Geneforge 1: Mutagen

Geneforge 1: Mutagen is a remastered version of the RPG released in 2002 titled Geneforge, which was characterized by giving players free rein in terms of how they would solve problems and in which direction they would push the story. The remaster was developed by the authors of the original, i.e. the independent American studio Spiderweb Software, which over the years has specialized in the RPG genre, creating the Avernum series among other titles.

Plot

In Geneforge 1: Mutagen we enter a fantasy world as one of the so-called Shapers. We are talking about powerful mages capable of creating living beings and using them at their own discretion. The adventure begins at the moment when our character is kidnapped and ends up on an island, where various factions clash trying to gain our mysterious knowledge. It only depends on us whether we decide to destroy them all or decide to ally with one of them.

Mechanics

In Geneforge 1: Mutagen, we watch the action in an isometric view. Traveling through dozens of locations, we carry out the tasks set before us and engage in turn-based battles with opponents.

On the battlefield, we make use of melee weapons and various abilities. Among the latter, the most important are skills related to summoning various creatures that actively support us in combat. Each of them has an individual set of strengths and weaknesses, which should be taken into account before sending them into battle. As we progress, we develop our character, which allows us to face increasingly greater challenges.

The gameplay is characterized by freedom of deciding what to do next. Although there is nothing stopping us from challenging anyone we meet along the way, we can just as easily sneak behind our opponents' backs or resort to diplomacy and trickery, siding with our adversaries. Interestingly, the same applies even to the final boss - we can either eliminate him or join him. Our actions affect not only the course of the story, but also its ending.

Technical aspects

Geneforge 1: Mutagen stands out from the original thanks to new locations, quests, characters and dialogues. Moreover, the authors have focused on the interface and individual gameplay systems, which have been modernized. The graphic design was also slightly refreshed.