Geneforge 2

There are few things I look forward to more than a new game from Jeff Vogel, the man who brought us the Exile trilogy, the Avernum trilogy, and now the second game in what will be, if there's any justice in the world, the Geneforge trilogy. Geneforge 2 is a role-playing game that does what few other games of the genre do, and that is put you in a role where the choices you make actually matter.

Its creator, Spiderweb Software, made a name for itself producing role-playing games rich in plot but average in graphics. Titles such as the Exile Trilogy, Avernum and the original Geneforge earned them a loyal following that appreciated the complexity of their games and embraced their retro look. They continue that strategy with Geneforge 2, which returns players to a world dominated by the arcane cabal known as the Shapers. Shapers are conjurors that use their skills with a supernatural ooze called "essence" to create creatures that work, fight and die for them. They are but one faction in a setting that mixes elements of sword and sorcery with touches of technology and mutants to create a unique hybrid.