The Philosophy of Torment: Tides of Numenera

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Tides of Numenera was a game that I had to be told about by a coworker. I knew nothing about it, which is surprising because I loved Planescape Torment, and knowing a spiritual successor was releasing soon was very nearly (some word that youtube will demonitize me for). I pre-ordered, which I never, EVER do, and as soon as there was a playable beta of the game, I jumped on that shit like a homeless man on a half-eaten sandwich.
It was cool. The opening area was unique and I liked the way you could either choose to fight the sorrow in your mind, or interact with memories to dispel them. After escaping from the prison of my mind, I was introduced to an interesting, albeit long, text adventure, similar in construction to what Pillars did, but much more in depth. The lore was interesting, and I was excited to see what the game had in store for me. I forced myself to stop playing because I didn’t want to go too far into the game only to get bored when the game fully released because I had to do it all over again.
Little did I know that they would scrap almost everything from the original opening, and streamline it, to what I think, is the detriment of the experience. That’s not to say I don’t understand why they did it. It is a much less daunting experience to not be confronted with that much text up front, but the thing about this game is, if you don’t like to read, this game is not for you. Even though they removed quite a bit of text from the beginning, there’s still so much exposition front loaded into this game that people who are long time fans of Planescape all had very similar complaints.
The game takes too long to start.

[@StratEdgyProductions]

Apparently this video... THIS VIDEO! Is not suitable for advertisers... Maybe I should go taser a fucking dead cat or something. I've heard that really brings all the advertiser boys to the yard... All the more reason to pledge to Patreon if you care about the channel. This advertiser shit is really getting on my last nerve. The hypocrisy is endless.

[@rararasputin4447]

Strat-Edgy Productions just make a video about a dead body. Even if it’s reported apparently KZbin will manually review it and say it’s fine.

[@OlOleander]

Strat-Edgy Productions I don't know what twisted, Cthulian logic goes into that shit. It isn't even "if you make us money, we look the other way." Even a modicum of transparency would go a long way.

[@Cunnysmythe]

Strat-Edgy Productions This might be a long shot, but it might be the word 'orgasmic' in the description. I could see their algorithm assuming that the video was somehow sexually inappropriate. Has it been manually reviewed yet?

[@StratEdgyProductions]

Good point, actually. That's probably what did it. What Orwellian times we live in.

[@zyrxom]

I pretty sure it is because of the acronym RPG we know what That means but I guess to advertisers that means rocket propelled grenade.

[@UndeadTurning]

I have a solution to all the problems. If a character has a low intelligence in any RPG, there should always be a dialogue option that says, "Ooga Booga, you go smash!" It instantly starts combat, skips all dialogue, and now you don't have to worry about people complaining about the dialogue because idiots will always have a way to tell everyone to shut up and get to smashing. Never forgetti

[@Futube3k1]

CourierFour the fallout way of dialog

[@StratEdgyProductions]

In other words, the only way to play Fallout.

[@biostar4]

As I know, even Temple of Elemental Evil did that too

[@element1111]

Basically the Black Isle and its offspring approach to game design

[@Maggerama]

@@dougyoungman4191 It's so sad that they don't do this anymore.

[@christianjendraschek8201]

I belive in my entire Playthrough i only fought 3 Times total. It is crazy how many optional peaceful solutions the Game presents. And how Deep it feels. There are so many glimpses into hundrets of different Worlds, that never really got expanded on too much but all of them are described so well, that they kept me thinking and rethinking them over and over again. Crazy good Game, so immersive and yet so weird and outlandish.

[@fartibarfslab]

Blue/gold nano here. I've been quietly lamenting for the past few weeks how Tides of Numenera came and went last year without getting much attention when it's one of the most touching, thought-provoking and satisfying gaming experiences of my life. Looking for analyses of its themes and how they're woven into the game, all the videos I found were dry, by-the-numbers reviews giving the story only cursory glances. While I think it could use a lot more in-depth looks, I'm happy to see someone has finally done it justice, and I'm pleasantly surprised that someone is you.

[@daysoffluff]

Super late but I felt empathy when you described how a game's story can be captivating and somewhat relaxing. This is exactly how I felt, especially with text-rich games! Recently I was diagnosed with ADHD and treatment has really helped me with focus and stress, hope you're doing well dude.

