Geneforge 5: Overthrow

Retro, immersive, a favorite from childhood that still holds up today!

the problem with this game is there is no music, and the ui is really bad

The dramatic conclusion to an epic saga! This is the pinnacle of the Geneforge game series. I love the continuation of G4's quality of life improvements like no inventory weight limit, the new class available for the player character (Sorceress!), and the stunning array of meaningfully different factions to choose from. This is a game series where every side is forced to make hard choices to win a desperate war, and the "shades of gray" morality system really shines through - and all the same, there are still clear differences between characters that are despicable vs characters forced to do despicable things.

I cannot recommend this game series more highly, and Geneforge 5 makes a very approachable entry to the series with a robust combat system, engaging tactical choices, compelling world building, and impactful choices for the player to make.

If you've played any of the other Geneforge games and liked them, chances are you'll like this one too. This final chapter in the saga is bittersweet if you're a fan of the series. On the one hand, its the last one,... but on the other hand, it's got so much of what made the series great. It has very deep, rich, complex storytelling. The game is a "choices matter" game and the story changes and evolves with each choice. I love uncovering the stories making connections to characters and events from previous games and learning how the newest events are shaping Terrestria.

My preferred mode of playing is to generally ride the thin neutral line as long as I can and some of the previous games in the series made that almost impossible. Geneforge 5 makes it possible (if you make your choices carefully) to play the neutral line almost right up to the end when you pretty much have to make a choice to finish the game. It does give you a lot of ending choices for which factions you can join including an options that almost rides a neutral line. There are 5 factions and 5 main endings, but there's also variation in those endings based on things like who you've killed.

One of the other things I love about Geneforge is the exploration. I love discovering every map tile, uncovering every space on the mini map, locating all the secrets. With Geneforge games that can be quite difficult for several reasons. First, there's the sheer size of it. I've seen varying reports of how many map locations there are in the game ranging from 77 to 85. I believe the most official answer I've found from Spiderweb Games was "more than 80." I don't know how many there are for sure or which locations I may have missed but in my play through I discovered 80 unique locations on the map, but I didn't record locations that may be multiple levels like a basement or a second floor. While those areas have their own mini map and count as another location they generally don't show up as their own tile on the main map, so they could ccount for those missing 5 locations reported on the high end of 85. For comparison on world size, G1 = 77, G2 = 62, G3 = 91, and G4 = 80. There are only two main maps, but the world feels very large and it takes a long time to explore it all and finish the game. I spent about 115 hours to complete my first playthrough. Again for comparison I spent G1 = 60.6 hrs, G2 = 496.8 hrs, G3 = 56.9 hrs, G4 = 82.7 hrs. Time spent is a mix of relative difficulty and world size, but by comparison G5 is either the 2nd or 3rd largest game based on map locations and was the second longest playthrough. That says to me its a pretty big world to explore. You could certainly finish the game in less time especially if you don't try to complete every quest or explore every area. However, it is always going to be a longer game.

Nothing is dramatically different from previous games in terms of gameplay or art style. Graphics are only ever so slightly improved from previous games, but still very dated looking, it doesn't hinder playability or enjoyment in my opinion. It's still an isometric view, turn-based combat, RPG. My only issue with any of these is that in some areas there are relatively large combat segments that include many, MANY opponents and sometimes allies. Being turn based, you sometimes are waiting for 10 or more NPCs to make their moves, outside your field of vision. This can be tedious and takes a very long time till your next turn. These games are all apparently being re-made and I've not tried or read much of anything about Geneforge 1-Mutagen but if it hasn't already been implemented an option to quick-skip through NPC combat turns would be a really good feature to include.

If you've never played a Geneforge game before and are considering playing G5, you can easily hop right into it. You don't have to have any knowledge of the previous games. While there are recurring characters and references to past game events and characters none of it will impact game play. Anything you need to know about characters, places, or the past will be explained as far as it's relevance to the game. If you think you might want to play the series then definitely start with 1. You can frequently find the whole Geneforge Saga bundle on sale if your willing to wait, but if you like turn-based combat RPGs with complex stories, the bundle would give you enough of a cost to playtime to enjoyment value to make it worth the cost at full price.

