RPG: Geneforge 2 [by Spiderweb Software]

Game: Geneforge 2
Release: 2003
Genre: RPG
Developer: Spiderweb Software
System Requirements(also available on Mac):Windows 98 or later, DirectX 3 or later, 30 MB free RAM, 30 MB hard drive space, 800x600 screen resolution with 16 bit color
Price: $25 ($32 with hintbook, which is $10 on its own)


Geneforge 2 is an amazingly detailed RPG, where the story evolves as you play, and your actions and words can seemingly affect everything. With multiple paths to most objectives, this game has quite a bit of variety.

You play as an apprentice Shaper. Shapers have the ability to create life to do as they wish, and the secrets of these powers make Shapers respected and feared by all. You and your teacher are sent on a mission to determine what is wrong with Drypeak, a Shaper colony. It isn't exactly thriving, and you find plenty of rogues, which are creations gone bad, on the way. Your teacher seems to think that not everything is as the inhabitants would have you believe. You eventually find that there is a conspiracy involving three other factions that could change the Shaper way of life forever.

As mentioned before, variety is the order of the day. You can build up your character to be an uncharismatic fighter, train in the arts of Shaping, use magic, or balance out your abilities. In any case, you basically walk around an isometric overhead view of the land. You can search for items, open doors and chests, pick locks, and attack enemies (and friends!). There are merchants and other people that you can talk and trade with, and some of them will tell you things or give you items that will help you on your quests.

And how you interact with others is important. People will remember your words and actions. If you respond unfavorably to someone, that person and possibly his/her people will all look down on you. Similarly, favorable actions on your part will also be remembered. Since this dynamic exists in Geneforge 2, it is possible to choose sides, and with four different sides that have four different agendas, joining one might cause problems with the others. For instance, if you decide to reject your Shaper training and background, you can bet that the Shapers won't be too pleased with you. It is even possible to play through the game completely without even joining one of the factions.

With all of the different people and areas to explore, this game is not hard to play at all. It is really easy to just sit down and start playing. The in-game help is amazingly comprehensive while also not getting in the way of the game play. You can click on most things to cause some action, such as searching a pot or talking to a player. There are shortcut keys available for commonly used spells or searching the immediate area.

People and creations may join your party periodically, and your creations may go rogue on you if you let them get too hurt. All throughout the game, you have to make decisions on who to help and where to proceed. With such an open storyline, and multiple ways to achieve your goals, the game play is immensely fun.

There are 84 different areas, a large variety of items, and many different individuals to meet in the full version of the game. Along with the basic sound and graphics options, there are difficulty settings so that you can make the game easier or harder. Cheat codes round out the features list, allowing you to heal your group or make towns like you again if you were once hated there. A walk-through and a cheat code listing among other things can be found in the Geneforge 2 Book of Answers, a hint guide that is sold separately (although you can get the game and the hint guide together in a nice discounted package).

Geneforge 2 is an RPG of amazing quality. The story isn't just good background noise like in most games. It is deeply involving and can make you pause and think about your actions. Spiderweb Software has made an amazing game that any fan of RPGs should play.

Graphics: 7
The graphics aren't exactly top-notch. Still, the different areas provide plenty of variety and color to the game as you explore and discover what is happening in the world.

Sound: 7
While there really isn't any music to speak of, the sound effects and ambience simply added to the involving storyline. Entering a desolate area like the Drypeak Gates was made to feel all the more desolate with the sounds of the winds. Towns were made to feel busy and bustling with the sounds of people talking and shouting.

Game Play: 9
As mentioned before, the controls were pretty intuitive, and shortcut keys make it all the more easier to cast spells and make creations.

Options: 7
There weren't any options that stood out, but the hint guide was a real nice bit of documentation, even if it is sold separately. The in-game documentation rocks.

Concept: 8
While this game isn't anything new gameplay-wise, the open-ended storyline is pretty rare to find, whether in indie game development or not.

Fun: 9
I had a lot of fun playing Geneforge 2. I played through the first few areas for some time before finding out that there was a lot more to the world, the story, and the game itself! The exploration and discovery involved in this game make it really compelling.

Overall: 9
With an involving storyline and an interface that is easy to use, Geneforge 2 should make a great game in any RPG fan's collection.Added: January 5th 2004
Reviewer: Gianfranco Berardi
Score:
Related Link: Official Website
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