[@nwttp]

This game was amazing. The world is so damn interesting. I'd love to read some books based on this universe.

[@OlOleander]

I consistently enjoy your take on - and in-depth analysis of - RPGs, my favorite genre of games.

[@phantomstrider]

It was nice to see you touch on Knights of old Republic 2. I'd really enjoy hearing you talk more extensively about it if it ever piques your interest. Some of Kreia's dialogue in that game was so deeply memorable to me that I still remember it a decade later, but maybe that's just me. I feel like it was a game that actually grew me as a person rather than just being a passing interest. Either way, its always a pleasure to hear your analysis of each game's depth :)

[@MetaKaios]

You want someone talking extensively about Kreia? Hoo boy have I got the video for you. kzbin.info/www/bejne/Y4uThGOQbdGIisk

[@phantomstrider]

This is spectacularly done. Thanks very much Meta :)

[@louisgworld]

It was odd being a combat deficient nano for the majority of the game only for me to become a nuke god in the Bloom.

[@ZippyLeroux]

Man I was really enjoying this game, nothing has stimulated my imagination like this in quite a while... But alas I stopped playing in the Bloom, it was like the taste just left my mouth and I didn't want to go on.... I don't know why. I regret it and wish I could go back, but I still don't have the taste. I don't know why it's weird and a bit of a shame... As for the tides I loved it, because I just made my choices not knowing anything about the tides or even what the colors were, and after a while I was dominant in Blue... Not because I chose to be that, but because that reflected the choices I had made intuitively in my playing... that tide kinda actually reflected my own psychology.

[@koseorhun]

I did that too for a month, and persevered to the end. I think the pacing is problematic there. You dont want to feel like everything is hunky dory and time is not of the essense after that act 2 escape. Like, i need to see " bloom lady" now and end this before it escalates, i dont want to visit another big town! But i promise you, the revelations and themes in bloom quests are quite nice (generally on controlling your emotions).

[@feelingblue2]

I've been waiting for an Arcanum: of Steamworks and Magick Obscura spiritual successor since the announcement of Project Eternity Kickstarter. Don't get me wrong, I loved Planescape: Torment as well, and I'm very happy with Numenera. But Arcanum was my favorite back then; It should get some love too...

[@JWK1101]

I like the way you think.

[@moonlitmonkey913]

I virtually played that whole game by pumping charisma and charming everyone. I've never seen a classless work so flexibly. Loads of fun.

[@youngthinker1]

Elona might be the closest game to it.

[@mediumvillain]

I loved Arcanum, it did most of the same things Planescape Torment did right, giving you choices of playstyle that largely rule out the others, while allowing you to amass a squad of colorful characters or carefully talk your way out of situations with a charm-focused character (including the final boss as I recall, which I always appreciate). But its so hard to play it now. It was fairly clunky with early Diablo-style 'click to swing weapon' combat, and its never been remastered, you need a bunch of mods just to get it barely functional in windowed mode. It rly needs a remaster, remake and/or direct sequel. That fantasy steampunk world was so cool and has languished all this time.

[@simondaniel4028]

Absolutely love Arcanum. But like Lord Mandalore said, the game is running on fumes. It isn't easy to get new players into it, even if they grew up with clunky computer games. I cannot think of a cRPG game which needs an EE more than Arcanum.

[@DCR1968]

Great video. I loved your in-depth analysis of the story, and how actions shape reality and perception. It's quite philosophical.

[@blueplanetproject77]

another great video essay strat!

[@ONSTART]

Love your videos! The way you talk is very calming.

[@khatack]

I have to admit it; this is the game that made me into a fanboi. I LOVE this game, even though it's really not worth playing twice because there's not enough stuff to do differently, but it has got to be the most intensely satisfying experience I've ever had with a game. This game was definitely something else.

[@jacklloyd4376]

Love your work.

[@m3llytan]

Was looking for a review and did not expect to find a great video essay that would be enjoyable to listen to as someone interested in deeper analysis of games. Not only did you sell this game to me, but I'll also definitely be checking out your other videos.

[@DunnoJustLuckyIGuess]

Another great vid, keep up the great work man!

