For those who have not played Avalon, I highly recommend it -- the deep and vast player culture built over 25 years isn't something you can replicate, but the most important thing I've enjoyed most about the realm has been its staunch integrity: everyone can reach the same level of abilities and powers as another, but talent and practice determine who is best at the end of the day. There are hundreds of aspects to focus on, combat isn't the only one (but it is certainly the most sophisticated), and there's never a moment of boredom for me or those I know on Avalon. If you have played before, I really suggest checking it out again: so, so much has changed and still much more scheduled for development and improvement throughout 2015. Especially the new website, clients and other things to help young and old get together quicker, easier and so on; we're always trying to improve the experience of Avalon itself. The best way to experience it is to try it, though. Naturally I'm a little biased, since from a mortal perspective the realm is very different to how it feels as a divinity, but what all mortals aspire to in Avalon is certainly worth it. Those who are Ordained by vast competitions called Gem Quests compete for the greatest prize: ultimate freedom, power and importance to change the world as you see fit, contending with the other gods who maintain their own agenda. Not only have I played many other text based games in my life, but also checked out graphical ones; some bear close similarity in their scope, but I have yet to be able to make a real comparison. Avalon truly is massive and incredibly well made that, as a game, it's more like a fantasy life simulator. It's a joy to have everything possible within the bounds of Avalonian realism, so there are only vague boundaries far off on the horizon which limit your imagination's quarry. Really, you can do just about anything. It's beautifully written, its players are friendly and helpful to the young, competitive between each other, and everyone (mortal and divine) is busy carving out a legendary history in the world. Avalon is definitely a 10/10 for me. After all, it holds world records for a reason.

I’m an old mudplayer who started all the way back in the late 80’s. Avalon became my primary game sometime in the early 90’s and I’ve returned to it on and off over the years for varying session lengths from just a few weeks to anywhere up to a few years. I’m deep into a 6 month session so I can speak with authority about Avalons long reign as what I consider the most exhilarating MUD out there. Avalon was a pretty solid game even back in the 90’s with well-developed and evocative skills sets to support the numerous guilds it supports from Demon Summoning Sorcerers, Ritual and Fiery Mages and Knife wielding NIghtblades (that’s me!). It has a huge range of spheres in which to play from city politics and a vast economic and trade system which is supported by substantial labours and farming skills sets allowing players to run cities literally from planting seeds in fields to harvest, livestock breeding and a vast array of creatable items not including the more magical stuff like potions, poisons, herbs, arms, armour. Combat? It’s PvP system is absolutely second to none and can be approached as simply as just getting out there and chasing your enemies down and doing whatever your guild does to them or complex well laid ambushes, traps and overarching strategies to play into your strengths. I challenge anyone to demonstrate a more in-depth PvP system. Each of the cities and even individual guilds can engage in a comprehensive strategic warfare system from enlisting troops, training them up, bribing or killing other cities men. Legion formation, control, siege, bombardment, mine laying all done across a landscape of literally thousands of locations. It’s got all the usual stuff you would expect in a MUD with a large and mysterious questing pool from simple fetch and give to earn small rewards to huge world affecting ones whose steps to complete are often carefully guarded secrets or simply forgotten to the mists of time, I’d like to see some ways of learning quests but maybe that’s part of it’s mystery still. My one criticism is there are limited areas to go CCC bashing but it’s all about player and city interactions rather than mindless CCC grinding. From what I can see this last six months it’s in a huge expansion phase with daily updates and substantial skill and system additions with exciting ones being shapeforms which allows for the transformation into different creatures or other races. Though that’s not fully available to players yet I can’t wait to see what comes from it. I’m blowing Avalons trumpet but this is a personal review and it’s entertained me over the last 23 years. It went free to play last year but you can still subscribe to support the game and there are purchasable for RL cash magics called trinkets but from what I can see they are much more convenience items than pay2win and in fact everyone that played Xmas... Read More

