Planescape Ambivalence: A Planescape Torment Critique/Essay

[@agathawinters3383]

I played through this entire game twice when it first came out back in the 90's and I can admit without shame or regret that no other game, book, movie, or even real life experience has affected me as deeply or more profoundly as this story has. It has been decades since I've played it and yet it feels like only yesterday since I was there. Even after all this time, there is hardly a single detail which I cannot recall vividly. It is etched onto my very soul and that alone worries me a bit. I miss Sigil, the City of Doors.

[@krocuss17]

Hi, I'm sending this to-the-point message both as a warning and as an extension of hope. Ever wonder how the world can be such a cruel place? Because of people's sin and disobedience to God - the just, loving, and holy Creator of everything. And no one can clean up their sin without first accepting Jesus Christ into their lives, because sin lies at the core of our being and there's no way we can get rid of it ourselves. Yes, I'm proselytizing Christianity, but it's a matter of (spiritual) life and death. If you're already a saved Christian, great, keep up the faith, dive into the Bible, and live in daily repentance. God is real, and He's unlike any of the Greek, Roman, or other pagan gods. He's above all gods, and definitely above his enemy Satan - the wicked tempter and master deceiver. People doubt God's existence and/or goodness because of all the pain and suffering they see on earth. But pain exists because of people's sin, and it makes the world a testing ground for believers in Christ until they die and enter Heaven. Heaven is the eternal reward for keeping faith in Jesus to the very end of one's life. We all deserve eternal punishment in Hell for rebelling against God and His laws. God is merciful, however, and sent Jesus (who IS God but was incarnated as a human) to suffer and die on a cross as a sacrifice in our place. Jesus lived a perfect and sinless life, and is our example to follow. But only by confessing to Jesus our sins - like self-worship, hatred of others, bullying, addictions, fetishes, sex outside of marriage, violence, cheating, stealing, etc. - and by desiring to live righteously, can He restore us and bring us to a sincere relationship with Himself... with God. That is the message of hope - salvation in Jesus Christ. I'll warn you now, that if you think you can live, do, and act as YOU want, instead of as GOD wants (as He outlines in His Holy Bible), and come out perfectly fine, you're going to be in for a sad, sad shock. You don't need to respond to this unless you have questions and want to learn more about the Christian faith. You have to decide your own personal eternity and whether you spend it in Heaven or in Hell. 444prophecynews.com

[@TheGameGrinder]

Great look at the game, well done man! I just finished the game myself and was looking for some good analysis of it.

[@Happytreefriendsfan3]

Now this was an amazing video. I completely agree with everything you said. Well-articulated arguments, the review itself is as objective as you can get. I prefer Fallout 2 myself just because it's a better game from a gameplay perspective (and because it had way more exploration as there are tons of areas you can visit, even if the story wasn't on the level of Planescape: Torment's), but there's no denying Planescape: Torment is king when it comes to the writing.

[@EldritchAugur]

Thanks! I don't think I really had any idea what I was doing when I made this video and I would do it different if I did it today. But I still think my arguments were solid and I appreciate it.

[@Happytreefriendsfan3]

​@@EldritchAugur It's one of the best video game critiques I've ever seen, and I've seen a lot of them. It's a crime you have so few views and subscribers. I saw what other videos uploaded and I'm eager to check them all out as soon as I can (most of all the Hitman and the Dishonored videos). I'll be enjoying the Hitman video tomorrow after I'm done with one of my exams, for sure. Cheers, hope you'll pump out even more of them.

[@EldritchAugur]

@@Happytreefriendsfan3 Currently am! Working on a Metro video right now in preparation for Exodus.

[@Happytreefriendsfan3]

@@EldritchAugur That sounds cool, it's a shame I still javen't played Metro. I hope one day you'll do a video on Deus Ex, my favorite video game of all time.

[@EldritchAugur]

@@Happytreefriendsfan3 Yes I do plan on doing Deux Ex at some point but be warned, I don't actually love Deus Ex all that much and have a lot of criticism to throw it's way. I've never managed to finish the game because the mechanics irritate me so much. I love the level design and the music and the story, all of that is great. It's been years since I've played it so maybe I'll come around but I've tried to finish it like 4 or 5 times and never have which is RARE for me.

[@AngeVNs]

>hopefully like a girl who clearly hates you from the start It's called Tsundere romance, something you can find in visual novels.

[@riffbw]

Two things. First, Play as a thief or a fighter, just make sure you are putting points (or buying tattoos) to get your WIS, INT, and CHA up to acceptable levels. You don't need elite stats for your class to be useful. Personally, I like the fighter due to the resting issues and if you want to cast some epic spells off scrolls, have Dakkon switch you, use the scrolls, then switch back. PS. Thieves (fastest) and fighters level up faster so you get more character points to spend compared a mage with the same XP. Second, I didn't mind the combat much. It can be a bit challenging, but it's a nice break up in the story to digest what you're doing. The gang war in the alley was a nice break. The drowned nations was solid. Curst got a big drawn out on combat though. You're being bombarded with so much that the combat is a nice break. I also think some of it really adds to the story. The Modron maze is just bad. Pharod sends you to the catacombs and they are dangerous at low level. Pharod also says no one else has been able to retrieve the sphere. You get the job done. It's a difficult fight, but it's doable. You also find your tomb which feels epic. It also gives you a sense of power as TNO despite the lack of combat. When you see the final cut scene, you get the sense of acceptance, but I also felt like TNO was going to be a massive force in the Blood War instead of just a participant because of everything he had done. Raided the catacombs, fought devils, bested a Deva. The combat is just enough to push you to feeling like you are that powerful at the end.

[@dungeonsanddobbers2683]

Yeah, my first playthrough of the game was as a Fighter, because that's my general playstyle, and I don't recall missing out on any dialogue options or "secrets" that the people who cry "You _have_ to play as a mage so you don't miss anything" go on about. When I finished and got the scene with the Nameless One appearing to take part in the Blood War, it felt _earned_ in a way that it wouldn't have if I'd played as a caster-type character.

[@ight_of_heart]

Enjoying your style a lot. Great content

[@TrollDragomir]

Excellent analisys, and surprising how underviewed it is. Subscribed to your channel, hoping for similar videos on Fallout 1, 2, and maybe New Vegas in the future ;)

[@velizar2630]

I actually played this game as a fighter. I focused on strength, wisdom and intelligence so I was more of a "brawler scholar", Since I read that wisdom and intelligence matter the most I finished the game without missing any important dialogues, but I might try mage for a chaotic evil playthrough. 👍👍

[@Anorexiaification]

I think less intellectual, but more into constitution will be more like classic fighter role!

[@darthbrooks4933]

This mf’er said “glizzerai” lol

[@slyaspie4934]

Brilliant look at the game thanks might have to pick up the re-release

[@lonegalaxy311]

What's up with bass rumble throughout the whole video?

[@Ash-fm6ym]

Great video 🤙🏻

[@thatmartyfella5305]

Great video!

[@EldritchAugur]

Appreciate it.

[@Seinsmelled]

this is the only video of yours that i havent watched and i have no idea why i honestly wont even watch it cuz i get a gross feeling every time i see the thumbnail

[@storiesbeneaththesurface1942]

Well done :)