[@robdielemans9189]

I savoured this video for months because I bought Tides of Numenara but didn't play it yet. I finished it finally yesterday evening after many months of on and off playing and my party was Aligern and Matkina. 3 companions I see in this video most of the time :D My dominant tide was blue though, not silver.

[@Dirtyfouts]

Simply incredible video. Thank you for this

[@CultoftheCyberSkull]

Really nice to see some more discussion about this game! Played through it twice and loved it, even if I was slightly disappointed with some of the cut content between the Kickstarter promises and the final release. I'm still holding out hope that the devs will do more with it and further expand the game somehow, but I thoroughly enjoyed what we got. If anything, I just wish it was more popular.

[@PGMT22]

Hey what great timing, the game just got bundled up into a humble bundle :] Just picked it up after watchin your vid

[@WastelandSeven]

Great review! Put it on my wishlist for when I have some money. :) And you're fine. Takes time and energy to put these videos out and we appreciate your work or we wouldn't be here.

[@goatzz813]

As always, another intellectually- rich video essay from you strat! makes me want to give this game a try after listening to you

[@hugjuffs]

This type of video is exactly why I subscribe to your channel. The ideas games are expressing are far more important than the graphics or polish. I only wish you had gone more in-depth into the whole "Changing god" idea. Anyway, keep up the good work!

[@StratEdgyProductions]

Didn't want to spoil too much even though I probably spoiled quite a bit.

[@toffeecrisp2146]

Loved this strat, especially loved your use of Kreia's philosophy to tie in with the theme put forward by Adaris. That bit from Kreia stuck with me for years after seeing it. Made all the more potent by the fact you get the same response of chastisement and imparting of reason, whether you choose to help or hinder the poor beggar. The idea it highlights, was one I was overjoyed to see under the microscope again, with Tides. A seriosuly underrated game, though understandable, I think the really unintuitive and clunky combat and massive lore dumps put alot of people off. I actually liked the lore dumps mind, overwhelming though it was, it just added to the sense of this being an alien and unfathomable world, I was being born into and made the pay-off, when I did start to get my bearings, all that much sweeter. Also, I never even knew Oom existed, so thanks for that, might have to try another run.

[@JazzzRockFuzion]

Probably my favorite CRPG of the last 15 years. Still haven't finished PoE or Divinity OS2; but Torment: ToN? Played through it twice and looking forward to my third run. It all clicks for me: setting, story, characters, presentation, mechanics. For as 'curated' as the game feels at times, the possibilities seem limitless.

[@Koaldan86]

Glad to feel a bit less lonely into loving this title despite the mass exposition dump at the start

[@arthurmarques2461]

Very complete essay about this game! I often play the tabletop Numenera and its a very malleable setting, it's great that the videogame counterpart did so well in capturing this malleability and focused in one narrative theme. I definitively will play the game after finishing the enhanced edition of Planescape.

[@TheMaxPirat]

This is first video really defending this game, thank you! I'm really enjoying other point of view.

[@ShrektheHulk]

good timing on this with the new humble bundle that just came out

[@JavierSanchez-mo2ef]

Great stuff :)

[@josephhanicak7922]

This game is absolutely amazing. A true literary masterpiece. I love reading books, and this game feels like a truly great book in video game form.

[@nemamiah7832]

I tried to love this game. I really did. Especially with how they were promoting it a "spiritual successor" of Planescape: Torment. I poured along 10 hours into it before giving up. I found characters bland, story unengaging, systems frankly boring. Kinda same went for me with Pillars of Eternity and to a lesser degree with Tyranny (I almost managed to finish the latter before giving it up). Honestly, no idea why. All those games always felt.. Off. Like, something crucial is missing, something that made me engaged, invested back in the Baldur's Gate, Fallout and Planescape days.

[@StratEdgyProductions]

Those games you mentioned, Baldur's Gate, and Planescape, had very solid mechanics reinforcing the play-ability of the game. Tides of Numenera has some deficiencies in this regard which could explain the lack of engagement. At times it feels like you are playing a text adventure.