I started playing Avalon in 2007; clueless and unsure what to expect. Eight years later I'm still playing and still as hooked as ever. The world itself is alive -- a living, breathing environment with its own characteristic and of course -- characters. Going free to play has made a HUGE difference lately and the period of development the game is undergoing is very exciting. The biggest draws for me are the combat and warfare systems. Combat is purely based on player skill - there's no question of gear or levels really and this makes things a lot more equal. Anyone can be the best fighter if they're good enough and the system is amazing. Thousands of skills and abilities, afflictions and effects that often have undocumented components for the inquisitive and intelligent players to discover - ensuring that Avalon combat is CHALLENGING. Warfare is equally as challenging. Raise armies. Besiege cities. Conquer territory. All while using carrier pigeons and runners to send dispatches to your legions using trenches, tunnels, siegetowers, landmines, water transports, barricades and infinite military strategies that can culminate in the successful conquerer wiping parts of the land from the map. Avalon's history is decided by the players and the game is without doubt the most immersive and challenging gaming experience I've ever seen.

I have played Avalon for Several months, now, and still find myself coming back as frequently as my busy schedule allows. This is not a testament in itself. I couldn't stress it any more how phenomenal it is. The realm of Avalon is ever dynamic, expansive, and imaginative. If I feel like crafting using commodities or materials I found, I may do so. If I wish to march legions of men to batter on an enemy cities gates, I am able to sit at my commandpost and bark my orders to the masses. Avalon has 9 professions, and over 25 guilds. Seers, Warlocks, Cavaliers, Assassins, Sorcerers, and more! Four cities rule the realm in a meritocracy, meaning we shape the land. All cities are player-ran, with an economy that we alter. The Divine Pantheon is flourishing with activity, the game is FREE, and the Creators are implementing new AI NPCs and game features that make every day exciting and new. Bugs are vanquished within hours, and ideas are free to flow to the ears of the administration. 10/10. Avalon is on a full upswing within the past several months, with no intentions of slowing down. I'm still excited every time I log into the realm. Come join us in our ventures! ~Zio

I'll keep it short and simple...first the good things! Simply the best PvP combat system you will find. Completely immersive and fully developed player run economy, political institutions and mass warfare systems. Emphasis is on roleplaying and PvP conflict. And now for the bad... Although the code is stable and well balanced, new content is extremely rare. It is horribly expensive, which tends to encourage the hardcore gamer. The overall feel is one of stagnation, with a largely disinterested staff. In summary, potentially the best MUD you will ever play, but let down by poor admin.

This is the best mud around. I have been playing muds for around seven years, and none come close to matching Avalon. The playerbase is good. I mean there are people that you wouldn't like, but Avalon is the second life for me. Just like in real life, there are good people and bad ones, there are marriages, houses, palaces, skills, professions, warfare between city militaries, positions in four major cities, (like ministers and barons and such), farming, mining, and lots more. It's another life.

Avalon is not a fair land, there are no laws, there is no justice, except what the gods or your peers enforce. But that is just the beauty of it. It can be frustrating if others stand in the way of your 'great' plans, but it can also be very rewarding when you keep progressing despite all dificulties. The game has much to offer, fighting (best system I have seen in MUDS so far), questing, politics, warfare, romance, trade, community, ... You will have to mould it though, nothing is brought to you on a silver platter once you graduate from school. Hell, its almost like life itself. This is the first computer game that has me still addicted after more than a year of playing it.

Could be the worst mud ever. Pointless existance in a "let's just chat" enviroment. Don't waste your time. The few characters that are in it are given special privelages by the "so called" gods there just cause they send them a few extra bucks.

After spending several hours completing pointless tasks I finally got into the game proper only to find that no one in it (and there arent many players) had any interest in talking to me or helping me, let alone role-playing. Dont waste your time with this garbage.

If you like PK games this is pretty cool. Like the last guy said its quite a rush fighting. Its dog eat dog and the weak go to the wall. Its the best combat system ive seen in a MUD with a lot of subtlety, and in-depth knowledge of it can take a long time to come. That said theres a player website which is a massive boost for newbs at www.theguildhouse.net/avalon.