Great game
Good story, gameplay
Multiple factions and endings

This game was a huge part of my childhood. I can't understate how much I enjoy the plot, the RPG style, and the combat system. Unfortunately there are a few game-breaking glitches but even still I'd say its worth the purchase.

Geneforge is a series from my childhood that I will always cherish and to this day still replay when the urge takes me. Geneforge 5 is the last of the Geneforge series, not counting Mutagen and the possible other remakes, and will always hold a special place in my heart. I highly recommend these games for their unique mechanics, fun combat, and interesting world building.

+ The most in-depth of the series so far.
+ Multiple factions to align with, and options to change your mind as you go.
+ The promise of 'choose your approach' (stealth, combat, etc) is much better realised than in previous titles
+ Gameplay mechanic improvements. Encumbrance is now only based on what you wear, not your entire inventory. Combat/action points now refined so you can juggle inventory items and attack without forfeiting your turn (e.g. an attack uses your remaining AP rather than requiring 5).
+ Summoning new creatures has a much nicer, organised UI.
+ Prompts when your reputation with a particular faction changes are now much clearer.

- Graphics are still very basic. A fair amount is achieved with basic, stiff sprites, but they are still basic.
- NPCs often wander around in little circles, quite quickly. Trying to click on one to talk to them can be *very* frustrating as they keep moving.
- Very small assets - e.g. little containers - can be hard to click on.
- Story does its best not to require knowledge of previous games but it's quite convoluted as it is.

Overall Geneforge 5 is a strong, classic RPG. The world is rich and complex, albeit maybe a little too much for a new player. The tutorial/opening sequence is quite well handled and eases you into the mechanics well. With so many developers trying new and bizarre things with combat and levelling systems with varying degrees of success, a classic turn based combat/skill point levelling system can be quite comforting. It's not really much to look at but it has ideas of its own and does them well.

7.5/10

Geneforge was such a large part of my childhood. I absolutely loved Geneforge 5, and I highly recommend it to anyone who likes turn based games. The lore, the storyline, the gameplay, all of it is incredibly fun and full of excitement.

Should have the story-rich tag too. Amazing work. Worth a play if you can read, despite the horrendous graphics and UI. 8/10

This game always keeps me coming back. i haven't finished games 2-3 but once i tried 5, the format and ability to play on my ultra wide screen really has me hooked. i've never been an easy difficulty fan, but taking away much of the challenge somehow makes me appreciate this game much more for what it is.

The grand finale to the saga of Geneforge did not disappoint
The very final game in the saga was not the best, yet definitely the most polished. We also got to see the bigger picture working directly with members of great Shaper Council as an amnesiac wildcard.
It took me 47 hours on my first run (minus, as always, hours of afk and some useless fighing, also, I did not finish all the side quests). Finally seeing the triumph of Shapers was very pleasing. The order and calm returned to Terrestia under Alwan's gaze.

While the weakest in the series, with the boss fight being exceptionally annoying, its still a fun game to play.
my only real disapointment is that the titular geneforge is no longer the macguffin, and is pretty much completely ignored.

This appears to be the largest of the series in terms of choices and lore.

As always try to find your games on sale. While I personally feel all of the Geneforge games deserve to be bought for full price...money is money and people need it for other things like eating or having a home

I copied and pasted from my own review... I'm lazy...
This game is a turn based game Fantasy RPG just like the previous games You will need to read for context during the game. If you don't like reading you won't like the game. You generally get short scenes from the story where you and your companion will speak and you will receive details about them depending on your skills. You choose how to respond and the scene continues. Making choices with words and actions will shape your story and eventual ending.

During combat you will experience a Turn based RPG. This game doesn't get rid of old mechanics it just refines them further.

