Avernum 2: Crystal Souls

I just finished this game: 46 hours for a near-complete play through (completed all three main quests and probably 85% of all quests--those remaining could have been finished but were too low level to bother) on Normal difficulty. The game has sharp, witty writing, a large and semi-open world, and turn-based, tactical combat. The game isn't perfect, but it's certainly very good. I think I enjoyed this one SLIGHTLY less than Escape from the Pit, but that's only because there ended up being a large map section that I did not explore and didn't even find any quests asking me to explore. I recommend playing on Normal difficulty for your first game. I played the first game on Hard, and while the tactical challenge is fun at that level, it makes the numerous combats stretch on far too long and the game wears out its welcome.

No need to explain.

I got hooked on Avernum: Escape from the Pit. I like the storyline and the setting. These games remind me of a cross between tabletop RPG and Ultima.

This is a very good game that introduces some new elements, but there are a few drawbacks. Most of the game so far has been open-world, with a certain number of reputation points needed to advance in the game (twice), so it's pretty much all petty quests after you get back to Avernum. (so far) The fast-travel system still irks me but most people should be fine with it. I haven't got crown clearance yet (which you need to meet the king, which probably introduces a new phase in the game) but I've played this game for 15h. TL;DR - A worthy follow-up to a great CRPG, with four more games to go. I'd suggest starting with Avernum: Escape from the Pit not just because it's a somewhat better game, but also because it introduces the world of Avernum, and the second game doesn't let you explore much outside of the areas it lets you.

Light on characterization. Light on graphics. Big on world-building and exploration. Not the highest production quality, but you get a lot for what it costs.