Planescape: Torment

Advanced Dungeons & DragonsProduct InformationThe Planescape "multiverse" is the settingfor the game - but setting is actually a misnomer... the Planescape multiverseis actually composed of a series of "planes" (other dimensions) thatrotate around a central city Sigil like spokes on a wheel.The city of Sigil is the central fixture of the Planescape multiverse. Alsocalled the "Cage" or the "City of Doors" it's unique inthat scattered throughout its labyrinth of streets are portals (some hiddensome obvious) that lead to anywhere in existence provided you hold the properkey. It is neutral ground and watering hole for races and creatures from acrossthe multiverse all under the watchful eye of the Lady of Pain the enigmaticruler of the city.The world of Planescape is a more adult hard-core fantasy setting comparedto other AD&D worlds. The architecture the people the creatures --everything has an edge to it. Belief emotions faith and other abstractconcepts actually make their presence felt in reality. In the Planescapemultiverse belief has the power to reshape worlds kill and resurrect beingsand change the laws of physics.Product Highlights Charactercreation is just the beginning - throughout the game your character adapts tofit your own personal gaming style. ThePlanescape universe is a setting you've NEVER experienced before filled withsharp-edged visuals bizarre adversaries and strange magics. Encounterinventory items with personalities. Manage an unpredictable party of thestrangest allies to walk the faces of alternate planes. Youcan regenerate speak with the dead and have magical immunities. You're a powerto be RECKONED with. Unfortunately so is everyone else.The Planescape multiverse is a setting like you'veNEVER experienced before. It gouges you with sharp-edged visuals bizarreadversaries that can murder you with an idea and strange magics that unravelcommon conceptions about physics and

In Planescape: Torment, you play a nameless, scarred, immortal on a quest to discover his past, his identity, and his role in the conflict over the nature of reality. The brilliant role-playing and adventure game focuses on the "Planescape" campaign setting of the Advanced Dungeons & Dragons game, and combines the best elements of Interplay's phenomenally successful Baldur's Gate with an enthralling story line, well-written dialogue, and beautiful artwork and graphics.

In an inspired choice, Black Isle Studios, the developer of Planescape: Torment, has chosen to provide the player, at least initially, with as little details about the story as possible. After viewing a mysterious introductory movie, players guide The Nameless One on a journey through the bleak city of Sigil and its underground catacombs. The story leads from there to the bizarre realities of alternate planes of existence, where belief and thought determine the laws of physics. Through dialogue with hundreds of nonplayer characters, puzzle solving, and point-and-click combat, The Nameless One discovers clues about his identity and the circumstances surrounding his condition.

Gamers overwhelmed by detailed role-playing games will find Planescape: Torment easier to grasp; players can freely switch between three different character classes (Fighter, Mage, Thief) for The Nameless One as the game progresses, and learning the combat and magic system--with a simple point-and-click interface--takes only a few minutes. Literally hundreds of weapons, items, spells, and "tattoos" can be collected and affixed to The Nameless One or any of the several party members acquired during the course of the game. If you're a fan of role-playing or adventure games, Planescape: Torment's engrossing world creates a must-have gaming experience. --Doug Radcliffe

Pros:

• Fascinating, unique setting
• Engrossing story
• Rich graphics and spell effects
• Intriguing dialogue

Cons:

• Zoomed-in perspective tends to limit combat to close range
• Long load times

Explore Sigil, the City of Doors. The doors serve as the town's gateway to everything and everywhere that matters. Step through one door and enter the halls of Ysgard, or turn down a particular alley and discover the Abyss. There are more gateways in Sigil than can be imagined. But there's a lot more out there than just Sigil. Get outside the city and there's the planes themselves: the throne of the gods, the battleground of the eternal Blood War, and home to more horrors and wonders than ever existed on any prime world. There's enough crusades, exploits, treasures, and mysteries to keep a band of adventurers busy for centuries to come. All it takes is the right door, so step right through.