Torment: Tides of Numenera

Rollin’ 20s

A fitting follow-up to a beloved RPG.

The turn-based combat may be a little disappointing, but Torment: Tides of Numenera manages to live up to the legacy of Planescape: Torment by offering a fascinatingly weird and well-written tale. Thanks to a wide variety of options in conversations and the influences of its tidal system, it offers decent opportunities for replay value and a memorable tale each time. This is the rare game that leans almost entirely on its setting and writing for its appeal, and the miraculous thing is that it usually succeeds.

While several well-known cRPGs have been released over the preceding few years, none has bigger shoes to fill than Torment: Tides of Numenera. As the spiritual successor to the much acclaimed Planescape: Torment, fans will come flocking to the title for nostalgia’s sake. They will be rewarded with an experience that feels familiar and yet completely new in a genre that has been brought forward to a new generation.

Amazing writing, an interesting yet gritty world to explore and a charming set of characters. All this, united with the unique set of mechanics, make Torment: Tides of Numenera a must play for most RPG fans, whether or not they've played Planescape: Torment.

Torment: Tides of Numenera is well worth the wait. It combines the lore and fantastical setting of the Planescape universe with well-written characters and a tout narrative. For all the reading you'll have to do, there's an enchanting universe in store.

Great writing and environment design, combined with an epic story and wide range of player choice, make Tides of Numenera a wonderful RPG. The reliance on text won't be for everyone, but fans of the genre are going to love it.

Like the way that the Ninth World rises from the ashes of other civilizations, Torment: Tides of Numenera is a layered experience. For role-players keen on experiencing a game of consequences and twisted fantasy, it’s well worth the adventure.

A sci-fi marvel, Torment: Tides of Numenera lays a narrative path for what could be something major. The pristine storyline shines through for those willing to sift through the cumbersome issues

The PC Master Race may hate it, but I enjoy it when cRPGs come to console. I never would have played Diablo III without the console port, and I greatly enjoyed my PS4 romp with Divinity: Original Sin when it crossed over. Obsidian has always said that Pillars of Eternity won’t make the leap, but now we have a game that utilizes PoE‘s engine release on console and PC. InXile Entertainment launched a Kickstarter for their spiritual successor to Planescape: Torment called Torment: Tides of Numenera. Thanks to the vast amount of money they raised, they agreed to release the game on PC and console ...

Torment doesn’t sugarcoat it: You can shape events but you can’t change the world — and your actions always have consequences beyond your control. It’s depressing, but effective. Torment: Tides of Numenera is relentless in how it treats its characters and the Ninth World, but that’s what makes it so fascinating. Aside from some issues with encounter balance and my yearnings for more detail, it’s a beautiful, challenging game, content to be ambiguous, rich and confounding in ways that few other RPGs have ever pulled off.

1. I'm new to all this. Tell me whether this is where I want to be. 2. I've been here before. Tell me what's changed. Tell me whether I can trust this. 3. [Anamnesis] Let the memories come. 4. [Smashing] My time is short. Brute-force my way straight to a conclusion.