Planescape: Torment: Enhanced Edition

Review of "Planescape: Torment: Enhanced Edition"

Being an avid consumer of RPGs, there was no way that I was not going to enter "Planescape: Torment: Enhanced Edition" without feeling like stepping into a richly literate world unlike any other I know. The game was first launched in 1999, and so a revamped version was released for the fancy modern audiences. I had very high hopes for the game. Here is a thorough review from my perspective, complete with individual scores.

Story: 10/10 🌟

The narrative structure is incredibly captivating. I trotted as the Nameless One through philosophizing worlds and places of moral dilemma and existential dilemmas. The very depth of the narrative made me think for days after the game ended about my actions and what would be the consequence. Each conversation felt important, and characters were developed not as mere plot drivers but were really flourishing personalities that made the journey all the more worthwhile. The themes of identity and redemption resonated within me throughout. 

Characters: 10/10 👥

The characters I met were really unforgettable. From my trusty sidekick Morte, a floating skull with an attitude 💀, to the shadowy and mournful souls I met along the way, every character was strong in personality and served to bring the story to life. They had well-created backstories that sometimes overlapped with the main storyline, which in turn aided by making my decisions feel meaningful. I actually had an emotional bond toward them, and I felt a sense of loss or should I say a triumph with them depending on which way I went. 

Gameplay: 8/10 🎮

The gameplay is pretty traditional RPG, though it can tend to run a bit slow thanks to the turn-based combat. Still, less of the focus is on combat, with more emphasis being put onto dialogue and exploration, through which I began to shape the story with my decisions. While the combat does get a bit tiresome, I did enjoy the many other ways to work things out through conversation or strategy instead of outright conflict. Other aspects like the interface may look very dated, but those instances were few and far between in impacting my experience. 

Visuals and Sound: 7/10 🎨🔊

Though graphically improved for this edition, the style still retains a strong dose of date, making it feel old-school. The hand-drawn art style envelops the game in its charm that I could appreciate even though it cleaves to the uh-ohs of visual treatment. The sound design and voice acting definitely helped build up the immersion, but seeing that not every single line was voice acted? It did its job narratively but won't exactly set the world alight for anyone who knows modern games.

Overall Experience: 9/10 ✨

"Planescape: Torment: Enhanced Edition" is a profound experience that goes beyond the limits which most RPGs share. It is not simply a game but also a philosophical approach that ventures deep into the heart of an emotionally developed player ❤️. While gameplay mechanics might feel clunky, and the visual might not appeal to all, the highly engaging storyline, rich character-building, and moral dilemmas are more than enough to redeem this one. 

If you are in search of an RPG that will poke and prod your brain and heart while being enamored by a glorious umbrella of storytelling, I recommend this baby without second thoughts. It's a trip worth taking, making you ponder over the question: "What can change the nature of a man?" 🧠💭