Geneforge 1 (2001)

Developer: Spiderweb Software
Platforms: Windows
Genres: Strategy, RPG, Indie
Rating: 4.6 of 5, 395 player ratings
Typical playtime: about 26 hours
Where to get it: Steam

The 3D catalog: game boxes on wooden shelves, with the cat sitting at the counter next to its greeting.

The catalog in 3D

The same catalog has a room you can walk around in. The cat behind the counter is the AI Catbot, and they pick real games from it when you tell them what you feel like playing. Nothing is for sale, here or in there. Go in from here and this game is already out on the counter, with more like it waiting on the shelf next to it.

More games like this

How it feels

A methodical, open-ended fantasy RPG where you shape your own path by summoning loyal creatures and making morally ambiguous choices in a world filled with lurking enemies.

old schoolstory richexplorationopen endedturn based combatatmosphericstrategiccreature collecting

What players say

Players praise the story and faction choices but say the first game in the series is the weakest. The interface and balance feel dated, with frequent one-shot deaths and no rest option for healing. Fans are split on whether the age holds up, though many call it a classic.

Screenshots

More games like this

More by Spiderweb Software

This page is from Underplayed Gems, a catalog of older and overlooked games. Not quite it? You can browse by platform and genre, or take this one into the 3D catalog and ask the Catbot for something closer.