Geneforge Series

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. 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.

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, versus 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 breed arrogance in the user in return for great power. Geneforge 1 engages us into the origins 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. Geneforge 4: Rebellion picks up at the height of the war, several years later. (there is an upcoming release of geneforge 5....the last installment)

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 usable by humans (and thus, the player), but in Geneforge 2 and 3, it could only be used by specific intelligent creations.

Gameplay

The games are played in an isometric view. "Real-time" adventure mode switches to a turn-based combat, reminiscent of classic RPGs such as Ultima VI. 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.

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 (such as swords and daggers), ranged (thorn batons, wands, javelins and crystals) , 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, pods and rods to heal and strengthen themselves and their allies. Creations, unable to use items, are made before combat and can be used as powerful tools against your enemies: magical creations use magical poisonous projectiles, battle creations melee and fire creations a mix between magical projectiles and melee.

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.

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.

The Games

• Geneforge
• Geneforge 2
• Geneforge 3
• Geneforge 4: Rebellion

External links

• Spiderweb Software