This game you have the option between 8 separate classes and around 4 or 5 factions. I haven't finished this yet. I don't know how to complete a certain side yet. I have 60+ hours in Steam and 60+ not in Steam. I just suck at playing as some characters.

This game has improved the graphics from the older games quite a bit.

You start making choices that can have affects later before you leave the tutorial area.

The lore in this game...They pulled from all previous games and tied them together. You will decide the final outcome of the conflict. You are referred to as a walking army. I think the game exaggerates but you are an unaccounted element that must choose a side.

Also I've been vague about the game's lore and classes because it was a big draw for me. I loved the lore so I want you to enjoy it without me saying anything. I will say you need to play at least 3 and 4 in order to get proper context. Things are explained within each game well enough but some lore loses its spark if you didn't have knowledge from previous games.

I enjoyed this game and this series. 10/10 would buy again. Actually I think I've bought this series 4-5 times now so yes I like the game

The Geneforge saga is one of the best childhood series that I remember playing. Tho the game ( the 5'th one) isn't so fancy in graphics; it has a very warm feeling when playing. The story is 1000/10, giving you the chance to experience life through the eyes of the shapers or the rebels in their desperation of trying to win the evergoing war. It is the sole turn-based game that i enjoy so much, and that is the GENEFORGE saga.

Most imaginative and unconventional RPG series (with a compelling story-line) that Spiderweb Software ever made. Could never get into Avadon, sadly, because it's not Geneforge, and I want Geneforge.

Would recommend playing from the first game if you're new to the series (there are a couple of recurring character names and a few references to past events, though it doesn't matter *too* much since you play as a new person in each sequel); note that the graphics of the older games are a bit dated but if you're playing any Spiderweb game, then you're only in love with the storytelling - and you probably don't care too much for eye candy anyway.

The Geneforge remake (if developer Jeff has it planned, which hopefully he does) couldn't come sooner, have been waiting for it for some time now.

Also, we are developing a scenario editor (fan-made, unsupported by Spiderweb) for Geneforge 5 and will update here and in the Spiderweb forums when done. We don't expect it to be quite as fullly fledged as Blades of Avernum (in which you can create your own scenarios from scratch complete with quests/dialogue) at least in the first release, but it should be close.

Just buy it. Trust me. 200+ hours of gameplay if you buy the package, and it's on sale 90% of the time.

NOTE: Tons of reading. This game is more about the reading than anything else. If you aren't into reading, get into it and then buy this.

Pro's :
- VERY in-depth storyline
- multiple different endings
- become a god, basically.
- Replayability
- Simple, early 2000's design.

Cons :
-Graphics are simple, so if you don't like retro-ish things it may not be for you
-Combat is pretty repetitive after a point
-Classes aren't balanced well; Shaper/Lifecrafter will always be #1

Trust me, I've got 200+ hours on the series. Just buy it.

(PS: too hard? Cheat Codes. Still too hard? Check the Spiderweb Software forums for an unofficial patch to add in a console)

previous Geneforge 4 review

Geneforge 5

Graphics: Better graphics and lighting effects than the previous four Geneforge.
Control: Nice and not-so-clear dramatic tutorial, fixed key binding.
Replayability: Somewhat High.

The cliche of this game is... you are amnesic! hurray! But most of the important characters know who you are... and none of them will tell you out of the kindness of their hearts. All of them will exploit you and profit of the actions of the 'mysterious stranger'. You can be an obedient Shaper tool and happily slaughter Rebel scum and Unbound, the Mad Lizard's mad glowing lizards. I killed about 20 Unbound, if I missed some I will appreciate information on their whereabouts to clean Terrestria for good.
Of course you can be Rebel scum as well but... Why?
The narrative is good, the freedom is back. I enjoyed playing Geneforge 5 almost as much as Geneforge 1.
The Geneforge Saga is a perfect cycle: You know who you are but not where you are to you don't know/remember who you are but you know where you are.

