Geneforge 3

I genuinely don't know why this one has earned the reputation of being the weakest in the series. The island system is often criticised, but in my opinion having the world map split into these discrete regions, each with their own distinct themes, really helped give the game a sense of progression. Unlocking a new island was a great feeling-- simultaneously a satisfying achievement and a worrying step into the unknown. The only real downside of this system is that backtracking is more time-consuming, but the amount of loot you get from being thorough with quests and exploration more than makes keeping a hoard somewhere unnecessary. The story of Geneforge 3 is just as complex and compelling as you can expect from the first two entries-- despite there being only two major factions down from four in 2, the interplay between them is far more nuanced. "Choosing a side" can be said to be the theme of the game, and in this game that takes the form of the culmination of every action you take, not merely swearing an oath to a faction leader and doing a series of tasks for them. Additionally, this game has many small technical and graphical improvement over the first two entries in the series that make it feel like a proper sequel rather than merely another game in the same universe, something Geneforge 2 (as much as I loved it) lacked. Ultimately, Geneforge 3 is more than worth a play. Don't take the complaints to heart-- even if some feel it's the weakest entry in the Geneforge saga it's still far from weak, and many characters from 3 become or remain important later in the series. Geneforge 3 has the same heart and soul-- the ever-present danger, oppressively bleak atmosphere and murky morality-- as any other game in the series, and if you loved the first two you'll love this one too.

As always try to find your games on sale. While I personally feel all of the Geneforge games deserve to be bought for full price...money is money and people need it for other things like eating. I copied and pasted from my own review I'm lazy... This game is a turn based game Fantasy RPG just like the first and second. You will need to read for context during the game. If you don't like reading you won't like the game. You generally get short scenes from the story where you and your companion will speak and you will receive details about them depending on your skills. You choose how to respond and the scene continues. Making choices with words and actions will shape your story and eventual ending. During combat you will experience a Turn based RPG. This game doesn't get rid of old mechanics it just refines them further. The story itself is different. You are a novice this time, you haven't finished your training. Your companions have very different opinions. I believe this also has 5ish endings or more. Some are variations on your loyalty to each faction. Technically you can do a 180 near the end and change sides. If you are good enough with words anyway. This was the first game that I struggled with in the Geneforge series. It brought more changes that were needed, but I felt there were more "landmine" areas that I couldn't go without playing a certain way or cheating. Also the cannon ending of this game "see sequel for reference" is interesting. The only way to end it and have more content to work with. This game also starts bringing references to the other two games so if you played those you'll get it.

I never understood why you have to make games so hard you have to use only 1 strategy to beat the first boss and know the game like the back of your hand, or you can just reset your game and follow some internet guide. This is a tactical RPG, not a world championship...

The Geneforge series is absolutely amazing, and this is my favorite of the entire series!

The game tackles some of the same issues as the previous ones, but I like how it forces you to commit to a decision unlike in the previous ones. The writing is very good.

I have more hours in this series than it has megabytes