Geneforge

After the NALB season ended, I felt like playing a computer RPG. So about a month ago, I decided to play Geneforge, part one of a five part series. Released in 2001, Geneforge is old school in gameplay and graphics. The 800x600 resolution and somewhat crude visuals did not dampen the experience for me, however. I enjoyed it a lot, much more than I thought I would.

I played as a Shaper named Andras (a default name, but I liked it). Shapers are powerful beings who not only cast spells, but can create life itself. As a young apprentice Shaper, Andras was stranded on Sucia, an abandoned island barred by the Shaper Council. A struggle for power was taking place there. Powerful beings and several factions were involved. This presented a nuanced plot with many possible courses and outcomes. The story was much better than the typical hack and slash dungeon crawler. I chose to forge ahead on my own path, unaligned with any of the three island factions.

Early last week, I completed Geneforge. I am now playing Geneforge 2 and look forward to seeing how the plot of the series unfolds.