Geneforge 1 - Mutagen

As a true classic of the CRPG era, Geneforge 1 was a hit almost 20 years ago that, for most people who played the Jeff Vogel classic, seen it for its potential as opposed to what was actually possible. This was a game that had ideas that would still be seen as impressive today, but probably lacked the technical finesse to actually pull it off. This remaster and rebuild for contemporary audiences has attracted a fair bit of interest already this year, and looks set to continue. How well, though, does a ambitious idea of Geneforge 1 - Mutagen from 20 years ago hold up today?

While it might not hold up compared to modern CRPGs like the Divinity series, it does more than a good enough job of offering a fun, satisfying experience that builds on a classic in all of the right ways.

A solid remaster, warts and all

So, the first thing to note about this remake is that it takes pretty much everything from the first game and improves it in some capacity or another. Not only does this boast better graphics than the original, but it brings in some mechanics that can remove some minor frustrations from the original release. It also adds in a host of new stories. In Geneforge 1, you play the role of a Shaper; a member of a class of people who can utilise something known as Essence to form magic-organic beings.

You are shipwrecked on your first apprentice outing, and you need to use a range of syringes filled with a glob-like material to provide yourself with the powers needed to succeed. Your need to find out why Sucia Island, your crashland destination, is restricted. You also need to find out who shot your ship down, and also work out what is going on with the Serviles, the people who live on the island.

What will you shape today?

You’ll need to take various different routes to quelling this new world you have landed on, either taking it with force, with strategy, or through impressive leadership. Typically, a playthrough involves a happy blend of all three. The game plays in real-time until battle starts, when it becomes turn-based.

This is an excellent, detailed rework of a classic original that has been expanded and improved in just about every way.

Indeed, the addition of some new freshening story elements and the fact that the graphics are so improved helps to make sure that you can play this exciting CRPG in a modern era without losing any of the quality that made the original so fun to take part in.

Pros:

• Excellent remaster, improving the visual effects quite considerably
• Great attention to detail throughout the game, faithful to the original
• New and improved mechanics and story make for a fun, engaging experience

Cons:

• Learning curve (especially in battle) can still be somewhat challenging