Tainted Grail: The Fall of Avalon Review – Watch Out, Elder Scrolls…

Over the past two weeks, we’ve been putting many hours into the Tainted Grail: The Fall of Avalon, a remarkable adventure into a dark medival RPG with very similar mechanics to those of The Elder Scrolls series – particually Oblivion and Morrowind. Here are our thoughts after 30 hours in the game.

A Dark Fantasy Worth Exploring

With today’s gaming scene packed with massive AAA titles and a flood of indie releases, it’s pretty rare to stumble upon a mid-tier game that really makes an impact. But Tainted Grail: The Fall of Avalon manages to do just that. It doesn’t try to reinvent the wheel, but it does a great job of building a familiar, yet gripping RPG experience in a dark and twisted version of Arthurian legend.

Even though it’s the first time the Tainted Grail franchise has stepped out of the board game world and into video games, this new venture feels surprisingly confident. The developers at Questline clearly drew a ton of inspiration from The Elder Scrolls – and they’re not shy about it. You start as a prisoner, quickly escape with the help of a mysterious stranger, and then discover you’re carrying a piece of King Arthur’s soul. Classic chosen one setup, but with a grim twist. 🔮

A warrior clad in dark armor and a horned helmet stands before a ruined landscape, facing a distant castle under a stormy sky. A ghostly stag figure is visible in the clouds, adding a mystical presence to the scene. — Gameplay Screenshots – Tainted Grail: The Fall of Avalon via Awaken Realms

Character & Story Carry the Game

What really stands out in Fall of Avalon is the character work. From King Arthur himself to shopkeepers and legendary figures like Merlin, the cast is lively and well-voiced. Even with some stiff NPC animations, they manage to deliver memorable lines that pull you deeper into this version of Avalon. You get to chat with Arthur throughout the game, giving a fresh spin to a storyline that could’ve easily felt tired.

Sure, the main plot isn’t the most groundbreaking. But there’s a surprising amount of choice that shapes your journey. The branching paths and tough moral decisions – like whether or not to carry out an assassination – add real weight. I found myself wanting to replay sections just to see what might change depending on my choices. That’s always a good sign in an RPG.

A first-person perspective of a mage casting dual-wielded spells in a snowy, mountainous landscape. A bright magical attack hits an enemy in the distance while another creature lurks nearby. — Spellcasting Combat – Tainted Grail: The Fall of Avalon

Classic RPG Vibes… with a Twist

Gameplay-wise, this is a love letter to modern RPGs. You get to build your character through classic stats like strength and dexterity, and your preferred playstyle levels up skills organically. Whether you’re rocking a two-handed sword or dabbling in magic, the game makes each path feel rewarding. There’s a satisfying loop of exploring, finding gear, and taking on tougher foes.

Avalon is packed with dungeons, side quests, and secrets. One of the more unique features is the “weird night” mechanic – certain evenings bring in a deadly fog filled with brutal demons. It’s eerie and adds some much-needed tension when you’re wandering around after dark. Combat has its hiccups – some fights are more confusing than challenging – but overall, the game rewards curiosity and experimentation. 🗡️

Final Thoughts – A Masterpiece in the Making

Unfortunately, for all its ambition, Tainted Grail: The Fall of Avalon suffers from some frustrating technical issues. While some bugs are harmless (like floating NPCs or skipped dialogue), others can be game-breaking.

Even so, it’s hard not to admire what this game pulls off with a smaller budget. It offers a solid 25-hour adventure with freedom to explore at your own pace, varied quests, and meaningful decisions. The visual presentation may not blow you away, but the worldbuilding and storytelling go a long way in making this a place you’ll want to revisit.

In the end, The Fall of Avalon is far from perfect, but it has heart. It feels like a passion project made by people who love the genre, and it offers a refreshing reminder that you don’t need a blockbuster budget to make a memorable RPG. If you can look past the bugs, there’s a dark, intriguing world here waiting to be uncovered.

Tainted Grail: The Fall of Avalon

Play Tainted Grail: The Fall of Avalon now on Xbox Series X, PlayStation or PC.

Buy via Steam Buy the Board Game via Amazon US

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