Geneforge series
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The Geneforge series of role-playing games was created by Jeff Vogel of Spiderweb Software. They are released as shareware for Microsoft Windows and the Apple Macintosh computers. There are four games in the series: Geneforge, Geneforge 2, Geneforge 3, and Geneforge 4: Rebellion. (At the moment, Geneforge 4 is only available for Macintosh, but a Windows port is scheduled for release in 2007.) As with all Spiderweb Software titles, graphics and sound are limited and not the main focus of the game. Instead, Vogel concentrates on creating involved and engaging plotlines (which gives the series a dedicated fanbase among fans of the "classic" RPGs of the 80's and early 90's.) The games are highly non-linear, with multiple goals allowing the player to join any sect, and receive one of a number of endings. There is a high degree of player influence on the game world, and the existence of multiple solutions to problems. For example, one sect may give you the quest to destroy an object, while an opposing sect will charge you with its protection.
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[edit] Plot
The Geneforge storylines involve a group of mages called "Shapers," who dominate the game world due to their ability to create life as they see fit. The player character is cast as an apprentice Shaper (except in Geneforge 4). Crises in the game result from the Shapers' mistreatment of their creations, while trying to ensure that their art does not wreak havoc on the world, verses the freedom of intelligent creations at the cost of said havoc. The player is left to determine what is the right thing to do, such as using mysterious skill canisters which sap the humanity of the user in return for great power. Geneforge 1 engages us into the originis of the shapers as well as an introduction to the series as to the geneforge, Geneforge 2 on how the tumult of the Geneforge influenced the Shapers and their creations. Geneforge 3 deals with the fallout of the previous games as the battle lines are drawn. Genefore 4: Rebellion picks up at the height of the war, several years later.
[edit] The Geneforge
The Geneforge is a device which has essentially the same effect as a skill canister, but on a much larger scale. Being so powerful, it is very dangerous, and can only be used very carefully with very protective equipment. To use it otherwise results in instant death. In the first and fourth games, the Geneforge is useable by humans (and thus, the player), but in Geneforge 2 and 3, it could only be used by specific intelligent creations.
[edit] Gameplay
The games are played in an isometric view and feature turn-based combat, reminiscent of classic RPGs such as Ultima VII. The lands are split up into small areas, which can be traveled through using a world map. Once a certain objective has been completed in an area, it can be skipped through on the world map, allowing the player to move very quickly through the land.
[edit] Combat
During combat, each warrior gets a certain amount of action points, which are spent moving, attacking, casting spells, and using items. The chance of hitting an enemy is influenced by the character's strength, dexterity, or intelligence, depending on whether the attack is melee, ranged, or magical, as well as the character's relative weapon skill or magic skill, again depending on the type of attack employed. Equipment also often plays a part. The damage dealt is tied to the character's strength, dexterity, or intelligence and the power of the weapon or spell. The player can use magically enhanced spores and pods to heal and strengthen themselves and their allies.
[edit] Abilities
At the beginning of the game, the player chooses what type of Shaper he wishes to play. The three types are:
- Shapers - Strong at making creations, average at magic, weak in combat.
- Guardians - Strong in combat, average at making creations, weak at casting spells.
- Agents - Strong at casting spells, average at combat, weak at making creations.
When the player gains a level, he or she gains an amount of skill points, which can be spent on improving one or more of the character's abilities. Depending on the strengths and weaknesses of each type of Shaper, the skills have varying costs.
[edit] Rebellion
In Geneforge 4, the player starts as a member of the rebellion, and thus play a Lifecrafter instead of a Shaper, a Warrior instead of a Guardian, and an Infiltrator instead of an Agent (same weaknesses and strengths apply). Two new classes were added:
- Shock Troopers - Strong at making creations, average at combat, weak at magic.
- Serviles - Strong at combat, average at magic, weak at making creations. Serviles were present as NPCs in all previous games.
