Avencast: Rise of the Mage is an action role-playing game for Microsoft Windows developed by ClockStone Software and published by Lighthouse Interactive (worldwide except Russia). The game heavily borrows elements of beat 'em ups. This is apparent from the ability to cast spells by rapidly combining movement inputs with mouse buttons. Alternatively short cuts can be assigned for easy access of spells. Also the scheme of recurring Boss fights reflects this relation. The inclusion of riddles shows the connection to adventure games.

Gameplay

The gameplay comprises killing monsters to gain experience points which in turn can be spent on raising characters stats or acquiring spells. Additionally the monster's bodies can be searched for gold or equipment like weapons (primarily staffs) and armour which can be sold or used by the character. For the purpose of carrying equipment the game provides the character with an inventory and also a belt for healing and mana potions and spells. The game allows fast access to items on the belt by key-bindings. This speeds up repeatedly opening books, which is necessary for solving some of the quests.

An equal amount of experience points can be achieved by finishing quests. Some quests also award the character with equipment, including unique items. Quests often contain riddles that must be solved by the player for accomplishment. These involve the activation of switches, the usage of runes to open passageways and the alignment of mirrors to focus laser like rays.

The game features a minimap that shows quest locations and automatically updates with the areas the player has visited.

Although the game features potions for healing and refilling mana, the character automatically recovers and gains both health and mana over time.