Planescape: Torment stands as one of the most philosophically profound and narratively complex RPGs ever created, offering an experience that transcends traditional gaming boundaries to deliver something closer to interactive literature. Released in 1999 by Black Isle Studios, this isometric role-playing masterpiece focuses entirely on themes of identity, mortality, redemption, and the fundamental question of what makes a person who they are.

You play as The Nameless One, an immortal being who awakens on a mortuary slab with no memory of his countless past lives, bearing only scars that tell stories he cannot remember. This central mystery drives the entire narrative as you explore the bizarre multiverse city of Sigil, a place where belief literally shapes reality and the impossible becomes mundane. The game's setting, based on the Planescape Dungeons & Dragons campaign setting, presents a universe where philosophy and belief have tangible power.

What sets Planescape: Torment apart from every other RPG is its revolutionary approach to storytelling and character interaction. The game features over 800,000 words of dialogue - more than most novels - with conversation trees so deep and complex that they become puzzles in themselves. Combat is minimal and often avoidable, with most conflicts resolved through wit, wisdom, or moral choices that carry genuine weight and consequence.

The writing quality is exceptional, exploring heavy philosophical themes through memorable characters like Morte, a floating skull with a sharp tongue and hidden depths, or Dak'kon, a githzerai whose entire existence is bound by philosophical contradictions. Each party member represents different aspects of The Nameless One's past selves, creating a narrative structure where your companions are literally reflections of who you once were.

The game's unique approach to character development emphasizes mental attributes over physical ones. Intelligence, Wisdom, and Charisma unlock entirely different dialogue options and story paths, making character building feel meaningful beyond mere combat effectiveness. Your choices in conversations don't just affect immediate outcomes but can fundamentally alter your understanding of the story and your character's nature.

Visually, the game presents a dark, gothic aesthetic that perfectly complements its themes. The hand-painted backgrounds of Sigil create an atmosphere of decay and wonder, while the character animations and spell effects maintain the game's otherworldly feeling. The soundtrack, composed by Mark Morgan, provides a haunting accompaniment that enhances the game's melancholic and mysterious tone.

Despite receiving critical acclaim and winning numerous awards, Planescape: Torment was a commercial failure upon release, largely due to its unconventional approach and mature themes that didn't appeal to mainstream audiences expecting traditional fantasy adventure. However, it has since gained recognition as one of the greatest RPGs ever made, influencing countless developers and writers with its proof that video games can tackle complex philosophical questions while maintaining engaging gameplay.

The game's legacy extends far beyond its initial release, inspiring spiritual successors like Torment: Tides of Numenera and influencing the narrative design philosophy of many modern RPGs. For players seeking an experience that challenges both intellect and emotion, Planescape: Torment remains unmatched in its depth, complexity, and philosophical ambition. This is not merely a game but a meditation on existence itself, wrapped in the form of an unforgettable interactive narrative.

Price: £10

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