Torment: Tides of Numenera Reviews
After over a decade, the spiritual successor to Planescape Torment took itself to Kickstarter and destroyed its original asking amount in almost no time. Paying tribute to both its predecessor and to the fans of it, Torment: Tides of Numenera is the perfect follow-up the cult classic RPG.
Torment: Tide of Numenera is many things; it is unique and wonderfully artistic.
This won’t convert you to the cult of old-school CRPGs if you’re not already a fan. If you are a fan however, there’s an entire plane’s worth of meaty roleplaying goodness for you to sink your teeth into (especially in the meat prison).
The weird cousin to other RPGs that feels more like an interactive novel than a board game at times. Great writing and amazing world design held back by clunky, unenjoyable combat and a mountain of minor bugs.
Let’s get this out of the way early—Torment: Tides of Numenera doesn’t live up to or supplant Planescape: Torment in any way, shape, or form. That doesn’t mean that it’s not a worthwhile game on its own, however, and even a simulacrum of something as justifiably venerated as PS:T feels like a welcome bulwark against the waves of mindless games that ask nothing of the player and offer nothing in return. This is a game for those who love lore and large chunks of flavor text so overwhelming that one could conceivably drown in them, and while that makes the game impenetrable to those mass-market gamers who require an easily digestible story and lots of visual pizzazz to enjoy a game, it also allows it to be incredibly rewarding and memorable for those willing to put in the time to read through it all.
Tides of Numenera is well-made throwback to old RPG virtues where words cut deeper than weapons.
Review in German | Read full review
Torment: Tides of Numenera is an excellent spiritual successor to one of the most influential RPGs ever released. inXile Entertainment has created a game that dares to be different, letting players approach the task at hand in a staggering amount of different ways. It may be a bit short when compared to similar titles, but what it lacks in length, it more than makes up for in replayability.
Torment: Tides of Numenera lives up to the Torment name by crafting a deep, engrossing quest that takes you into a strange world where you come to grips with fate, life, death and everything in between. It’s got a ton of dialogue to read through but you’ll be turning the figurative pages before long, and the story has some truly jaw-dropping moments. A modern classic.
Torment is a sedate but deep narrative experience that speaks to the patient, studious gamer. Despite feeling at times like a game out of time, its charm manages to shine through and the strong writing and weird narrative more than make up for the lack of AAA elements.
Tides of Numenera is not exactly the game we were waiting for. It tries really hard to be like Planescape: Torment, but the game is more like a prisoner of the past than its glorified return.
Review in Russian | Read full review
With its story, setting and the choice and consequence, "Torment" could've been one of the best games of 2017 but its weak combat system diminishes it to just good. Though if you're a fan of RPGs and you don't have a problem reading long texts, it's an experience you can't miss
Review in Persian | Read full review
Torment is different to other RPGs, and cRPGs, and gave me more of an interaction focused experience than other games within the genre. It's complex, detailed, thoughtful, and it dares to be different. It's also a classic RPG with all it entails. It brought back memories from playing Fallout and Baldur's Gate and it underscores why I love this particular genre with the heavy focus on character interaction, exploration and solving puzzles.
Torment: Tides of Numenera is a particularly difficult game to review objectively, as its enjoyability depends largely on the player's tastes and lifestyle. Those willing to spend a large amount of time surrounding themselves with complex lore will find this to be an enjoyable throwback to a genre that's struggling to find a place in the video game era - however, the majority undeniably won't be able to look past the 90s visuals, wordy script, and chugging performance; this certainly isn't the game for them.
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!
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.
InXile defied the odds and delivered a truly worthy successor to the oddity and wonder of Planescape: Torment.
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 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.
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.
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.