an experimental game. It's almost like the developers threw whatever they thought on the wall and hoped it would Wow, this really is an experimental game. It's almost like the developers threw whatever they thought on the wall and hoped it would stick. However, these were the developers of the DS Final Fantasy remakes, so most of the stuff they threw were good ideas. However, there are some really obvious flaws in the system, like a 1,490 page book of prophecy that is a pain in the butt to navigate and the fact that you have to juggle enemies into space to get a decent recovery item. Either way, this game is so much that these flaws really don't mean much to me. If you like Action RPG's and like experimental games like The World Ends With You, this is a msut-buy for you guys.… Expand
  8. raffy2110
    Jun 7, 2011
    4
    this game is so annoying,when you fight most of the boss battles even if you level up its hard to beat them.
    and all the puzzles and things    this game is so annoying,when you fight most of the boss battles even if you level up its hard to beat them.
    and all the puzzles and things you have to solve broke my thought of finishing the game.when i saw this game i had this urge to get it but i got it i was so disappointed that i did'nt play the game anymore.a few years later i tried playing it again i got farther than before but ended up the same way.    … Expand

See all 10 User Reviews

Awards & Rankings

58
#58 Best DS Game of 2009
27
#27 Most Discussed DS Game of 2009
62
#62 Most Shared DS Game of 2009