Geneforge 2

Geneforge 2 is my all time favorite Isometric RPG. I have played it probably a hundred times, though most of these times were on the old RealArcade launcher when I was growing up. It's got a wonderful story with compelling factions and engaging combat, a straightforward and meaningful stat allocation system as well as fun power progression. Jeff is a genius :)

Geneforge, KOTOR and a couple other titles formed the core of my childhood gaming career. I can't fathom the number of hours I must have put into this game as a kid. So it's with full acknowledgement that I'm very, VERY biased when saying this game is perfection. Geneforge 1 is the game I started on, but it's this one that truly drew me into the series. Geneforge 2 is a rare case of a sequel improving on the original in almost every way, with perhaps the only exception of not quite encompassing the previous title's "ancient/mysterious forbidden knowledge" vibe. The writing is phenomenal and every faction is unique, with real consequences for allying with others or having a bad opinion. Each faction rewards you in their own ways and it's very much possible to exploit all 4. Remain true to your Shaper training, fight for the rights of the Serviles, or go completely mad with power via canister augmentation. Or accept the power of all 4 and then use it to stab them in the back. The areas/chapters are all unique and have multiple routes to progress, both combat-focused and leadership/mechanics-focused. You can specialize in one or be a generalist with both. There's always multiple ways to progress towards a goal, and the zones themselves aren't quite so cut and dry as to force linear exploration. I love the underlying theme of every faction screwing around with demons & all inevitably failing at containing them, and how they're portrayed in the lore of the new creations and the optional boss battles. A ton of memorable locations are present in this game and a lot of them are focused around demons and/or the aftermath of attempting to summon them. Unlike it's predecessor, not only is every class usable on maximum difficulty, but optimal in their own ways. Shapers have access to even more support spells and a fun new tier of uber creations for each combat tree. Agents can now mass-stun enemies, boost their health to massive degrees and blast enemies to dust from afar. Guardians can become unstoppable juggernauts with spell-boosted quick action procs and a supremely un-nerfed shield parry skill. Augment yourself further with powerful artifacts, each requiring the acquisition of 3 rare components that reward your exploration and combat skills. Expanded spell & creation lists, as well as merchants that actually care about your reputation, make hunting for gold actually worthwhile and rewards exploration & smart looting. With all that said, I will admit a few of this game's faults: -GF2 is VERY old. Spiderweb games were always criticized for being a few generations behind modern titles, and this one's no different. It looks old, it sounds old, it feels old, there's a bit of clunk to it, probably moreso for people just getting into the series. -For better or worse, combat tends to be volatile and especially on harder difficulties. Certain tactics such as exploiting Mass Daze or utilizing combat flicking can help a lot, but may feel like cheating at times. -Some of the creations don't quite hold up to others... Artila & Vlish have good utility but tend to be frail & have problems managing energy, battle creations have trouble getting hits in (especially considering how important maintaining range can be), meanwhile Cryora & Drayks are extremely versatile and easily accessible if you know what you're doing. It isn't until the tier 4 creations that the other shaping branches start outshining fire creations. -And finally, while multiple paths are always open for each objective, some combat-focused ones can be unnecessarily grindy compared to mech-leadership paths. To the point where there are non-insignificant portions of this game I just haven't visited in years, simply because their mech alternatives are quicker and offer superior experience, loot, and overall return on investment. Despite the above gripes, I do genuinely believe Geneforge 2 to be a damn near flawless game. Even admitting the bias, the story and atmosphere far outshine the imbalances and jank from age. With that said: if the old jankiness is truly something preventing you from trying this title, know that the Kickstarter for an updated version of this game passed with flying colours. So if you're interested in the title, but not confident about overcoming the clunkiness, it might be worth considering looking towards that version instead. Overall, I can't recommend this title enough. Genuine 10/10.

Also a classic childhood game of mine that I played long ago and love again playing this game again now as I remember still good story and map. The combat interesting to as always and a lot of factions that you could join or just stay unaligned. 10/10

It feels like a 90's game that released early 2000's. It's fun exploring its massive world. I feel like Geneforge's biggest selling point is its accessibility and size. I like the story-telling which doesn't overdo the amount of reading dialogue (Like many better games of its type). The combat and the UI is very straightforward too, making it easy to dive into. You will be save-scumming your way through it, it's that kind of game. [h1]The game suffers from a fatal flaw:[/h1] The biggest issue I had was that to replenish your health and mana there is no rest option. Instead you need to backtrack to a healing and mana pool, then run all the way back again. I must've ran back well over a hundred times; it's an annoying chore that cuts your exploration short all the time. This is the biggest issue with the game and will likely cause many to stop playing and not finish it. The other issue I have is that the combat isn't terribly varied or interesting, nor did it evolve much through the course of the game. You are a mage with some spells and can summon a bunch of familiars. It sounds interesting and full of potential and perhaps with a few interesting AE spells and a better system to recover your mana it could have been better. It's difficult to recommend this to many people when there are other brilliant older RPG games like EverQuest, Might & Magic 6-8, the criminally underrated Lands of Lore 3, Daggerfall or new ones like Lords of Xulima. I give it a C, which means it was fun but close to being a 'take it or leave it' kind of experience.

