Torment: Tides of Numenera Reviews
The weight of expectation could have proven too much, but inXile has delivered a remarkable narrative experience which deserves to be savoured.
Let's face the elephant in the room: Planescape Torment this is not. Still, we're talking about a very deep and rewarding CRPG that borrows some mechanics and game design choices from its famous ancestor and tries to walk a different path, making the player read and dialogue instead of mindlessly fighting. A good pick for old time D&D players, but the crown is still held by Pillars of Eternity.
Review in Italian | Read full review
InXile defied the odds and delivered a truly worthy successor to the oddity and wonder of Planescape: Torment.
There’s something rather alluring about Torment: Tides of Numenera. Whilst its central story is somewhat linear, it’s truly impressive just how personal your adventure can be thanks to the wealth of side quests that surround it and the multiple ways you can deal with each of them.
Once you understand that, however, I've not got much bad to say. Time will tell if it hits the market with the impact that Planescape: Torment had. I would guess not, just due to the games industry being a different beast these days. But in quality of writing, and in its ability to make you care about characters and force you kicking and screaming to actually think about things like good and evil, and the value of life, Tides of Numenera is every bit on a par with its illustrious ancestor.
It is a great addition to an RPG fans collection though, if they don’t mind a time eater of a game, challenging battles, and the feel of a classic RPG.
By weaving an interesting narrative, creating a lush and bizarre world and giving players a surprising amount of freedom, inXile has created an RPG that does reward those that are willing to delve into its deep dialogue system.
TToN is excellent in every artistic department. The captivating writing, climactic music and gorgeous environments work together to create a unique ambience that will keep you captivated for hours on end. The game's shortcomings are structural, which goes to show that most of the effort went into creating fantastic content rather than polishing the more mundane mechanics. With a few polishing patches TToN can truly become an instant classic for the ages, and one that I can certainly recommend to RPG fans. If the names "Black Isle", "Bioware" or "Interplay" mean anything dear to you, you should probably look into inExile's latest game - you won't regret it.
Overall, I feel like I’ve only just scratched the surface of my time with Torment: Tides of Numenera. There are many hours of gameplay to be had here and if you’re after an old fashioned, but fresh RPG, which takes its role playing roots seriously, then this is a must buy for you. If you love story and narrative, rather than action and shooting, then you should be grabbing it right now. Those who are new to this type of game and are unsure of what to expect, but want to experience a deep, immersive RPG, then turn up and give this a go too – you won’t be disappointed.
If you can live with the technical hiccups, Torment: Tides of Numenera is one of the more fascinating RPGs for any platform.
If you are a new comer to the RPG genre, or if you are not old-school enough, Torment: Tides of Numenera may very well frustrate you. But for a hardcore fan of classic RPGs, one that is patient and enjoys reading, it's the perfect option.
Review in Persian | Read full review
Planescape: Torment still is the better game. But Tides of Numenera is an RPG that respects it's heritage and follows in its ancestors footsteps with pride. If you are not alergic to long and philosophical conversations, you can feel at home in the Ninth World.
Review in Turkish | Read full review
The most-funded RPG on Kickstarter history debuts with some broken promises, such as the lack of an Italian localization, which was among the goals achieved by the software house. While offering a great adventure set in a huge fantasy world, the Xbox One version of Torment: Tides of Numenera lacks of stability and has several technical issues that can ruin the game experience.
Review in Italian | Read full review
Thanks to a deep narrative, exquisite morality mechanics that make every decision equally weighty and meaningful, and sublime characters, inXile has given the game a genuine shot of living up to the legacy of one of the greatest games of all time.
inXile’s spiritual successor to Planescape: Torment doesn’t quite reach the high notes of that game but it does tell an interesting story and explores themes not really touched on frequently in gaming. If you are after a new RPG with an evocative, if grim, setting then this is for you.
A wide variety of conversation options, an incredible story, and generally excellent visuals means that Torment: Tides of Numenera is a great game with a huge replay value to it. But would I go back again? Probably, but just not right away.
All in all, Torment: Tides of Numenera is an enjoyable nostalgic trip into the strongest days of PC RPGs. It's well-written, engaging and interesting, if occasionally bogged down in its own setting. Both reactive and exciting, it makes the simple act of talking to characters or exploring areas feel rewarding and exciting. Only some lackluster combat drags down the experience, and that's easily avoidable. Those looking for a successor to Planescape: Torment should find a lot to enjoy here, but this offering does not eclipse the original. It's an enjoyable game, both as a spiritual successor and on its own merits, and that's all you can really ask.
Torment: Tides of Numenera is a technically flawed game on PS4, but I loved my time with it in spite of those issues, and would still highly recommend it. As a cRPG it’s not for everyone, especially on a console where the genre is extremely rare, but those who decide to take the plunge are bound to have a phenomenal experience.
The influence of your decisions affecting the narrative is the game's strongest suit. On one hand it may surprise you and it will also make you think twice on the other, no matter how simple it is.
Review in Arabic | Read full review
Torment: Tides of Numenera is a huge game with a lot to discover and do. I have enjoyed the game very much after dozens of hours playing it, and it’s certainly shaping up to be one of the best RPG for 2017. The game oozes depth and has a lot of replayability. The best part is there is a Platinum trophy too, but given the game’s nature several of them are missable. There’s some that are story-related, but for trophy hunters, I do believe a trophy guide will be a must – not to mention a huge time investment in the game! After finishing my Torment: Tides of Numenera review, I’m sure I’ll continue to play the game as I unravel its story and lore, and I highly recommend that you purchase this game on PS4. It’s an early contender for GOTY 2017 that you have to try!