I'm thinking about getting into this series.

From what I understand, the 2 that just came out are updated version of 1 &2. Would it be better to play the originals, or start off with the new versions? Do they add anything new to the mix?

Thanks for the info DCT.

I think I will start with the old ones.

I've heard there's some new content (quests, etc.) as well. But I haven't played the new ones yet myself.

I did have a great time with the original Avernum trilogy, so I doubt you'll regret your decision to start there. Also that way you can move form the older to newer UI if you want to try the remakes later, rather than the other way around.

I've played A:EFTP for countless hours and the original (already a remake) just a bit. In EFTP there's new content (a very big sidequest) but basically the game is the same, with much better graphics. Some mechanics (skills mostly) are different, EFTP is much simplified in many aspects, but I guess most users won't find it a bad thing, it's more in line with Avadon from this point of view, but with more spells and abilities. The only thing that I like more in the original is how lighting in dungeons is handled, in the original you need torches and you can only see that much, in EFTP you can see everything you've discovered up to that point (things outside of your LOS are darkened). Only in a couple of occasions, plot related, you can't see anything. I'd say if you start with EFTP you'll get a very good game anyway, that looks much better. There are also a couple of mods on the Spiderweb boards.

As the new version is a strong improvement over the old one and doesn't essentially change the story, I'd always recommend just diving into the new version directly and ignore the old versions (except Avernum 4-6 as those might not actually be remade).

so really no changes just a "repackaging"?