Codex Review Geneforge Review

Saint_Proverbius · Oct 19, 2002

Tags: Geneforge; Spiderweb Software

Read the full article: Geneforge Review

Anonymous · Oct 21, 2002

If you're a melee fighter, you will notice this because after an attack, you're stuck standing right next to the person you just attacked.

Um, that's how melee works. You shouldn't be able to run up and smack the guy with a sword and then run away so he can't retaliate next round.

Saint_Proverbius · Oct 21, 2002

That would depend on how fast you are, wouldn't it? If you're faster than the other person, you should be able to zip in there, make a swipe at the bad guy, then back up.

Basically, this system is geared for the BRUTE FORCE FIGHTER and doesn't allow for a FAST, FINESSE FIGHTER who has to rely on hit and run tactics because he probably doesn't have the Strength and Endurance of the typical thug.

Jed · Nov 4, 2002

I'm only about three hours into this game, but already I care many times more about it, my character, and my character's creation than I did at the end of NWN. I don't seek to knock NWN too harshly, though I agree wholeheartedly with what St Prov said in his review, but I would like to say how much greater a game is Geneforge. It hurts my heart to know it will never get the wide attention and appreciation it deserves.

Saint_Proverbius · Nov 6, 2002

I actually cared about my creations in Geneforge more than I did about my henchman in NWN as well. I got a real attachment going on between them and myself. I made them, I boosted their abilities, I named them, and so on. I knew they were mainly grunts to do my bidding, but I never liked it when one of them got overwelmed and died.

With NWN when a henchman died, it was just, "Eh, back to town to resurrect the moron."

And yes, it is a shame that Spiderweb's games don't get all the recognition they should.

Constipated Craprunner · Nov 13, 2002

Huh.
Anyone have any ideas or estimates as to how many people have downloaded it? I mean, with such a glamerous review by PCGamer, I would think (read hope) that it has sold enough to finance Spiderweb's future endevours.
Also, yeah, I admit the game rocks.

Spazmo · Nov 13, 2002

Yes, but a game that's only avaiblible via a download from the maker's site is obviously going to sell less then a game anyone can go into a store and buy with a box, especially considering those people without high-speed connections and credit cards.

Constipated Craprunner · Nov 13, 2002

Obviously.
That is also an interesting question- would it have made more money if it had been boxed?

Saint_Proverbius · Nov 13, 2002

I'm not sure if a retailer would even accept it. Spiderweb gets most of it's people by word of mouth and from USENET discussions.

Anonymous · Nov 22, 2002

Love it?

I loved Geneforge, and I found almost nothing wrong besides a few pathing problems, the fact that you don't get any experience for killing a lowly monster, and you lose 1-2 experience points for every creation you have (sucks, doesn't it? Kill something for 5 points, you have four creations, that leaves you with 1 point!). I can't wait for # II. It isn't easy to come up with a completely new idea and character generation system in one game. The mind boggles at how he creates such great games. :D

Saint_Proverbius · Nov 22, 2002

Re: Love it?

guest said:
I loved Geneforge, and I found almost nothing wrong besides a few pathing problems, the fact that you don't get any experience for killing a lowly monster, and you lose 1-2 experience points for every creation you have (sucks, doesn't it? Kill something for 5 points, you have four creations, that leaves you with 1 point!). I can't wait for # II. It isn't easy to come up with a completely new idea and character generation system in one game. The mind boggles at how he creates such great games. :D

I've hated that style system since I betatested Everquest. I was level 6 or so, so I couldn't get experience for killing lowly orcs, but I got ganged by them and killed.

Reaper turrets in Geneforge did the same thing to me at Control 3, I think it was. No experience value for them, but I'll be damned if I wasn't murdered by 5 of them in this one area.

ahunting · Jan 10, 2003

Re: Love it?

I just want to agree whole heartedly. I think Geneforge is great, it makes me very happy that a site like this exists. It can't be said enough, the creativity Jeff puts into his games is what makes them worth playing. :D

Saint_Proverbius · Jan 10, 2003

I totally agree. A lot of the mechanics in Jeff's games are simple. He doesn't really try to throw in the kitchen sink in his games. However, what he does with a setting is what makes his games so fantastic.

Geneforge may have incredibly simple graphics, a slimmed down character system, and so on, but the presentation of everything is simply stunning.

Rayt · Jan 14, 2003

Is there a way to get this game other then by paying by creditcard ? I don't have one...

Saint_Proverbius · Jan 14, 2003

http://www.spiderwebsoftware.com/ordering.html

Rayt · Jan 14, 2003

Hmm, only 25 bucks including shipping costs to Holland? No wonder the guy isn't a millionaire

Anyway, time to go to the bank tomorrow to get some US dollars.

Walks with the Snails · Jan 14, 2003

All you need is the registration code. He'll email it to you and not mail anything to save shipping if you want.

LCJr. · Jan 17, 2003

Besides being impressed by the game I really liked the improvements in the interface. It's lot more mousedriven than the rest of his games. The larger graphics were nice too. I actually surprised when I found out Avernum 3 was released after this game as its more like the older ones. I hope he uses the Geneforge interface style in some of his future games.

As for that "fast, finesse fighter" thing that seems to me like exploiting the turn based system. That kind of stuff made the Temple of Trials in FO2 a boring chore rather than a challenge. Smack radscorp. Run away from radscorp. Let radscorp follow and repeat ad nauseum without your opponent ever having a chance to retaliate. If there's any change to combat system I'd like to see it would the addition of an overwatch mode.

camon104 · Jul 16, 2003

I only have the demo version of Geneforge right now but im buying the game soon. I cant wait til Geneforge 2 comes out. I barely played this game 4 30 min and i instantly fell in love with it. O sure it had classic graphics but it is the best RPG ever made in my opinion.
:D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D