Product ReviewsPlanescape: Torment/Soulbringer Dual Jewel (PC, 2001)

A true cult classic and a must-play for any RPG fan

Planescape: Torment is a fantastic CRPG in the grand D&D tradition. It is unfortunate that it did not sell as well as it might have when it was released, but it is a true gem that deserves its cult status. Players of the Baldur's Gate or Icewind Dale games will be at home in this title, which was built on the Infinity Engine used in those games. Planescape: Torment is much less combat-focused, however, and is designed more with the roleplayer in mind.

You play the role of the scarred Nameless One, an immortal warrior trying to discover the memories of his past lives. Much of the game takes place in the city of Sigil, known as the "City of Doors" for the numerous portals which lead to different planes in D&D lore. Along the way, you will recruit other party members to your cause, to a maximum of five, including the Nameless One. How the Nameless One interacts with the world, and what sort of person he becomes in this incarnation is very much up to the player. You can roleplay him as a selfish, bloodthirsty villain, or a righteous do-gooder, or anything in between.

As you discover more about the Nameless One's past, you will gain access to new abilities. Experience is gained through skillful navigation of conversations and by completing quests. It is also gained through combat, but more often than not, the path of nonviolence leads to more productive results. The experience you gain will allow you to gain levels and increase your statistics, much like any other RPG. It is beneficial to have high levels of Charisma, Wisdom, and Intelligence, regardless of class, because those attributes will give you the best chance at successful interactions with the NPCs you will meet along the way. Combat, while not always preferable, is sometimes unavoidable, and so you will want to make sure you don't completely neglect attributes such as strength and dexterity, especially if you are more interested in a combat-heavy experience. Those hungry for battle can find satisfaction in this game as well.

The story is presented well, as you learn to put the pieces of the puzzle of your past together. Your companions will converse amongst themselves at times, as well as with others, or make comments about the areas you visit. These can often be amusing. The dialogue is well-written, funny, and feels naturalistic. Even nameless citizens and other minor NPCs will often have something interesting to say, which is uncommon in these types of games, especially one from over a decade ago. This helps the world come alive, which is all the more important in such an otherwise dark and death-ridden game as Planescape: Torment.

In short, the game must be experienced to appreciate it fully. It is simply a very unusual game, compared with its peers. It can command surprisingly high prices, but shop around and you might find a good deal, like I did. It's well worth it for any D&D fan, or anybody interested in roleplay-heavy RPGs in general.

The version I am reviewing comes bundled with another unrelated RPG, Soulbringer. I have not played it yet, and so cannot comment on it. I assume most people buying this package would be doing so for Planescape: Torment anyway.Read full review...

The game that defined a genre.

This game has shaped the nature of storytelling not simply in games but in movies. The game isnt your average RPG, because it plays more like a point and click adventure then a strait up grindfest RPG. You fight about 25% of the time, while the other 75% of the game is taken up by intracate dialouge. This is the tinking mans RPG, much more concerned with philosophy and intellectuality then physically. Unlike modern games which claim that your descisions effect the world, this is a game that not only did it first, but did it right. From the start the attributes you give your main character determine the reaction of those arround you. This is a game that encourages multiple playthroughs because playing as a mage fighter or rouge each give a unique experience unlike the others. Granted the main storyline between the 3 are about 75% the same the differences from the various class's and allignments allow you to build a complete understanding of the events undertaken by the game. It play on about any computer these days and works even on vista and windows 7, so there is no excuse to not play the game.Read full review...

Good to go sealed and works good

Good to go sealed and works good

Verified purchase:  Yes | Condition: new | Sold by: polizzi2004

Planescape jewel w/Soulbringer

Arrived in excellent condition as described.

Verified purchase:  Yes | Condition: pre-owned | Sold by: boilerbirds