Geneforge 5: Overthrow

As a decades-long fan of the series, this title conflicts me the most. It's the slowest, grindiest, and most RNG-dependant game of the pentalogy, with a story that disappointingly limps to the finish line. It's a shame that this is the last game of the series, because while GF3 seems to be the primary candidate for a rework/touch-up, I'd argue that big parts of this game could use it more. Yet in some ways it also feels like the final exam after a long series of tests. Every mechanic is utilized (to some degree or another), every character can do anything given enough artifacts (which are by far the most powerful of the series), and I've had some of the sweatiest, most skill-intensive fights at the endgame. So my overall opinion is very mixed. The Good: -Every mechanic is utilized to it's fullest. You WILL use some combination of combat, creations, and diplomacy/infiltration, regardless of character class. Traps are the deadliest they've ever been, some combat areas are intentionally difficult to encourage stealth, and properly building up combat/creation skills leads to smoother level progression & loot hauls -Significant rewards for memorizing game knowledge, specifically ski…

Geneforge 5: Overthrow serves as the dramatic finale to Spiderweb Software's beloved fantasy RPG series, delivering a sprawling adventure centered on rebellion, ideology, and the consequences of playing god. Developed and published by Spiderweb Software, this concluding installment places players in a continent consumed by war, where the once-dominant Shapers struggle to maintain control against insurgent forces and competing powers. The game immediately establishes a sense of importance, making it clear that the choices made throughout the journey will influence not only individual lives but the future of an entire civilization. At its core, Geneforge 5 is built around freedom. Players are given access to nine distinct classes and a massive world comprised of dozens of locations filled with quests, hidden secrets, and dangerous encounters. The defining feature remains the series' signature ability to create and command living beings. Through the art of shaping, players can summon an assortment of creatures to accompany them into battle, transforming combat into a tactical exercise of positioning, resource management, and team composition. Each creation feels like an extension of …

I've played through this but using a non-steam version due to having login issues at the time. This saga as a whole is just astonishingly impressive, even more than Dominions.

There's just something about the Geneforge series. There's something special here. Atmospheric. Unique. Memorable. Oddly nostalgic, even if you've never played it before. Now with re-bindable keys & a modern resolution, plus the ability to play as a sorceress.

The first time I played this game (and the other Geneforge games) was when I was still a child. I could barely read English (but have improved since then). I did not even have money to buy the games. I played the demo's and eventually - ashamed to admit it - I pirated the games. I immersed myself in the games. Got lost in the rich story of it. Now as an (young) adult. I bought all of them. Finished played Geneforge 5 and I still love it! Older me see some flaws in it, yet it is still as enjoyable as ever. This game might not be for everyone, but it is absolutely for me. Yet, I still recommend playing it. The publisher will get around to a remake of it (I hope). So, if the old graphics are a problem for you, there might be that to look forward to. Although to be honest, graphics are not what this game is known for. It is for the story, the fantasy, the turn-based combat, the old style rpg, the incredible choices, etc. So, go ahead and enjoy!

It’s a cult classic for a reason. If you like your games thoughtful, weird, and textually dense, this one’s a gem from the old vault.