[@nemamiah7832]

Yeah, probably. All of those games didn't mix their parts to make a perfect blend, lacking something very essential in one way or another. With Pillars for instance, having very strong mechanics, but failing to engage on the story and character level. Tiranny didn't go all the way with the "hey, we are the bad guys". I mean, why we are the "badguys"? Aside from being ruled by "Overlord". You could just call Roman Empire the "badguys". Or Great Britain. Or Portugal. Or Russia. It's just an "expansionist empire that has magic". I mean, it's not like older games are without fault. Planescape: Torment has horrendous interface if you compare it to what we have nowdays, but you can get used to it and it doesn't make the meat of the game any worse.

[@mfuckersssss]

same here couldnt finish the game. at some point I was too bored to continue Pillars and Tyranny I did finish but didnt enjoy them all that much since I hated the stat/combat mechanic seemed way off to me. In this game I dislike 2 things combat and way too much text. on top of that text that is usually very bland glad that mr Strat-Edgy liked it.

[@PPanass1]

I agree with almost all your observations. I had similar thoughts about beta. I stucked around with Tides though and put it down only after it was finished. I loved all the options and character progres in the game too. The atmosphere of the game is amazing though especially after you leave First city

[@ukanlosgod7250]

I may be late to comment, but I absolutely love this game. I just played it this year and I think it's still the top RPG experience I've ever had. This game genuinely made me cry multiple times, as well as make me completely rethink my concept of "Sci Fi" and "Roles" in the terms of good/bad and neutral. I am completely enamored by this game and glad I found at least one video essay on it.

[@thomasstufe1676]

Excellent and well written analysis

[@VladislavDerbenev]

Love your style

[@jcdenton616]

I love your videos!

[@neosho3953]

Thanks for selling me on this game. Going to check it out for the steam winter sale.

[@roadsidepeekneek7259]

My brother introduced me to both table top and this, a beautiful mixture of cypher system and code

[@christophertimm5179]

After playing all the black isles games I've been waiting for a review of this game

[@shyspacewolf4675]

That scene with the creature waits-for-prey I never even saw, jesus i missed some stuff

[@bakeneko5343]

Amazing review. It's my favorite RPG

[@Yup712]

I was really lucky because this was my first ever CRPG and I loved it!!! I have been a fan of RPG’s for a while, mostly JRPG’s like Shin Megami Tensei and Final Fantasy or WRPG’s like Witcher 3 and Skyrim. I picked up Torment: Tides of Numenera because I heard it was a spiritual successor to Planescape: Torment, a game I constantly saw on best of all time lists but had never played because I had never invested in a computer that could play games at that point. Thankfully Torment came out on PS4 and I was introduced to an amazing game and style of RPG! I have since gotten a gaming laptop and picked some other CRPG’s but Torment is still my favorite so far! (I’m planning on picking up Planescape from Steam soon though!)

[@sunderkeenin]

It came to mind when world-ending plots was mentioned, but I would really like to play a game that looks like a normal rpg, has the "world-saving" stakes, but little factors here and there throughout the entire plot come together to show that no matter what we did the world was ending at that time regardless, and that there was no saving the world to begin with simply because the approach to saving the world was wrong entirely in spite of seeming otherwise like a normal game.

[@GokayCEKLI]

Boy i have picked that scan toughts skill it changed all my perspective about people i saw in this game.

[@justiceforjoggers2897]

If I had money, I'd pay your patreon and buy this game

[@dominicjohnson7972]

New watcher. You clearly play dnd or have. I recommend the actual Numenera RPG by Monte Cook Games so incredibly often. I was super displeased with 5th edition in how it babies the players immeasurably. Numenera has it's fair share of babying the players, but if the GM knows what he is doing, there are mechanics around intrusions (and even madness if you want a healthy difficulty spike) that trumps all of any babying the game may grant players. There are some hard caps to stats that keep rules relevant, and other things completely without caps so that you may create as you please. Long story short, check out Numenera. If not buying hardcovers then at least their PDFs (2nd edition comes in two corebooks called Discovery & Destiny). I've read through most of all Numenera content except for the novels, and have yet to be displeased. I think you will enjoy it too.

[@scp5358]

"once I can turn off ads, I can start charging Patrons..." lol, I just imagine you doing the Mr. Burns finger tent.

