With Obsidian’s Project Eternity Kickstarter triumphantly overfunded to the tune of $3.98 million, classic western RPG enthusiasts could already consider themselves well and truly vindicated. But according to inXile’s Colin McComb, a successor to Planescape Torment, the original narrative-driven RPG, is in the works, marking a renaissance of sorts for the genre.
InXile is handling the development of the title, which is still in the early stages of pre-production. Early thoughts posted on designer Colin McComb’s blog indicate not only a return to, but an enhanced focus on the thoughtful themes that helped the original redefine storytelling in RPGs. As for the involvement of original Lead Designer Chris Avellone, it remains a possibility.
“Right now he’s incredibly involved with Project: Eternity, and I do not want to distract him from a project that is incredibly important to his company. With that said, I would be happy – no, wait, overjoyed – to have him on board in any capacity whatsoever,” according to McComb.
The Legacy of Planescape: Torment
Planescape: Torment, released in 1999 by Black Isle Studios, is often hailed as one of the greatest RPGs of all time. Its unique setting in the Planescape universe, combined with its deep narrative and philosophical themes, set it apart from other games of its era. The game’s protagonist, The Nameless One, embarks on a quest for identity and redemption, exploring themes of mortality, memory, and the nature of the self. This narrative depth, coupled with rich character development and a complex moral landscape, has left a lasting impact on the RPG genre.
The game’s success can be attributed to its innovative approach to storytelling and character interaction. Unlike many RPGs that focus heavily on combat, Planescape: Torment emphasized dialogue and choices, allowing players to shape the story through their decisions. This focus on narrative over action was a bold move that paid off, earning the game critical acclaim and a dedicated fanbase.
Anticipation for the Successor
The announcement of a successor to Planescape: Torment has generated significant excitement among fans of the original game and the RPG community at large. InXile’s involvement in the project is particularly promising, given their track record with titles like Wasteland 2 and Torment: Tides of Numenera. These games have demonstrated the studio’s commitment to creating rich, narrative-driven experiences that honor the legacy of classic RPGs.
Colin McComb’s enthusiasm for the project is evident in his blog posts, where he discusses the potential for exploring new themes and expanding on the philosophical questions posed by the original game. The possibility of Chris Avellone’s involvement adds another layer of anticipation, as his contributions to the original Planescape: Torment were instrumental in shaping its narrative and characters.
The development team at inXile is keenly aware of the high expectations surrounding the project. They have expressed a desire to not only recapture the magic of the original game but also to push the boundaries of storytelling in RPGs even further. This ambition is reflected in their approach to pre-production, where they are carefully considering how to balance nostalgia with innovation.
In addition to the narrative elements, there is also speculation about the gameplay mechanics and visual style of the new game. Fans are eager to see how inXile will modernize the classic isometric perspective and integrate contemporary gameplay features without losing the essence of what made Planescape: Torment special.
The resurgence of interest in classic western RPGs, as evidenced by the success of Project Eternity and the anticipation for the Planescape: Torment successor, suggests a bright future for the genre. These projects are not only a testament to the enduring appeal of narrative-driven games but also a reminder of the rich storytelling potential that RPGs offer.
Source Eurogamer
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