Every CRPG enthusiast is likely familiar with Planescape: Torment. This 25-year-old gem remains a significant chapter in video game history, capable of captivating even the most experienced gamers with its captivating story. The developers from Black Isle Studios went to great lengths to make this story a reality. They took BioWare's Infinity Engine, which was used in Baldur's Gate, and pushed it to its limits, working to extract every ounce of potential from it. According to Dan Spitzley, the lead programmer of Planescape, as told to PC Gamer (via GamesRadar+), the team "ran roughshod over some of the standards that BioWare had put in place for the engine, probably for good reason." They dedicated themselves to extracting everything and then some from the engine.

The Journey of Making Planescape: Torment

Developers' Ingenuity

The developers of Planescape: Torment demonstrated remarkable ingenuity. They faced the challenge of working with an existing engine and transforming it to suit their vision. By taking apart the Infinity Engine and pushing it to 110%, they showed their determination and creativity. This process was not easy, but it led to the creation of a game that is still remembered and loved today.

They had to carefully analyze every aspect of the engine and figure out how to make it work in a new way. This required a deep understanding of both the engine and the game design. The team's efforts paid off, as Planescape: Torment became a masterpiece of CRPG design.

The Impact on Game History

Planescape: Torment's impact on game history cannot be overstated. It set a new standard for CRPGs and inspired future developers. The game's story, characters, and world-building were ahead of their time and have influenced many other games since its release.

Even today, gamers still talk about the emotional depth and complexity of Planescape: Torment's story. It showed that a CRPG could be more than just a collection of quests and battles. It could be a deeply immersive experience that touched the hearts and minds of players.