Torment: Tides of Numenera is a game set in the world of Monte Cook's new tabletop RPG setting, Numenera. Torment continues the thematic legacy of Planescape: Torment, the critically acclaimed role-playing game from 1999 that's considered by many to be a hallmark for storytelling in computer RPGs. With Torment, we're creating a rich role-playing experience that explores similar deep, personal themes.
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It started out promising, but unfortunately didn't convince me at all on a narrative level. The game is not called "Torment" for nothing and clearly wants to be a spiritual successor to Planescape, but in my opinion it fails completely. The themes are not nearly as well presented and generally not as profound as in Planescape. Overall, I had the feeling that they wanted to tell a lot of stories without really delving deeply into the topics addressed. I don't think I'll touch it again. I was really looking forward to the game, what a shame.
A-we-so-me!
Great story, nice gameplay.
Great story, nice gameplay.
the world of torment: tides of numenera is as fantastic and epic as its gripping narrative. each step you take in the ninth world is a mystery - the next object or person you run into may just be inane or leave you thinking for a while. charming.
it's main strength is that it still manages to create a deeply grounded and personal adventure that stands out in a complex, mind-bending science fantasy. i think that there is something truly compelling about discovering yourself as an empty husk in a chaotic world.
it's main strength is that it still manages to create a deeply grounded and personal adventure that stands out in a complex, mind-bending science fantasy. i think that there is something truly compelling about discovering yourself as an empty husk in a chaotic world.
Though the metaphysics involved often had me reeling through several conversations, Torment is a more than satisfying successor to its Infinity Engine namesake. It's my favorite kind of sci-fi, set in the utterly unknowable yet embodied by the interactions between the main character and those she meets. I loved talking to people in this game and taking in the weird-ass atmosphere through them. Perfect length for a game, too.
A beautifully crafted love letter to Planescape: Torment.
However its most unique and compelling aspect (its setting) becomes one of its biggest detriments.
(Context: I've ran the Numenera TTRPG for about 4 years over since it was released) Its setting is VAST. Maybe too vast sometimes. And can be an avenue for compelling questions about humanities mark on the well, the grander cosmos and the vastness of history.
However, Numenera is at its best when these aspects loom over your players, just out of view. All the while you're playing a sword and Sorcery game none-the-wiser most of the time.
Unfortunately, Tides of Numenera takes the opposite approach with its story telling and whilst intriguing those looking for a slower burn or more personable story are ganna find the game lacking.
What's here though is great, and how the mechanics of the TTRPG are implimented into the video game are really cool. If you're a fan of Planescape: Torment I highly recommend.
However its most unique and compelling aspect (its setting) becomes one of its biggest detriments.
(Context: I've ran the Numenera TTRPG for about 4 years over since it was released) Its setting is VAST. Maybe too vast sometimes. And can be an avenue for compelling questions about humanities mark on the well, the grander cosmos and the vastness of history.
However, Numenera is at its best when these aspects loom over your players, just out of view. All the while you're playing a sword and Sorcery game none-the-wiser most of the time.
Unfortunately, Tides of Numenera takes the opposite approach with its story telling and whilst intriguing those looking for a slower burn or more personable story are ganna find the game lacking.
What's here though is great, and how the mechanics of the TTRPG are implimented into the video game are really cool. If you're a fan of Planescape: Torment I highly recommend.
I loved her! Very well-written. Much like Pillars compared with Baldur's Gate, it doesn't quite capture the mind bending off-the-wall vibe as Planescape: Torment, but it's a really well crafted, focused and grounded (as grounded as something this high concept can be) story that does a good job of landing the human and character impact of it's magical sci-fi nonsense premise. Every quest is based in story and character, and you're often making choices with no fully Good or Bad solution, something I really value in an RPG