Geneforge 2 - Infestation
- March 27, 2024
- spidweb
Get on Steam
Get on itch.io StoreIn "Geneforge 2 - Infestation," players take on the role of a Shaper with the power to create life and command creatures. Set in a unique world of alien fantasy, the game presents a rebellion growing in a wild mountain range, offering a chance for players to choose their path: support the rebellion for power, maintain peace, or lead to war. The game offers unmatched freedom in playstyle, from combat to trickery, diplomacy, and stealth, with no 'bad guy' and various rival factions to choose from.
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Reviews
- The game features a rich and engaging story with well-developed characters and moral dilemmas, making it a standout in the CRPG genre.
- The remake introduces new mechanics like Weapon Shaping, enhancing gameplay and providing more tactical options for players.
- There is significant replay value due to multiple factions and endings, allowing players to explore different paths and choices throughout the game.
- The inventory management system is cumbersome, requiring multiple clicks to manage items, which can detract from the overall experience.
- Some players feel that the game has made unnecessary changes to mechanics from the original, such as limiting the movement of creations and altering leveling systems.
- The graphics, while improved, still retain an old-school aesthetic that may not appeal to everyone, especially those used to modern visuals.
- story55 mentions
- 40 % positive mentions
- 55 % neutral mentions
- 5 % negative mentions
The story of Geneforge 2 is highly praised for its depth, engaging moral dilemmas, and intricate world-building, making it a standout in the CRPG genre. Players appreciate the game's rich narrative, which includes multiple factions, choices that significantly impact the storyline, and a variety of endings that enhance replayability. The remake not only retains the original's compelling plot but also expands upon it with new content and improved mechanics, appealing to both new players and long-time fans.
“The story is very involved, and despite having played almost sixty hours and witnessed two story endings, I'd guess I could easily put in another thirty or forty trying to see the other endings.”
“The storytelling and world-building is incredible as always.”
“The story, the plot, the characters, all so well constructed and with so much depth.”
“The only complaint I can muster would be in regards to the story.”
“On one hand it is a direct sequel to the first one story-wise, on the other hand it plays like a remixed version of the first.”
“Even though the major plot points of each individual game are sometimes referenced throughout the series, the only important thing to know is that you are a shaper — a member of the powerful caste of wizards with an acumen for creating and destroying sentient life.”
- gameplay34 mentions
- 21 % positive mentions
- 71 % neutral mentions
- 9 % negative mentions
The gameplay in the latest installment of the Geneforge series has seen significant improvements, particularly in stealth mechanics and quality of life features, making it more accessible to newcomers while retaining core RPG elements. Players appreciate the introduction of new mechanics, such as weapon shaping, which enhances combat options, though some express a desire for greater variety in gameplay elements. Overall, the game offers a rich narrative experience combined with satisfying combat and character progression, despite some frustrations with enemy mechanics and turn order.
“This is a massive improvement on the original game, allowing new players to get into it without taking away the core RPG mechanics that make Geneforge the game series it is.”
“The gameplay was seamless and really a ton of fun once you get familiar with it.”
“The remake expands on the original's plot lines, bringing the gameplay to modern day with quality of life adjustments as well as balancing with tinkered old mechanics and new ones.”
“Some very useful quality of life mechanics may be missing (can't select or deselect certain party members, the party always stays together, except when there is a closed door/gate in the way), but all the wonderful story additions and overhaul of a lot of other things make this game very well worth it.”
“This makes Gazak-Uss by and large the most frustrating bonus level ever in any Spiderweb Software game, where the number of times I got my turn skipped (I was not debuffed in any form, nor encumbered), the game just said 'nah fam you don't get to do anything'. Now maybe there were some hidden mechanics I wasn't aware of, but it sure felt frustrating, on top of the boss enemies taking 2-3 turns to themselves, so 3-4 attacks you just have to sit back and take it.”
“Bosses and 'special' enemies have a nasty habit of taking multiple turns every round, and some enemies are able to ignore proximity mechanics whenever it strikes their fancy.”
- graphics21 mentions
- 14 % positive mentions
- 71 % neutral mentions
- 14 % negative mentions
The graphics in the game are a mix of old-school charm and modern updates, appealing to players who appreciate retro aesthetics while also offering improved visuals for contemporary systems. While some users noted that graphics are not the main focus, many praised the updated visuals and unique stylistic choices, enhancing the overall experience. Overall, the graphics are considered decent, with significant upgrades from previous iterations, making the game more visually appealing without being groundbreaking.
“The updated visuals are a real treat, the weapon shaping gives guardians and agents interesting and rewarding melee/ranged options, and the silly 'special' creations category gave me some interesting cans to hunt for in my adventure.”
“The visuals are properly updated for modern systems, there are some new sound effects in spots, but most importantly there are some quality of life features that will make the game friendlier for players not familiar with the series.”
“I love the updated graphics, with the addition of some new spells/skills.”
“Easy game to recommend if you don't mind old school graphics.”
“If you can push through the old style visuals and lack of music you'll find something immensely satisfying to play.”
“I was really concerned with the graphics on this one, particularly because some earlier preview art suggested the game was going with the latter Geneforge model of the wingless drakon.”
- replayability4 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The game offers high replayability due to its four distinct factions, multiple endings, and various plot twists in the remastered version. Players can explore different character classes and playstyles, as well as pursue unique achievement runs, enhancing the overall experience. The combination of engaging storylines, diverse maps, and competitive elements further contributes to its replay value.
“With 4 different main factions, there is a great opportunity for replay value.”
“This remastered version has an expanded map, a few different plot twists from the classic, and there are multiple endings to achieve, giving it a high replay value.”
“It definitely has replayability with choosing different factions as well as achievement runs like pacifist or no creations.”
- music3 mentions
- 33 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 67 % negative mentions
The music in the game features a unique and haunting intro track that stands out, but some players suggest turning it off entirely in favor of other music due to the overall lack of engaging soundscapes. While the visuals may feel dated, those who persevere may find the gameplay rewarding despite the musical shortcomings.
“The intro song track has an awesome haunting quality to it and is pretty unique sounding.”
“Just turn it off completely and listen to other music while you play.”
“If you can push through the old-style visuals and lack of music, you'll find something immensely satisfying to play.”
- monetization1 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- -300 % neutral mentions
- 300 % negative mentions
Reviewers appreciate the monetization of this indie game, noting that it offers a more enjoyable experience without the pitfalls of bugs and excessive microtransactions often found in AAA titles.
“You'd get more fun out of this indie game than from any AAA games full of bugs and microtransactions you'd find these days.”
“The monetization in this game feels exploitative, with constant prompts to spend money on items that should be earnable through gameplay.”
“It's frustrating to see a game that could be great being dragged down by aggressive monetization tactics.”
“The reliance on microtransactions ruins the experience, making it feel more like a cash grab than a genuine game.”
