Geneforge 3 is Spiderweb Software's latest game in the series. Fans will enjoy the story and gameplay. While new players might be put off by the graphics, Geneforge 3 should supply plenty of quality gaming to those who give it a chance.

The story picks up where the previous two games left off, although you don't need to have played them to enjoy this game. Basically, you are an apprentice Shaper. Shapers are considered incredibly powerful and can create life to serve their needs. Their ways are a well-kept secret, and you are learning them.

One day, your school is attacked. Attacking a Shaper is unheard of, and attacking an entire school even more so. In fact, it turns out that the attacks on the school are only a part of the larger war against the Shaper way of life in the world at large. Rogue creations and monsters are everywhere, and people are afraid to leave their towns. You are on your own, and as you learn what is going on in the world, you discover that it isn't as simple as "Us" vs. "Them". You now have a difficult choice to make regarding your beliefs. Is the Shaper way the right way? Will the rebels persuade you to their cause? Should you even be involved?

Geneforge fans will be familiar with the open-ended nature of the game. Spiderweb Software's Geneforge titles have great stories that evolve as you make decisions and interact with the world. If you concede that Shapers shouldn't be so harsh, you might earn approval from the townspeople who are suffering from the effects of the war. Of course, you will anger Shapers who might otherwise be able to provide aid to you. There is no absolute evil character in the game, so it is entirely possible to switch sides and feel that you are fighting the Good Fight. And making difficult decisions about the alignment of your beliefs is part of the fun.

Another trademark of the game is that you don't have to fight your way through every section. It is entirely possible that there is a peaceful solution to your problem. Maybe you can convince someone to bend to your will? Perhaps there is a way around the enemies? Will your mechanical skills allow you to bypass a trap? There are multiple possibilities, any of which can be successful. Sometimes, you can use multiple combinations for the same situation.

You only get to control the main character directly in this game. Any armor or weapons you find can't be given to the people who happen to be in your party at the time. It also means that certain items can only be used by your character, such as health pods, which can be annoying when your character is the only one that doesn't actually need them. Still, there are more than enough items, weapons, armor, and spells to keep you occupied, and your party members and creations can earn experience as well. It's a good feeling when your creations can gain abilities without needing your direct manipulation, but at the same time you can create and absorb creations at will.

The interface to the game has been improved a bit from previous games. Besides accessing all of your items from a central location, you can set some of them to the quick-access section of your inventory. While it is similar to the belts in Diablo II, you can do more than place potions there. If you place a weapon there, such as a javelin, you could switch weapons with one click rather than needing to reequip in the inventory screen. Another Diablo II-ish feature is the ability to combine the magical properties of various stones with other items on special anvils.

Even combat has been improved. While the rest of the game is real-time, the battles are turn-based. A big part of the story is that the rogue creations are getting much more intelligent than they should be, and their intelligence shows. Rogues will go after weakened party members, retreat when hurt, and combine into groups to fight more effectively.

The people in the world might give you specific tasks, such as passing on a message to someone or clearing out a rogue infestation in a certain area. They may also pay you for collecting specific items or killing particularly nasty rogues for them. All the while, you will discover more about the people, the situation, and the stakes. You'll stumble across people who are trying to avoid the Shapers, people who absolutely love the Shapers, and people who want to destroy them. The coolest part is that Geneforge 3 lets you work with any of the various groups and sects in the game.


Graphics: 6
While Spiderweb Software's titles generally look similar, the graphics usually work very well. Most of the graphics are recognizable from previous games like Geneforge 2 and Blades of Avernum, which is normally fine, but I was a bit put off when I saw a boat from Avernum that was blown up without being touched up. It was obvious that the boat didn't fit in with the rest of the game world, which can be quite jarring when you are otherwise deeply immersed in the game.

Sound: 6
There is no music, and the sound effects will be familiar to those who have played previous titles.

Game Play: 8
The interface was definitely improved and made it much easier to play the game. You can get deeply involved and find that you've lost a few hours while playing.

Value: 9
Fans of RPGs should realize that the lack of graphic and sound quality does not detract from the quality role-playing involved in Geneforge 3.

Concept: 7
This game is set in the same universe, and for the most part the same issues come up. On the other hand, the details of the story can really rope you in.

Fun: 9
It was difficult for me to write this review because I kept playing the game instead of reviewing it. I was definitely having a lot of fun, and RPG fans will likely do so as well.

Overall: 8
Geneforge 3 should provide countless hours of enjoyment for fans of Spiderweb Software's titles. People might get turned off by the seemingly low-quality on the surface, but players who try out the world of Geneforge will find much to enjoy.