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.
Reviews
- Fantastic remake with improved graphics, mechanics, and a solid storyline that enhances the original experience.
- The game offers a rich world with meaningful player choices and consequences, making it engaging and replayable.
- Quality of life improvements and new features, such as Weapon Shaping, add depth to gameplay and make it accessible to new players.
- The inventory system is cumbersome and can detract from the overall experience, leading to frustration during gameplay.
- Some changes, like the inability to make creations move independently and the new leveling system, have been criticized as downgrades from the original.
- Certain gameplay mechanics, such as forced dialogue with enemies and inconsistent boss fight designs, can disrupt the flow and enjoyment of the game.
- gameplay24 mentions
- 13 % positive mentions
- 75 % neutral mentions
- 13 % 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 and enhanced visual cues for traps, which enrich the combat experience and overall strategy. However, some users noted a desire for greater gameplay variety and expressed frustration with certain mechanics, particularly in challenging bonus levels.
“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 is also a chance to challenge yourself.”
“The remake expands on the original's plot lines, brings 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.”
“Wish there was more gameplay variety (e.g. more new creations or spells), but considering the size of the Spiderweb team, I guess there were no resources/time to add much.”
- story20 mentions
- 45 % positive mentions
- 40 % neutral mentions
- 15 % negative mentions
The game's story is praised for its depth and complexity, featuring an intriguing narrative centered around creature creation, political struggles, and moral choices that impact multiple endings. While some quality-of-life mechanics are lacking, the remastered version enhances the original plot with expanded maps and new twists, making it highly engaging and replayable. Overall, players appreciate the storytelling and world-building, noting that it effectively combines strategic gameplay with a compelling narrative.
“The storytelling and world building is incredible as always.”
“The story, the plot, the characters, all so well constructed and so much depth.”
“This remastered version has an expanded map, a few different plot twists from the classic, and there's multiple endings to achieve, giving it a high replay value.”
“The only complaint I can muster would be in regards to the story.”
“Now for a story...”
“The thing about Geneforge for me has always been the storytelling.”
- graphics8 mentions
- 38 % positive mentions
- 25 % neutral mentions
- 38 % negative mentions
The graphics have received positive feedback for their updates, enhancing the overall visual experience with improved details and a well-organized UI. While some users note that the visuals are not groundbreaking, they appreciate the new elements and the satisfying gameplay that accompanies the upgraded graphics. Overall, the enhancements contribute to a more enjoyable adventure, especially for fans of CRPGs.
“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.”
“Great graphics and well organized UI.”
“I love the updated graphics, with the addition of some new spells/skills.”
“If you can push through the old style visuals and lack of music, you'll find something immensely satisfying to play.”
“Better graphics?”
“Now with better graphics.”
- music2 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
The music in the game is generally criticized, with some players suggesting it is better to turn it off entirely and listen to other music instead. Despite the outdated visuals and lack of engaging music, those who persevere may still find the gameplay rewarding.
“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.”
- replayability1 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The remastered version offers high replayability due to its expanded map, new plot twists, and multiple endings to explore, encouraging players to revisit the game for different experiences.
“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.”