[@Atilolzz]

Its 3am in Germany and this is a 40 min video Oh and why does this video already have 5 likes and 1 dislike? Weird ratio

[@StratEdgyProductions]

I have at least one sub who downvotes every video I upload. :)

[@cobraglatiator]

how ya know you're doin' it right. (not a question,statement)

[@Atilolzz]

You can only attack the one who has the ball

[@Futube3k1]

Strat-Edgy Productions someone from japan who reads right to left

[@garchomowner]

You should check out expedition vikings and conquistadors. They are great isometric turn based RPG with authentic historical setting you dont see often.

[@TheGamernews1]

Hope that we can get a sequel to tides of numenera series one day

[@pemcodegame4918]

6m: I can count the battles I had to partake in on two hands. Average fight about 10 minutes. Total fights about 2 hours (120 minutes). Ergo... You have 12 fingers (two hands with 6 fingers per hand)?

[@calculatroncalculatron1556]

I recall hearing about Torment: Tides of Numenera shortly before it was released to market. I missed the kickstarter, and had no qualms over throwing down for the game's asking price when it was first released. From my experience with Planescape: Torment, I, too, made a Nano and went heavy into intellect, because I knew there was going to be a lot of interesting associated dialogue --- and it's true, there is definitely a bend towards having a high intellect for the game. However, to the game's credit, there is no class restrictions to these intellect-based checks and dialogue options, so having an actual silver-tongued fighter (glaive) is just as viable as a Nano; the biggest difference might be if the Nano has the Mind-Reading perk, which is nice, but nothing so game-changing as to be essential. And, in terms of game design, that is where this game shines: all choices are valid, and there really isn't a "best way" to do something. Furthermore, there is a lot of variety in all the choices they give you that can warrant several playthroughs, although you may have to play outside of your comfort zone. Overall, my biggest criticism of the game is that your companions don't seem as engaging as they were in the original Torment, and I'm still not quite sure why I feel this way. You can't really call them not interesting, or well-designed.

[@ArandomNutter]

Good video

[@AlkisGD]

I played this game without having played Planescape first, so I didn't know what to expect, and I expected something a lot more combat heavy, like Pillars of Eternity. I nevertheless liked it very much, and it's one of the RPGs I'm most likely to replay, which is something I almost never do. There were many times when I felt the game should have been an interactive novel because of how stupid easy the combat is-especially when my character was a Cautious Glaive Who Breathes Shadow & had Matkina on his team. That said, I'd really like to re-experience the story with, say, a silver-blue tide Nano (like the original "god") or a Stealthy Jack who was just caught up into this whole mess and just wants to live a quiet life without having to make world altering decisions. And the best part? Because of Calistege, multiple timelines are canon in that world, so I can believe all three playthroughs are valid! Love it! P.S.: In _modern_ Greek, "anamnesi(s)" simply means "memory", but hey: the word is still in use! 😁

[@aaronbaron6468]

I was 53 hours in when I finally finished the game, im not entirely satisfied with what I've done in the game, I still feel that I haven't found an answer to the question 'what does one life matter?' , maybe in a few years I'll grow more and realize it, tides of numenera is a game that needs to be experienced without roleplaying, be who you are and put in as much time as you need to make decisions without quicksave , you'll discover more about yourself and ponder about your motivations and if you're living a life worth living, I've taken upto 2 hours with certain npc dialogues and merecasters to really understand my motivations for selecting the options that best fit my understanding of the situation and myself, no quicksaving really drives home your consequences, and doing so gives you a sense of 'there is no right or wrong' , The novellas further expand the world and are referenced in the game so I would definitely recommend reading all of them before playing, Maybe all I need to do is 'believe' that *My* life matters to myself, after all belief is the one universal thing that can change the nature of man, So yes, tides is definitely a worthy sequel to planescape as it's questions is a direct continuation of planescape's questions

[@tajbaber9425]

Tides was made by Brian Fargo, the maker of the original fallout. He got a few of his properties back. Also check out wasteland 2 (3 is coming soon).

