Geneforge 2

Geneforge 2 is one of my favorite games all-time. The second game in the Geneforge series, this game is a must play for any RPG enthusiasts. As with all the games within the Geneforge series, the mc (you) are given a lot of choices on how you want to play the game. Each faction (I believe there are 4) has a unique disposition which are in the morally gray area, allowing you to feel satisfactory regardless of which one you choose to help. That coupled with a interesting story line give this game a very strong playthrough and a high replay value (this game is like 24 games in one). The only two drawbacks to this game are: 1) the player is only given 3 character archetypes to choose from which are not very flexible; 2) the campaign is still kinda short (I can usually do a complete play through in around 4-5 hrs). However the game play and flexibility in game more than make up for its drawbacks.

The second instalment in one of the all-time greatest CRPG series. The valley of Drypeak manages to be even more forbidding and packed with morbid secrets than Sucia Island, and bringing light to its dark, ooze-covered corners is always tense and exciting. Each joinable faction is well developed and the overall choice of which to join-- if any-- has a level of moral complexity that is rarely seen in video games and will have you questioning your real-life ethical principles. Don't expect the typical struggle between good and evil found in many RPGs-- that's not Geneforge. The incredibly unique setting of the Geneforge series is in peak condition here, and you'll be completely immersed as you delve into nests of rogue creations, haunted swamps, crystal mines and barren mountain passes, and of course, scores of abandoned, or often not-so-abandoned, Shaper laboratories. If you're coming here from the original Geneforge 1, expect more of the same. If you're coming from Geneforge: Mutagen, you may be put off by the comparatively primitive presentation of the game-- it was made in 2003, after all. To be frank, the game shows its age. In visuals and resolution, menu design, and in many of its mechanical systems as well. If you're a fan of old games it's nothing out of the ordinary and likely won't impede your enjoyment of the game, but if that's an issue for you you may wish to wait for the "Mutagen" version of Geneforge 2, which is supposedly under development at the time of writing. The difficulty of this game is typical for a CRPG from 2003, which is to say pretty severe. "Normal" in GF2 would probably be "Hard" or "Very Hard" in most modern games. I finished the game fairly easily on Casual difficulty, and the game is designed so that you can bypass most challenges by taking a different route better suited to your strengths or just taking a moment to strategize and come back with a smarter attack plan, so don't let the initial difficulty of the game scare you away. Some of the optional endgame challenges ended up beyond the limits of my party even on Casual difficulty, but everything before that is doable without much frustration if you go in with the right mindset and a decent build. All in all, if you're a fan of retro CRPGs this game is a no-brainer to play in one form or another. If all the baggage of the "retro" tag is no concern to you, or even an added nostalgic bonus, there's really no reason not to go ahead and buy this game. If you'd rather play a remastered version, you might be better off waiting for GF2 Mutagen-- although you can always buy this version on sale as a sneak peek.

Great game Good story, gameplay Multiple factions, endings

Love the game, but its so laggy on modern PCs its almost unplayable

If you have played spiderweb games before you know what to expect. This is pretty much standard for the company (which is to say very good imo). Poor old graphics even for its time, good combat, good systems, complicated moral choices with consequences but without developer judgement.

Nostalgia on an old game. Immersive plot and storytelling and a lot of choices allowing for huge replayability.

Just as great as I remember! Each area has lots of things to do and explore, and the difficulty option makes it very forgiving if you mess up. In addition, the creation, skill point, and spell system allows for an absurd amount of playstyles, so it never gets boring. Also, the worldbuilding is fascinating and the writing is good. A great game!

Timeless classic that captures all the best elements of classic RPG gaming.

great

there is no freaking music and the ui is too bad