Introduction
Back in late 1999, When Interplay and Black Isle Studios were still the kings of rpgs we got a weirder game, one that made the rules of D&D work well and tell a story, where your decisions matter, which wasn't actually focused on a cliche bad guy. While an Enhanced Edition was released by Beamdog in 2017, featuring Quality of Life improvements, the game nonetheless remained the same old gem that would keep those who try it addicted for hours. Of course while the Enhanced Edition is newer and technically I should stick to the original version, I choose to present the game through the EE as it brings some Quality of Life improvements that might make some, who previously avoided the game, give it a chance. Having played recently both the original version and the EE one, there is no noticeable difference that alter the story or how the game is actually played.
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| "chatting" with a dead one. |
Gameplay
The way the game plays is quite standard, at least for the period, having an isometric perspective and a simple system of left clicking to move, interact and requiring to use right click or shortcuts for different commands, like attacking or using a spell.
But this game is not about combat, often it being optional, it's a game that heavily focuses on story, on dialogue and decisions. While other games like Mass Effect have done it since then, P: T really was a game about thinking what you're going to say, even a small conversation keeping you wondering for hours if it's the right choice you picked. The story isn't about beating a bad guy or mowing down through hundreds of foes. It's about finding out who you are. Sure you kill characters, take part in combat but mostly you go through a lot of dialogues and decisions.
What is interesting is that the games takes the messy D&D alignment system and it deconstructs what it means to be good, evil or neutral. and while you don't pick your alignment, it is set depending on your decisions, ever evolving.
The ui on the other hand keeps being clunky, usually taking you 2 or 3 commands just to initiate the first hit in an attack. It certainly isn't something you would just pick up and play and requires a bit of adaptation to it.
But this game is not about combat, often it being optional, it's a game that heavily focuses on story, on dialogue and decisions. While other games like Mass Effect have done it since then, P: T really was a game about thinking what you're going to say, even a small conversation keeping you wondering for hours if it's the right choice you picked. The story isn't about beating a bad guy or mowing down through hundreds of foes. It's about finding out who you are. Sure you kill characters, take part in combat but mostly you go through a lot of dialogues and decisions.
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| Morte, Probably the most memorable companion you'll ever meet in a game. |
What is interesting is that the games takes the messy D&D alignment system and it deconstructs what it means to be good, evil or neutral. and while you don't pick your alignment, it is set depending on your decisions, ever evolving.
The ui on the other hand keeps being clunky, usually taking you 2 or 3 commands just to initiate the first hit in an attack. It certainly isn't something you would just pick up and play and requires a bit of adaptation to it.
Graphics & Audio
Even with the enhanced edition, you can't expect much in terms of looks. The UI feels old, the game isn't that full of colors but I think that is what makes it fit int he Planescape universe, it looks pale, the worlds are weird and the painterly aesthetics of the game simply do it justice. for some only graphics will stop them from playing this game.
The sound on the other hand. Boy oh boy, the soundtrack alone is wonderful and kinda spooky here and there but very immersive. The game sounds sadly, are quite primitive, usually making you wonder from which other game were they borrowed. While voice acting exists, and sounds good, it's so rare but enough to make you hear the voices of the characters in your head while reading through the lines of the story.
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| What is happening with me? Us? |
Compatibility
Well in case you decide to pick the Enhanced Edition, it's just plug and play. if you pick the original game, albeit the GoG edition you might have a chance of it running or not, I was lucky, it ran just fine but had to deal with low res and 4:3 aspect ratio. Of course mods could change that, but I'm not the biggest modding fan. |
| Just another day in the Hive. |
Wrap-up
Not so much gameplay to get out of this game, but it's probably the best written RPG ever released. Give it a try, it will feel at some points clunky, at others immersive but play long enough and you'll sit through at least 50 hours exploring the game and finishing the story.
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