Planescape: Torment (PC, 1999)

This has to be, hands down, my favorite RPG ever. In most RPGs, you play the hero off to conquer the villain, and you must complete a number of tasks without dying, while increasing in strength and wisdom. Not so with Planescape Torment. You cannot die. One might think that this is a blessing, but the game is quick to explain (and they explain it very well) why an immortality such as yours is a curse. If you enjoy reading good writing, then this game is for you. There is quite a bit of dialog and reading to do, but it is the richest dialog that I've encountered in a game of this type. If you are not much of a reader, the game makes it fairly easy to maneuver through the dialog without reading it while still gaining the experience.
While the single player is fairly linear (at least compared to the Baldur's gate series), the game takes advantage of that disadvantage. With such linear gameplay, many of the spells, people, and quests that you receive can be more specific to the characters you encounter. While you still have many of the standard D&D spells (such as magic missile and chromatic orb), most of the spells are unique to the game (fire and ice, axe of torment, elysium's tears, etc). Much experience and many skills can also be learned simply by talking to your companions.
Character creation is somewhat different in Planescape Torment as well. You don't get to choose your class or alignment, but it is determined by your actions. Every "Nameless One" starts as a fighter and may be trained by NPCs or even companions to become a thief or a mage. It would have been nice to have the option of being a priest, but the game doesn't seem to be lacking in this area.
Many of the enemies are unique as well. From Black Abishai - the standard foot soldiers of a war which had no beginning and no end in sight - to cranium rats - little rats that get smarter depending on how many of them you encounter. One or two of them is no problem (much like any other rat), but if you get 7 or 8 of them, they begin to cast spells and whatnot.
I really believe that this game is one of the most precious and hidden jewels in the RPG realm. If you enjoyed Baldur's Gate then you will love Planescape Torment. Retreive your immortality at all costs and finally learn the answer to the ever-present question, "What can change the nature of a man?"

Gameplay - 10/10:
The story is unique and intriguing. While linear, it does not seem to be constricting.

Graphics - 10/10:
While it is no Neverwinter Nights 2, it had some of the better graphics of its day. The cutscenes are enjoyable as well.

Sound - 9/10:
Good sound. Suprisingly simple. Sometimes no sound but that of a dripping dungeon is all you need to set the mood.

Lasting Appeal - 8/10:
Once you go through the game, you may do so as another class..., but you may not want to. The other thing that this game lacks, and which it desperately needs, is multiplayer!!! I was sad to learn I could not enjoy this simultaneously with my friends.

Overall - 10/10:
A must have for any serious RPG library.

This is one of my favorite games of all time! I'm confused as to why the effort was made to make a DVD of the 4 CD version however; as it's evident that the 2 CD version is superior. I say this because this version lacks a little in performance and, especially in load times. However: that is only if you're being nit-picky.

The game is somewhat of a puzzle. And, like any good puzzle, it takes time to figure out. You're surrounded by a diverse amount of characters and, it's easy to delight in talking to NPCs and, accepting their quests. The game is absolutely full of lovable and, hate-able characters who (if you listen to) will really delight you. There is a lot of text to read but it is always worth it to read everything written.

The main character starts as a fighter making it easy to become a fighter /thief or /mage. Starting as a fighter limits the choice of being a master of a class other than fighter. But, you'll soon see that in this rough heartless environment, being a fighter is quite helpful!

The setting is wicked unusual and, often quite cruel. It's a dog eat dog world where you are often surrounded by characters on the edge of desperation who will steal, lie and cheat their way to finding stability. That makes it all the easier to be an adventurer however as, desperate people need hope and help. Of course, you could just run around and make everything much worse for people.

Game play is really good and, unlike similar games like: Boulder's gate, you don't have to pause before every round. The combat in Torment is significantly faster and, more dynamic. While the game is slower and, you will need to spend a lot of time going in circles trying to find the right NPC to tell you what you need to progress through the game.

Overall: there is a good reason that Planescape - Torment is such a fantastic game with a wonderful soundtrack and, two books written from its' story line. There are countless pictures of Torment's dynamic characters and, more fan-fiction that can be counted. If you haven't played this game you really should try it!

The best thing about Torment is that even people who haven't played/don't know about D&D can get the full enjoyment out of it. Though, those who love D&D will understand the spells, skills and, have a head up above other gamers. And, relate to it faster (though as deeply) as those who have not played D&D. This game is a serious must play!

This is a classic RPG game in the style of Dungeons and Dragons. The graphics are extremely good for the time it came out (1999) and the storyline is very unique and intriguing. You wake up in a mortuary to find that you've become immortal. Yet, you have no reason why. The whole game is spent trying to find out who you are and why you were chosen to become immortal. Your goal is to get your mortality back.
The play style is traditional dungeons and dragons. You choose which creature you want to attack, then the computer does the rest, afflicting damage based on your weapon and accumulated jewelry (added hit points). You take damage based on your armor class.
The only gripe I have with the game, and similar to other Black Isle Production games, i.e. Fallout 2, is that if you don't learn how to escape certain areas through character communication with others, you're stuck in that area. In particular the Baator section of the game is most annoying if you can't locate the portal out of there.
All in all, a great game and one that could "live forever".

This game is a CLASSIC rpg set in the Advanced Dungeons and Dragons(AD&D)world. Even if they've never played any D&D games, any rpg fan will love this title. Planescape Torment is a conversation and moral choice driven game with an excellent combat system and an involved story that makes the player consider the nature of the universe, the nature of choice, the nature of willpower, and the nature of a man. This game is an absolute classic and any rpg fan should own a copy.

Well other people alread say almost everthing about the game, I specially liked david.m.layton's review, that also give 5 star.

Some people like to play as a human being, but I prefer being some kind of monster. In the game you take the role of a cursed human, but the curse is so powerful that you don't look or feel playing as a human at all and all other characters that can join your group don't have many human traits too, I enjoy that.

But don't be foolish, only because most of characters are monsters it doesn't mean that you can kill everthing that move while walking in the city or that it is another stupid story of meanless bloodshed.

It's very rare take the role of a monster in RPG games, except for breath of fire. But, in breath of fire the monsters are cute, that is NOT the case of Planescape.