"May well be the best game there was, there is, and there ever will be."

First let me say this, Planescape : Torment (PST) is THE game that is not only a game, but a fabulous piece of art that transcends the definition of a mere computer game or entertainment. This is almost what every hardcore gamer dreamed of, the perfect synthesis of freedom in gameplay and character development and a deep story that make you think... a lot.

Setting : The Planescape, IMHO the best campaign setting of AD&D, it's really nice to see a game made for it. This setting is not restricted in a small city, country, region or world, not restricted by the common laws of physics. With this setting, imaginations can extend to infinity with no barriers, and PST is surely the game that breaks all laws of traditional RPGs and becomes much more than its siblings.

Graphics : 8-10 depending on your personal preferences. No one can deny the artistic beauty of the game. From gloomy sewers to strange alien landscapes, the graphics of PST is awe-inspiring. All the details are tended with great efforts, the atmosphere presented by the graphics is perfect for the game. For people who like ''dark'' settings, the graphics is flawless, but then the style may be a bit too ''drab'' or ''shady'' for some people, since the main scenes in PST are all quite gloomy, from corrupted city full of harlots to polluted air to dark dungeons right to hell itself. Definitely won't attract people who like ''shiny'' graphics.

Sounds & Music : 10. Perfection. The sound effects, from the busy market to the thundering eruption in hell, from the sound of blade cutting through meat to that of cast a spell to rain lightning upon your enemies, all very well done. The voice actings, where most games fails, are quite good. And the music and themes are simply fantastic, ranging from moody to beautiful, they compliment graphics with the building of a perfect atmosphere.

Gameplay : 10. Another perfect score. The game is played in the real-time with pause mode like all the other Infinity engine games. And the best thing is that you can be what you want to be in the game. Unlike in Baldur's Gate series where you choose your alignment at start, you have plenty of options to choose the style of how you play the game, and your alignment is influenced by your actions and changes ''on the fly''. This feels much more realistic and put you into the game much more effectively. No more ''Lawful Good'' hero lying around for his benefit or ''Chaotic Evil'' person helping the weak without asking for payment. You are not fixed to one alignment, doing things will change what people sees you as ''good'' or ''bad''. And coupled with the different character class, I'd say the character development system is so good that it almost guarantees replaying it again and again.

Another outstanding part of the game is how it handles battles. In PST, there are very few mandatory battles that you have to fight. You can handle with your own style. Want to decimate your enemies with powerful spells or unearthly weapons? or talk your way out and get what you want without a fight? or just sneak around without anyone knowing? That's all your choice. And this game has the most dialogs and dialog options that it actually provides more read than fight.

Characters : 10+ This is truly great part of this game. All characters have great depth. The backgrounds of yourself, of your companions, and of various NPCs, all have a great story behind them. You feel you are living inside a real world (though the setting is more ''fantasy'' rather than ''real'') interacting with real people, and you feel happy or sad for them. Yes, the game makes you FEEL for the people inside. That's the epitome of character depth.

Story : 10+ one word, transcending! It breaks all laws of RPGs and it's no exception in story. It's not of the stereotypical ''save the world'' kind, but more like a journey to find the meaning of existence itself. The meaning of changing one's own nature. The whole thing may well be the best story I ever read in all media forms. And the plot revelations are simply stunning, it shocks you emotionally, deeply. Have you ever be so stunned by a revelation that leave you not knowing what to do, not knowing what to say? Well, I'll just say that PST has the most brilliant moments ever in the art of storytelling.

There are so more that I want to say about the game, and that I don't know how to express about the game. It's a tour of a lifetime, that not only provides hours of enjoyment but also something that touches your very soul and make you think for a long time. If you haven't played it yet, I have to say ''just get out and grab one and experience it, NOW!''

Final Overall Score : 8.5-10. Depending on your personal taste. If you don't like reading too much, then this game may not appear so perfect to you, but still it's a must-play. If you like a game that is full of innovation, imagination, depth and choices, then this is perfection itself.

Reviewer's Score: 10/10, Originally Posted: 08/05/01, Updated 08/05/01