Duck of Death
Member
It's been almost 6 years since Planescape: Torment was released. Since that time Black Isle has closed down, Bioware has shifted to console development, and the final Infinity Engine game has come and gone. Planescape is often listed as one of the supreme role-playing games on the personal computer, and it deserves healthy discussion.
"What can change the nature of a man?"
There is much to love about Planescape: Torment. The creation of the bizarre Planescape setting is a remarkable achievement. From the center of the multiverse Sigil to the depths of Baator, the game boasts an level of artistic prowess that most games could never achieve. Some areas are pure beauty (such as the basement of the Brothel of Intellectual Lusts), others are manifestations of striking evil (the Pillar of Bones). Each area is unique, inspired, and a treat to explore.
The other most notable aspect of the game is its brilliant narrative. Torment deftly explores a variety of philosophical views without overbearing the player. The characters are believable, tragic, and endearing, a rarity in the video game medium. In what other game can the player's party consist of an immortal amnesiac, a talking skull, and a man perpetually on fire?
Although the game is an aesthetic masterpiece, it is flawed in its gameplay. One might find it easy to complain that there is too much text and there are too many situations that are solved through dialogue. However, this is logical in the Planescape setting, where the power of the word and belief hold more power than the sword. When the game does attempt combat, it usually fails. The combat in the game is an interesting dillema. On the one hand, the designers went out of their way to make some truly interesting and exciting challenges. Examples of such decisions are evident in the skirmish between rival gangs in the Alley of Dangerous Angles and the fall of Curst into Baator. Also, the game rewards the player for being smart as to when to engage in combat. The tactic of simply running away has never been so effective. On the other hand, the mechanics of combat are too simple and without variety. There are only two characters in the game that can use missle weapons, the rest must stick to melee combat. Spells are also more limited than other Infinity Engine games. The use of charms and unique items helps, but they are not enough to fix this inadequacy.
Are the problems with combat enough to ruin the game? Absolutely not. Planescape: Torment is a haunting, memorable, and deep gaming experience. Truly one of a kind.
I've said my piece, what about the rest of you? Do you agree with my assessment of the game? Why or why not? What are your favorite/least favorite moments from the game? This game deserves discussion!