[@SEAGOIL]

Okay, I love the soundtrack of this damn game! It reminds me of mass effect mixed with cyberpunk... sort of

[@PatchyE]

The story of the levy is not told right in the video. Levies are made with a FUTURE year of a citizen's life. It's not that the person does not remember the thing he did in that year, but all those things simply never have the chance to happen. In that particular case of the sidequest mentioned in the video, it's especially interesting because that NPC was supposed to commit a crime in that year and had died because of it. But since that year was stripped from him and made into a levy thus never happened, he survived and actually lives longer than if he had not given away a year of his life. On another note, I can't say I agree with your interpretation of the game's theme but I guess everyone can have their own understanding so I won't say much on that. But there is still one particular thing I want to say something on. I don't feel the game wants to show that you can "change" the fact/reality of whether you are the changing god or not. It's just that is up to your definition/perspective of what is the same person. The fact is the Changing God died during his escape from that space station thing ("the moon"). Whether you, a newborn consciousness with vague parts of his memory, can be defined as the Changing God himself, is up to you to decide, but it ultimately doesn't change anything other than your perspective. The game leaves it open for the players to decide on their definition, much like whether the specter, a backup of the Changing God's memory and personality, can be considered the Changing God himself, which by the way I felt is a more interesting question to discuss, since it actually is a complete backup made no more than a week before his death.

[@AJ-kj1go]

I just want a good 5e game. Numenera is a bad tabletop system but you've convinced me it might make a good CRPG

[@moonlitmonkey913]

Never going to happen. It's hard enough to properly fund an isometric RPG these days, without adding licensing costs (the vast majority of them are crowdfunded). There's a pathfinder game coming out this year though (along with POE 2:deadfire). Pathfinder is based on 3.5, and it's probably more popular than d&d these days (And I can see why, 3.5 was probably the most fun from a player POV, 4 and 5 are so streamlined character choices feel like colour rather than meaningful differences - a little like POE 1's character choices - hopefully they fix that in 2).

[@TigerGoblin]

NUMENERA is amazing TTRPG And BG3 exists...

[@user-qd9rg3wy2n]

finished Planescape Torment will soon start Tides of numenera I realize it is probably not as great as first game however I will try it

[@ptwob]

Very much enjoying your philosophical ramblings but i think you could have titled this video better, like: 'The Philosophy of Torment: Tides of Numenera' or something else hinting at the type of content you make.

[@StratEdgyProductions]

I know this comment is months old, but you're right. I'm changing the name of the video.

[@oyoyoyo7624]

@@StratEdgyProductions ive been pouring through your channel since finding it 24 hours ago. finna buy Torment today. im curious about what this video's original title was. thanks!

[@ThunderDave333]

Great video! Link to tides spreadsheet?

[@StratEdgyProductions]

In the description. Knew I forgot something :(

[@bobcooper82]

This game is an underrated gem. And it also plays well on a ps4.

[@Awpteamoose]

I've played Numenera, the tabletop RPG, a whole bunch. Tides aren't in it and some system-related problems you outlined, like just spending max effort at every skill check if you can rest, are valid there as well. The system is best when the GM just lets players into a dungeon-like environment with limited options for rest and weird stuff to interact with, kind of like the Bloom. While the setting is great, I don't think the system is a good fit for a computer RPG. It's very simple, almost primitive, on purpose - so the GM and players can bend and twist the rules with cyphers, artifacts and creative ability use without worrying that the system will break. This is kind of impossible in a videogame since all interactions have to be written and programmed ahead of time.

[@ishiggidiggi]

Hey, I recently subscribed to your patreon, and I was wondering, you read books? I've got some pretty decent interstellar political warfare novels and series that you probably have already heard of but it never hurts to ask. Interested?

[@ishiggidiggi]

They seem to tie in pretty well to the points of this vid. And are well known via pretty well known awards and granted presidencies of writers groups.

[@timholden8007]

Not sure if I'll be into this kind RPG (I do love fantasy, and games like fallout NV, 4 and the Witcher. But I mostly play FPS) do you thing I should get this or would you recommend something eles possibly a bit lighter on text? On PS4

[@Futube3k1]

Timothy H divinity os2 is fully voiced

[@timholden8007]

ye, looks good, but not on ps4 unfortunately.

[@MetaKaios]

36:23 You say that all the time, but your videos are so long that I usually play a game while I hear it.

[@Caspenar]

I couldn't get into this game, and I tried many times. I loved Planescape, Disco Elysium etc. Not sure why I couldn't get into Numanerra but I'll give it another try. Who knows, maybe this time I'll get it.

