Everyone who has played this game will agree that it contains the best storyline ever developed for an RPG. If anything, it should be classified as Adventure/RPG. Planescape : Torment is based on AD&D rules, but you don't have to be a follower of AD&D to step into the game and enjoy it.
You play The Nameless One (slight spoiler : you will never discover his true name) in his epic journey to discover who he is - or was. From the very beginning of the game you will be drawn into an atmosphere of suspense as you begin to uncover the background of the amnesiac who awakes in a mortuary with no idea who he is, and discovers he is immortal.
There is barely a boring moment in the game. Unlike most RPGs, you won't get tired of hacking and slashing your way through hordes upon hordes of monsters in every shape and size imaginable, although the game does have a unique Bestiary in which every monster species and NPC you meet is catalogued with an impressive picture and summary. You will spend most of your time meeting the colourful characters of the planes, and discovery the mystery that is you.
A major plus point is The Nameless One's relationships with his companions - Dak'kon, a proud, tight-lipped Githyanki who has somehow been bound to you, Morte, a floating skull who will be with you early on and spices up your journey with his wacky sense of humour, Annah, a theifling with a stony exterior, Fall-From-Grace, the pillar of wisdom and patience, and many others. You will come to know and love them as they share your joys and torments.
Although the story far surpasses that of Baldur's Gate or Icewind Dale (which utilise the same game engine), the combat effects are on par, if not better than these games. From the lowest first-level spell to the ground-levelling ninth levels, the amount of effort put into the animation is obvious and very much appreciated. Certain spells had whole CUTSCENES every time you casted them. The character animations are seamless and realistic. Combined with the fact that the viewing point in the game is much closer to the ground - hence every character appears larger - this makes for life-like, immersive role-playing.
Critics would say that the game is too unconventional, that the main character is too sinister to be accepted among casual gamers. Granted, the box cover seems a bit too intimidating and the Planescape setting itself makes for some serious thought. For me, however it just makes the game even more interesting. So the hero isn't your typical Casanova. Big deal. And when was the last time you played a game that had its own slang and colloquial expressions?
In short, Planescape : Torment is a game you simply MUST get if you like RPG games. It is proof that mere sales does not ensure a great game (Icewind Dale had better sales, but was lacking in both story and visual effects.). It will be one of the most memorable games you'll ever play.
You play The Nameless One (slight spoiler : you will never discover his true name) in his epic journey to discover who he is - or was. From the very beginning of the game you will be drawn into an atmosphere of suspense as you begin to uncover the background of the amnesiac who awakes in a mortuary with no idea who he is, and discovers he is immortal.
There is barely a boring moment in the game. Unlike most RPGs, you won't get tired of hacking and slashing your way through hordes upon hordes of monsters in every shape and size imaginable, although the game does have a unique Bestiary in which every monster species and NPC you meet is catalogued with an impressive picture and summary. You will spend most of your time meeting the colourful characters of the planes, and discovery the mystery that is you.
A major plus point is The Nameless One's relationships with his companions - Dak'kon, a proud, tight-lipped Githyanki who has somehow been bound to you, Morte, a floating skull who will be with you early on and spices up your journey with his wacky sense of humour, Annah, a theifling with a stony exterior, Fall-From-Grace, the pillar of wisdom and patience, and many others. You will come to know and love them as they share your joys and torments.
Although the story far surpasses that of Baldur's Gate or Icewind Dale (which utilise the same game engine), the combat effects are on par, if not better than these games. From the lowest first-level spell to the ground-levelling ninth levels, the amount of effort put into the animation is obvious and very much appreciated. Certain spells had whole CUTSCENES every time you casted them. The character animations are seamless and realistic. Combined with the fact that the viewing point in the game is much closer to the ground - hence every character appears larger - this makes for life-like, immersive role-playing.
Critics would say that the game is too unconventional, that the main character is too sinister to be accepted among casual gamers. Granted, the box cover seems a bit too intimidating and the Planescape setting itself makes for some serious thought. For me, however it just makes the game even more interesting. So the hero isn't your typical Casanova. Big deal. And when was the last time you played a game that had its own slang and colloquial expressions?
In short, Planescape : Torment is a game you simply MUST get if you like RPG games. It is proof that mere sales does not ensure a great game (Icewind Dale had better sales, but was lacking in both story and visual effects.). It will be one of the most memorable games you'll ever play.