Recs.
Updated
Planescape: Torment is a CRPG (Computer Role Playing Game) that focuses heavily on storyline and conversation over combat and strategy.
Also see review of the original from 1999.
Specs
Pros
Pro A fascinating story
Planescape: Torment has one of the best RPG stories of all time. You play as the Nameless One - an immortal being who has amnesia. The game then revolves around the Nameless One trying to piece together his memories to understand who and why he is the way he is. The game sends you on a completely unique quest filled with brilliant companions who have real character. Uncovering the Nameless One's past is an excellent journey.
Pro A dark, engaging setting
Planetscape: Torment has a dark setting where zombies and scary creatures are the focus, making for a game that is themed to be more scary over a traditional fantasy game. So for those interested in a darker themed fantasy setting this should appeal to their interests.
Pro Spiritual precursor of Torment: Tides of Numenera
inXile Entertainment said they were going to make a spiritual successor of Planescape: Torment called Torment: Tides of Numenera through kickstarter, it actually beat the record for hitting the $1 million mark at the time of the kickstarter which had a kickstarter goal of $900k that was planned for a month. The goal was hit in 6 hours. Total, Tides of Numenera has hit almost $5 million, more than 5 times than the original goal, and hit their goal in just six hours. This easy backing shows just how popular Planetscape: Torment was and still is.
Pro Meaningful decisions
There are many different ways to play Planescape: Torment but any way you play it you will note that the dialogue matters a lot. You are often given options of how to respond in conversation and depending on what you say you can have very different outcomes. Unlike some RPGs, the decisions you make are very meaningful and shape how the game plays out.
Cons
Con Traditional fantasy fans may find the game daunting or too dark
Unlike most CRPG games the fantasy setting is not very Tolkeinesque, there are no dwarves or elves to be seen. All of the traditional fantasy tropes will not be found here as the game focuses on a much darker setting with undead and other scarier creatures. This may not be intriguing to some and too dark a game for those that normally enjoy the CRPG genre.