Ive now played in this realm for about 1 1/2 years. ive travelled through other muds (Ironrealms games, etc), but never found one that is so in depth as avalon. the speed of the game is what is so enticing - the fighting gives a real adrenaline rush, as does a race to be the first to get items. The player relationships are the main influence in the game, and the cost is what filters out those who would just create multiple characters to benefit a main. Avalon is a diverse land with just as much offered to pacifists (non-fighters) as to fighters. The massive amount of skills, guilds, city-relationships and friendships make this incredibly addictive, and the bonds created with everyone (enemies included) are enticing. To anyone that can scrounge up together the cash, i would suggest you give it a go (even for a single month) because you will fall in love with this game.

You have to pay to play this. Considering that its frustrating that half the guilds are closed for recruitment or have guild masters who are rarely around. The world is detailed and interesting, and the combat system seems challenging, but the lack of players really kills this off. Its rare to see more than 40 people on and you are often waiting around for a couple of days to get necessary equipment, training or whatever. Its also rather 'cliquey' with people often having conversations out of character when they know each other in real life. If they had a free month for new people it would be more attractive and might introduce some much needed fresh blood.

I joined this MUD in 2001 and I have played several MUD's and MMORPG's since then. For a text based game this one is rather indepth and complete. If you involve yourself deep within the history of the game things that are a mystery reveal themselves and you are shown lands that the most experienced players in the game have yet to see. I personally have no clue the experience of playing D&D or any RPG game. Avalon was stumbled upon when I was bored one day and wanted to play a Fantasy King Arthur type game. Before that the only RPG game I ever played was Final Fantasy. After the movie series "Lord of the Ring" came out I thought this game was based on the books of said movie. So I take it D&D is similiar to this as well.. This can get to be an expensive game to play if you buy lessons ( which help you in learning skills ) and the month fees.. Pros: Very extensive game.. There are mysteries that can keep anyone holding their breath. Very regular groups of people... You see new players come and stay and you see players who have been there since the early 90's still playing. They try to befriend everyone but some roles do not allow for this and you'll learn that off the start. Easy to progress.. Questing/Exp Quests etc are easy to do in the game.. it does of PK so when you die your experience does decline but for those who are not into fighting and want to socialize in the game their is room and play for that as well. too numerous to list.. CONS: Gods in the game have full reign over what they do and say. This being said they can stick you in a closed off room from the enter realm for months ( which you keep paying ) and theres nothing you can do. You can be punished just for being a certain profession/guild to the extent of being punished for being a pest or killing the wrong person.. the rules are bound only by the person playing the God. But yes you pay your fees and can be disabled for playing the game for several Real Life Months on end.. it's been done and I'm sure it will continue to do so in the future. and another CON would be the fact that you'll run into everything being similiar.. no uniqueness to a lot of the game.. once you see one Tawny owl you've seen them all.. It would be nice if players could have unique things that are rare and not plastered throughout the game.. Anyone that's just my lil review.. I will be returning the game soon ( I think a lifetime membership is 300+ USD but downside to that is if you get punished by a good it's a huge waste of money ) Try it if it's your fancy.. but it's for... Read More

I have been playing Avalon since 1998. It's totally addicted and well worth the small fee. Even after all these years there is still something new to learn and experience every day. I have tried a few other MUDs but have always found something was missing and have come straight back to Avalon. I cannot recommend this game highly enough. Its massive, its complicated, its beautifully detailed, its unpredictable and totally, irrevocably, addictive!

Avalon is the best MUD I've played, bar none. There are no limitations to what you can accomplish! Choose a way of life, politician, fighter, pacifist....and strive to become the best. Only limitations are those you create yourself. I love it!