Things I learned:
-Serviles smell bad.
-Uss is Drakon speech for 'Fort'.
-Drakons become duller every next game.
-Wingbolts are OP
-I got the 'pleasure' of killing Greta and Ghaldring... again.

The end

Great storyline, old school combat/graphics style. Difficulty in torment is legit and with 5 main factions and a myriad of choices, lots of replay value.

Gameplay is not simply just about slaughtering everything in your path - stealth and non-combat skills will be needed to clear the game.

Monsters don't respawn which means that your experience is limited (in particular, your minions get xp when you get xp); but this is only an important factor (getting minions early means they can level up more by the end game and are thus stronger than 'fresher' ones) in the harder difficulties.

Two minor complaints:
1.) I can't move the screen easily (arrow keys only) since you're usually clicking with your mouse to move the party and its awkward to have the left hand on the arrow keys to move the screen around
2.) A 'solo' style is virtually impossible on the harder difficulties (even with all your points in solo stuff like spells and stats rather than creations)

Awesome game, and great bang for the buck!

Just go get the $20 "Geneforge Saga" bundle with all 5 games, then go on a massive 200+ hour gameplay marathon of all 5 games. Thank me later.

The very first game I played was geneforge 1 and once I did I knew I wanted to keep playing video games. The series as a whole Is wonderfully amazing, almost endless possiabilties, its own lore, challenging bosses, limitless followers if you spend points in shapping. Eahc game seperatly however is quite a diffrent story. Like any gamer I have ones I like and ones I wouldn't be to upset If I never got to play again. Lets start with the first 1; Very involving, you can get attached to your first creature if your not careful, the story is awesome, I recomend reading anything you find for back story, and always avoid anything you don't think you can take. The second on; It's not the best geneforge game but its not the worst in my opinion, didn't play much of it but what I did play I didn't care too much for. The third, By far my second favorite one, I could go on and on about everything I loved in it. The 4th could care less if I was unable to play, Its good and leads you up to the 5th but its tedious and irrating at the best. The 5th is the best in my opinion. Great graphics, new montsers, new creature to shap, wide ammount of areas to explore, many differnt paths to chose, my only probelm with it are the plants that stun you and the white beasts in the middle of the map. Back to the series as a whole, my only 3 issues with it are 1.) Turn based combat annoys me now adays hard for a game to impress me with turn based combat. 2.) Oppenets having laser sight and can see you even behind them quite annoying had to redo missions a lot. 3.) While albeit an old game I would love voice acting. It would just add so much more to the games. In all the geneforge saga is one of if not the best game series' I have ever played in my life.

All 5 parts are very enjoyable and you can get the saga for the price of each game so you may as well get all 5 and play them in order to get a feel to the story, the only drawback to this is 4 and espcially 5 go back to the issue of balance of power you can have up to that point, since stuff generally doesn't respawn, you can only get so powerful by a certain point and be stuck. It's still a worthwhile series and collectively should take about 80-100 hours to beat the entire thing, double that if you want to explore the splitting plotlines.

From best to worst (mainly in terms of difficulty) 3, 2, 1, 4, 5.

One of the best RPGs I've ever played. It's every bit as good as the late 1990s infinity engine classics from which it draws its inspiration (in fact, it even rivals my beloved "Fallout 2" on many levels).

The gameplay, plot, and writing are all top notch, but its biggest success is how it handles choice and consequences. There are 5 separate factions, each with their own political and moral opinions, quests, storylines, and endings. Every choice you make in the game affects how these factions view you, which makes political maneuvering a dimension of gameplay every bit as important as outright combat. Playing the various factions off of each other, allying with them, or betraying them, is endlessly entertaining and there are very few games which balance open world freedom of choice with complexity of plot as well as this one.

An awesome end to one of the best RPG series ever. If you only play one game in the Geneforge series it should be this one.

The 90s never ended for Spiderweb Software. Who wanted to move to third person morality-by-the-numbers when we could have stuck with isometric many-shades-of-bastard? Geneforge 5 knows which is best and ends up making one of the finest RPGs released in years.