[@iladelproductions8820]

I'm about 3 hours in I have regretted it yet! my eyes do hurt about it though...

[@ActionableFreedom]

Minute 34...mind blown. I feel like I should have played this game now. Damnit man, you spoiled it for me! But at the same time without this elusive review I would not have ever even considered it due to the negativity it garnished in comparison to its predecessor and the system of resting/points for each action that I didn't like either. I think I ' ll play the game . Maybe in a few months when this review is but a murky puddle in the landscape that are my memories.

[@bboy32167]

I started as silver because at the begining i belived i was the changing god but through gaining understanding and helping people i ended up with a gold/blue hybrid

[@Caspenar]

I couldn't get into this game, and I tried many times. I loved Planescape, Disco Elysium etc. Not sure why I couldn't get into Numanerra but I'll give it another try. Who knows, maybe this time...

[@marcellburton9349]

I’m almost done I just have a few more missions and i did every side mission

[@crabjuice47]

Did you try divinity original sin 2? I loved torment as well but modern games have spoiled me with voiced dialogues.

[@terratorment2940]

I played the game on release and it never sign posted the tides and there was no slime monster following me around.

[@iladelproductions8820]

i own the game just haven't gotten around to it yet time to jump in suppose.

[@jaguarundie]

I can’t believe this is it

[@wapoalbigdaddy3502]

Strat-Edgy I hope you find time to play Kingdom come Deliverance it's a lot of fun : )

[@sarthakmishra1415]

I watched this video. Has the game now been spoiled for me??

[@Maggerama]

This video made me buy and beat this game. Just wanted to say that I'm grateful as fuck!

[@StratEdgyProductions]

That's great because this game deserves to be played by more people.

[@Maggerama]

@@StratEdgyProductions Damn right it does.

[@Deviknyte_]

The system comes from the Numenera/Cypher System. Tabletop RPGs. The resource management is far taxing with a game master.

[@linkenski]

Dragon Age Inquisition's central theme is *RELIGION* Further, it's about the apperance of a jesus figure in the present and an examination of how the various societies in a world react to that, or as its Lead Writer said it's an "Examination of faith". Sure, it throws in filler plots all the time and a world ender that distracts from the more interesting theme, but really, a lot of the central cutscenes in the game and conversations with the main characters, Cassandra, Solas, Mother Giselle etc. are all about faith and it's reflected in the impressively diverse dialogue wheels where the player often gets to assert whether they'll see themselves as the "Herald of Andraste" (aka the Right Hand of God) or a normal guy bound to a role out of random circumstance. It is deeply flawed, particularly in its doe-eyed superhero protagonist and Corypheus only having depth if you read all the minute lore-entries scattered about the immensely boring open-world areas and a vanilla ending that focuses too much on a generic confrontation that's also contrived with the main bad, but then luckily it resumes its bigger ideas about development of Dragon Age's main character: Thedas itself which ties back into the influence of your jesus-like Create-A-Character and how he/you influenced the world around you through interesting dialogues with all the people representing different aspects of Faith who were tied to the Inquisition. There was Cassandra, the Seeker of Truth, leading a private order on the Chantry's behalf which is tied to the history of the Templars which is tied further back into the creation of the Chantry itself. There was Solas, representing the "other religion" which is the biggest spoiler in the game essentially as you're supposed to believe he's a simple apostate mage who only indulges in elven lore because of self-interest like how a person might study history or religion without being religious. There's Iron Bull, representing the Qun and their ways. Sera is the looney robin hood character who subversively believes in god at the end of the day. More, Corypheus the antithesis to you, someone thinking he can earn godly powers by force and not via the approval of the people (question: What is God really?) and Mother Giselle, representing the conservative and well-established "way to believe in God" who both represents the history of the Chantry and formation of belief in Andraste as Thedas knows it, but also its rigidity in how people are bound to the comfort of how they already know the world. I'll say, a more effective plot would've made Mother Giselle a sub-antagonist of some sort, involving a more nuanced conflict where the Corypheus could've made the world question the Inquisitor's worth and Giselle would've stood in the way of your success by losing belief simply because she sees you as phony, as unworthy of the real Andraste and the faith of old she's been taught her whole life.

