Versus Software

Today I’m going to talk about a game you should have played but didn’t. I’m talking about Planescape:Torment

Why I’m talking about Torment? Simple because that’s one of the few games that changed things for me. I used to think RPGs where about running around, with a sword, slashing shit, being a hero, yatta yatta. I thought these elements were important to make a player engaged in the story, a feeling of greatness that would compel him to keep playing. I was wrong.

Planescape has none of that crap, it’s a game that is all about story. And what a story it is. I won’t say much about it so not to give away any spoilers, but Torment does something that’s just brilliant in my book, and does it well:

It ties the story with the gameplay.

You see there are moments of revelation on the story, be it background info on one of the characters, a special item or a place you visit that gives you  an actual choice on what to do. You can return that item if yo want, leave that character  or even go somewhere else.

The secret here is choice. You can take your own path in the games decisions. Sure it’s a linear path as the story progresses, but how you as a character progress in that linear path is up to you. And it makes all the difference in the world.

After playing this game I look back at games I admired like Final Fantasy and see that they’re nothing but child’s play when it comes to interaction. It’s a really good game, and I suggest anyone check it out.