Продолжение Geneforge вышло через год и лично меня разочаровало. Американцы из Spiderweb Software использовали движок, скины и текстуры из оригинала, поэтому не понимаю почему за это время не написали более толковый сюжет и разнообразные квесты за все 4 группировки. Главный герой прибывает с шейпером Шанти в долину Сухой Пик, где обнаруживают, что первые переселенцы раскололись на несколько группировок и ожесточённо воют друг с другом. Один из городов Восстание вообще отказался от законов Создателей и продолжает эксперименты с Генефоржем для получения божественных сил. И на таком слабом базисе нас заставляют пройти 84 локации. Игра ощутимо перевешена в магическую сторону, так что класс воина становится просто неактуальным, а искусственно возросшая сложность отпугнула казуальщиков после понравившейся им первой части. Тем не менее по современным меркам Geneforge 2 всё равно выглядит топом. 50 часов основной истории и реиграбельность до сих пор многим блокбастерам только снится. Оценю в 6.5

Doesn't work on modern computers. Mouse movement is very laggy. Terrible.

Developed and published by Spiderweb Software, Geneforge 2 continues the studio's tradition of delivering deep, choice-driven role-playing experiences that prioritize imagination over presentation. Released during an era when many RPGs were chasing larger budgets and increasingly cinematic storytelling, Geneforge 2 instead doubled down on player freedom and intricate world-building. Set in the mysterious frontier of Drypeak, the game places players in the shoes of a young Shaper, a member of an elite order capable of creating and controlling living beings. What begins as a routine expedition soon unfolds into a complicated struggle involving rogue creations, competing ideologies, and difficult decisions that shape the fate of an entire region. The most compelling aspect of Geneforge 2 is its commitment to meaningful choice. The game presents numerous factions, each with understandable goals and flaws, and consistently asks players to determine where their loyalties lie. There is rarely a simple distinction between right and wrong. The Shapers seek order and stability, while many of their creations desire freedom from their masters. Other groups occupy the gray areas in between, creating a narrative that feels nuanced and surprisingly mature. Decisions have lasting effects on quests, alliances, and the ending itself, giving every playthrough a distinct identity. Players who enjoy exploring alternate outcomes will find plenty of reasons to return and experience the consequences of different paths. Central to the experience is the game's signature shaping system. Rather than relying solely on traditional companions, players can create an assortment of biological constructs to accompany them in battle. These living creations vary significantly in their strengths and abilities, allowing for a variety of tactical approaches. Some excel at absorbing damage, while others specialize in ranged attacks or magical support. Combined with an extensive skill system that allows investment in combat, magic, leadership, and utility abilities, Geneforge 2 offers impressive customization. The freedom to experiment with different character builds and creature combinations gives combat a strategic layer that remains engaging throughout the lengthy campaign. Exploration plays an equally important role. Drypeak is filled with isolated settlements, abandoned laboratories, hidden treasures, and dangerous wilderness areas. The game's world design encourages curiosity, rewarding players who take the time to investigate every corner of the map. Dialogue is plentiful and often serves as the primary vehicle for world-building, gradually revealing the history of the Shapers and the consequences of their experiments. Spiderweb Software's writing shines here, creating a setting that feels larger than what is displayed on screen. Despite the game's modest visuals, the atmosphere is surprisingly effective thanks to its strong narrative foundation and the constant sense that every location has a story worth uncovering. Naturally, Geneforge 2 shows its age in several areas. The graphics are simplistic, with limited animations and environments that lack visual variety by modern standards. Its interface can feel cumbersome at times, particularly for newcomers accustomed to contemporary RPG conveniences. The sound design is functional but unremarkable, serving more as background accompaniment than a memorable component of the experience. These elements may create an initial barrier for players encountering the game for the first time, especially those unfamiliar with classic computer RPGs. However, those willing to look beyond the presentation will find a surprisingly rich and rewarding adventure beneath its dated exterior. What makes Geneforge 2 endure is its confidence in allowing players to forge their own stories. It doesn't overwhelm with spectacle or handhold its audience through every objective. Instead, it offers a fascinating world, a collection of meaningful choices, and enough freedom to approach problems in countless ways. The themes of power, responsibility, and the ethics of creation remain just as thought-provoking today as they were upon release, giving the narrative a timeless quality that many larger productions struggle to achieve. Geneforge 2 may not possess the visual flair of modern role-playing games, but it remains a standout example of intelligent game design. Its blend of tactical combat, branching narratives, extensive customization, and philosophical storytelling ensures that it still has much to offer players seeking a more traditional RPG experience. For fans of old-school adventures that reward patience, exploration, and critical thinking, this is an easy recommendation and a worthy entry in Spiderweb Software's celebrated catalog. Rating: 8/10

Where the first one had mystery and isolation; Geneforge 2 exchanges them for world building and factions! This is the game to buy if you're just starting the series. As almost everything G2 did became the hallmarks for the later titles.

The best geneforge, in my humble opinion. Lots of replayability, new abilities and a skill which finally makes Guardians not unplayably bad for a change. Completely free from the inefficiencies of the later inventory UIs like Geneforge 3 and onward, everything is neatly arranged on a scrollable hotbar for you to use, just like in Geneforge 1. In fact, this game is so similar to Geneforge 1 that if you liked Geneforge 1, you absolutely can't pass up this game. It expands on basically all the foundations that the first game left down.