[@teddycouch9306]

you do realize fen'harel IS the maker, right?

[@teddycouch9306]

Literally the story of the maker involves the creation of the fade and the real world, as well as the barrier between them. Sound familiar? Maybe like a certain dread wolf's true story?

[@Cunnysmythe]

Good, now I have an excuse to play this game, this review's filled me with hope Is there a useless class like in PT that makes it supremely hard to finish the game? Fighting Vhailor at the end as a thief was near impossible with no shadows to hide in.

[@StratEdgyProductions]

I don't feel like there is, really. Just know that if you want to avoid fights and be a diplomat, the Nano is your guy and to a lesser extent, Jack. Glaive is best if you like combat. There seems to be less emphasis on class and more emphasis on building the kind of playstyle you enjoy. I recently started playing a glaive and might build where I just kind of fight everyone and everything and align myself to the red tide. It is also fun, but in its own way. I am actually glad I played Nano and indigo/gold tide first. Using Anemnesis and perception was a lot of fun and helped flesh out the story a bit more. Glaive is fun now to do because I already know the story and I get to see how people react to my ridiculousness.

[@Cunnysmythe]

@@StratEdgyProductions Finally got around to playing and finished the game last night; went for a blue/gold Jack that turned intellect-heavy over time. Now I'm going to play as a silver/red malevolent Nano... Except to Rhin, I sent her away forever by accident thinking I could just call her back so this time she'll be my morality pet out of guilt It'll be hard not turning blue in a game like this that rewards curiosity and seeking information out but I guess a very red tide character wouldn't do that I watched your review again while I was playing and even though you spoiled the Spectre reveal, by the time I got to it a couple of days later somehow I'd forgotten and it was still a surprise to me

[@Welther47]

A game I'm conflicted about but still to this day think about. It is almost a masterpiece, but falls flat on it's face before reaching the finish line (the mystery of the Sorrow was so disappointing). The combat is more confusing than fun and the graphics are stiff. The main thing that drags the game out is the all descriptions for everything... descriptions are necessary and I like reading, but this was too much. I still like the game overall; but I can't with good conscience recommend it to others - this is a game people have to figure out to like or hate for themselves. Also, I never noticed that the tides have different soundtracks. Maybe because I mainly got blue. If someone makes another game like this - a story-focused cRPG - take inspiration from Disco Elysium and mix it with Baldur's Gate II - that most be a winning combination, right?

[@trey5wop199]

I picked the witcher 3 for the 3rd time in a row as my rpg of the year

[@MassiveAchievement]

what about original sin 2?

[@OasisAlighieri]

Funnily enough I play a character that is both silver and gold alined.

[@SandroAerogen]

As far as I have noticed from playing through the game, the tides don't really seem to have any effect besides some stat bonuses. There is no reactivity tied to them.

[@UnknownRex]

Resting too much early in the game has consequences, remember the falling houses on the edge? :)

[@earia1146]

I would instantly play it if it were on console, seems like a great game

[@animelibrarian6525]

Earia It's on ps4 and xboxone too.

[@earia1146]

it is? oh thanks I did not realize that I will have to go buy it later sometime

[@night5653]

Best game ever

[@Cigarhead-qv6uq]

Now I'm torn... Should I play divinity original sin 2 or tides of numenera next?

[@StratEdgyProductions]

I feel like Torment split the audience. I would recommend OS2 if you liked the first one. It seems to be a game most people agree is great. I still need to play through OS1, but with crunch time at work my time is limited :(

[@Cigarhead-qv6uq]

I forgot you work for EA. Speaking of that, I'd be really interested if you did a video on why game development has such a hard time unionizing, with software being the future it seems to me it would be really important for the middle class to make that happen.

[@Futube3k1]

Strat-Edgy Productions skip the enhanced edition they ruined it with a levitation spell, pretty dumb, considering how important ground effects are. dos2 is nice and huuuuuge

[@38procentkrytyk]

21:46 In my opinion the word is; MMO.

[@RandomPerson28337]

this is a review

[@scridernguyen]

Most Steam reviews: too much reading. : - V

[@TheUrratha]

SILVER sounds GOOD!! BIG DON 45!🔥💪🏻😎

[@Ma1q444]

Game is interactive book