Geneforge 5: Overthrow Demo

Creating classic role-playing games nowadays may not seem like a good idea, since people would certainly choose something more pleasing to the eye instead. On the other hand, if something clicks right in the other departments, the lack of a third dimension is not that big of a deal. Hence, simple indie productions can provide you with just as much fun as any triple-A game if you are open to a new approach.

Geneforge 5: Overthrow is the last episode in the Geneforge series and it tries to tie everything together, while also providing you with the opportunity to experience one final adventure in the world of the shapers. Although the story is obviously related to what transpired in the previous iterations, you can make sense of it even if you haven’t played them.

Speaking of which, the plot revolves around the ceaseless war between the shapers and the creatures they have created, which rebelled and began to shape their own apparitions to fight back against their masters. You get to choose one of the six available character classes, each one of which comes with a different background story and a unique selection of powers. Naturally, they can each use their shaper abilities to create a battle companion, which can be customized in detail to provide them with the desired advantages during combat.

One thing that truly impresses about the game is the quality of the writing, especially when it comes to dialogue. A lot of work and passion went into the portrayal of the characters and the way they talk to each other, while the narration in between the lines is just as atmospheric. Not only that, but the game world is huge and full of intrigue, with plenty of side-quests to expand on the main plotline.

As far as the combat is concerned, the action takes place in a classic turn-based mode, which means that each creature and character involved in the skirmish gets the opportunity to attack or cast a spell. Since you can equip yourself with a variety of weapons and armors, learn a wide array of spells, and create countless types of creatures with varying stats, the battles are never the same and the replayability level is through the roof.

Geneforge 5: Overthrow may not resonate like Planescape: Torment does when uttered in a room full of gamers, but that’s the risk and the price indie developers have to pay sometimes. It doesn’t take a genius to recognize the potential and the quality in the game, however, since every RPG lover should be hooked from the first ten minutes of gameplay.