Avalon - the Legend Lives has to be one of the most thorough and entertaining RPG Muds in existence. Since I first logged on in 1997 I have experienced challenges of unending varieties. Wars waged between bretheren, guild and city. The Gods listen to players feedback and add new challenges. 4 Years and i have yet to have done everything. With a background combining Tolkien, Arturian and Lewis Legends along with geninuely unique and very indebth history, Avalon weaves a tale of mysticism and keeps the player both entertained and wanting more. I am a true Avalon Addict. Bravo and congratulations on 15 years. May you never change.

I've been playing this MUD for some time now and its just great. Unlike many other MUDs you don't have to go around with the constant player/NPC killing. You can live your life in Avalon any way you want, it doesn't have to be a fighter or a trader. Roleplaying can be a major part as you really get to interact with the players. As you spend more time in Avalon and advance you get new better skills from your guild and even basic skills. The skill set is one uncommen in the MUD world. Now the down side is it is a subscription game. You pay-per-play, or you pay for a month of unlimted play. It really is worth it. You even get 5 hours free to start off and see if you like it. Really is a great (and old) MUD.

This game is different to others that we have played in two ways. Firstly its a subscription game, though frankly it doesnt cost much, and secondly you will find that the characters actually *mean* something here. Its fairly full on with the PK although you dont have to fight. The politics and interaction with other players is good. Relationships with friends and enemies tend to force roleplaying. But most of all it allows you to develop over time and become someone who genuinely influences events and the way the world is. I would recommend anyone to try the free signup if they want a MUD that will allow them to build a character for the long-term. You will quickly find that the people in Avalon are what make it addictive though the world and skills etc are detailed and challenging.

First of all ive been playing avalon for about a year now and i agree with the last poster, its heads and shoulders above the rest. The playerkilling is one of its best features i think, because you have more control over your character and his/her abilities than i think any other mud around gives you. Im also believe its a great game for non playerkillers, the professions available offer a wide variety of role play. Yeah you do have to shell out a few bucks to play but its well worth it. It also has enough people online to at both times not squeeze you out like some of the games with 1500 users, and more than enough ppl to interact with and form close bonds of friendship and Hatred. The "homey" atmosphere is what makes the ppl there so dedicated to the game. Youll love your friends and hate your enemies.

This is partly in response to the previous review that I read about Avalon. Generally, I would agree that paying for MUDS is a bad idea, but, I've been playing Avalon for years now and it is worth every penny. I've searched around for a better one and believe me, there isn't one out there. Infact, half of them seem to have copied Avalon in terms of the skills system... It's been running since 1989, before the internet, via direct calling and it's just got better and better. Mainly because of the diversity of it: a wide sweep of skills; probably the most comprehensive online help system out there (including a novice introduction that actually take you around the land and gives you an immediate grasp of how to play) and a fighting system that is way way above the rest. There are guilds to suit every style of play, even if it isn't fighting. Such as Animists, Paladins, Seers, Mystics, Alchemists, Sorcerers, Mages.... The list goes on. Perhaps the best part is the fact that the skills aren't the usual run of the mill cliched ones that are really boring... Like only mages use magic... Believe me, they're not the only ones and you're on a level playing field: how well you do in the MUD is up to you. You can even become ordained. Besides this though is the politics of the game, even the Immortals are striving to excell the contemporaries. The cities are battling it out with troops and the players are all battling it out in one on one combat whilst the war goes on around them.... Anyway, if you are still not convinced, then take advantage of the free 5 hours and make your own mind up.

I think that Avalon is a pretty cool Mud. I like the way the game goes, how you can choose to play your own game a little more than others (ie Maybe everyone doesn't want to run around battling constantly). However, I did not like the fact that they doop you into paying. There is no mention of a fee on the website (unless you really dig), and they don't inform you of the fact that it's a pay-per-play until you get five hours into the game. And they want $22 bucks per month. I could buy all my D&D equipment back and hire people to play with me for that kind of money. At least then I wouldn't have to learn all the little code words for everything. All in all, however, I did enjoy playing this Mud for the five short hours that I did, and if you have $22 per month to shell out on a game, I would recommend this one.