Geneforge 4: Rebellion
- October 31, 2006
- Spiderweb Software
- 60h median play time
Get on SteamGeneforge 4: Rebellion is a fantasy role-playing game where players shape their destiny in a world of magic and technology. As a Shaper, you have the power to create life and wield ancient, powerful forces. When a rebellion erupts against the Shapers, players must choose their allegiance and navigate the complex web of politics, morality, and power. With multiple endings, players' decisions significantly impact the game's outcome.
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Reviews
- Geneforge 4 features a rich and engaging story with well-developed lore that keeps players invested.
- The game offers a variety of character classes and choices, allowing for different playstyles and replayability.
- Despite its graphics being dated, the game excels in world-building and provides a deep, immersive experience.
- The user interface is poorly designed, making navigation and gameplay less enjoyable.
- The game lacks a musical score, which detracts from the overall atmosphere.
- Exploration feels more restricted compared to previous installments, limiting player freedom.
- story21 mentions
- 52 % positive mentions
- 33 % neutral mentions
- 14 % negative mentions
Geneforge 4 features a rich and engaging story that continues the narrative from its predecessor, with familiar characters and a satisfying unfolding of events through dialogue and exploration. While the plot may not be entirely original, focusing on the conflict between shapers and rebellion, it is well-crafted and immersive, making the game highly replayable. Players appreciate the depth of the story, which compensates for its less impressive graphics, and the choices made throughout the game significantly impact the narrative experience.
“The fourth installment in the Geneforge series continues the story from Geneforge 3 with several of the characters reappearing and even those from older games being present or at least mentioned.”
“The story feels satisfying to learn as it unfolds bit by bit, chat by chat, book by book.”
“If you're looking for a compelling story well told with a game world so deep you need to bring a canary and spelunking equipment, however, Geneforge 4 is for you.”
“The overall gameplay had a few minor improvements again and while the story is not that original (shapers vs rebellion again, albeit on a bigger scale), this game was well worth those 33.9 hours it took me on the first walkthrough (the shortest so far, even though I, once again, skipped some side quests and probably missed a few hidden places).”
“You generally get short scenes from the story where you and your companion will speak, and you will receive details about them depending on your skills.”
“We are back at the continent, but the free roaming options are painfully limited, and to gain access to other areas, you have to check plot points.”
- graphics7 mentions
- 29 % positive mentions
- 29 % neutral mentions
- 43 % negative mentions
The graphics in Geneforge are generally considered subpar and have not significantly improved since the first installment, leading some players to feel they are less impressive overall. However, many reviewers note that the effective use of graphics does not detract from the game's strong storytelling, suggesting that the focus on narrative compensates for the visual shortcomings.
“I honestly believe that if there were better graphics, there wouldn't be enough resources to make everything else so amazing.”
“The game's graphics haven't really improved since the first game, but I will say they are effective.”
“The graphics are subpar at best; you must be able to use your imagination.”
“Graphics: almost the same as previous games.”
- gameplay5 mentions
- 20 % positive mentions
- 20 % neutral mentions
- 60 % negative mentions
The gameplay is characterized by a significant time investment, with players reporting between 33.9 to over 200 hours of playtime, indicating a rich and engaging experience. While the core mechanics remain familiar, they are refined, enhancing the overall experience despite a somewhat predictable storyline. Players appreciate the depth and improvements made, likening it to classic titles with better execution.
“Like Fallout 1 and 2 but no guns and with better gameplay and story.”
“The overall gameplay had a few minor improvements again and while the story is not that original (shapers vs rebellion again, albeit on a bigger scale), this game was well worth those 33.9 hours it took me on the first walkthrough (the shortest so far, even though I once again skipped some side quests and probably missed a few hidden places).”
“This game doesn't get rid of old mechanics; it just refines them further.”
“Less than an hour in Steam, but as I've said before, buying again in Steam is more of a show of support than actual gameplay.”
- replayability3 mentions
- 67 % positive mentions
- -33 % neutral mentions
- 67 % negative mentions
Overall, the game is considered to have good replayability, with some users highlighting its engaging story. However, opinions vary, as one reviewer noted a significant lack of replay value compared to other titles in the genre.
“Good game, very replayable with a compelling story.”
“It has some replayability, though a bit less than G3.”
“Also, it has some replayability, a bit less than G3 though.”
“Replayability: almost none to me.”
- music1 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- -200 % neutral mentions
- 300 % negative mentions
The game lacks any music, which detracts from the overall experience, and the user interface is also criticized for being poorly designed.
“This game has no music, and the UI is terrible.”
“The soundtrack is repetitive and lacks variety.”
“The music is forgettable and doesn't enhance the gameplay experience.”
