Planescape: Torment is an RPG game by Black Isle Studios, released in 1999. Published by Interplay, the gameplay mechanics of Planescape: Torment are based on the well-known, though quite specific, tabletop game Planescape (part of the Advanced Dungeons & Dragons series). Despite its dismal sales statistics (the game has sold no more than half a million copies throughout its existence), it has garnered a loyal fanbase who love the game with all their hearts.
The game's plot revolves around the character known as the Nameless One. He received this nickname for a reason, as he has lost his memory along with all its consequences. He remembers nothing – neither his name nor his past occupations. Complete hopelessness and helplessness define his situation. The dire circumstance is further worsened by the fact that he wakes up in an actual morgue, battered and covered in scars. The Nameless One has only one desire – to shed light on the mystery of his existence. But, as is often the case, the truth turns out to be far more terrifying and unpleasant than ignorance.
Interestingly, for some reason, the Nameless One is immortal – he cannot be permanently killed, nor can he die a natural death. It cannot be said that the main character is very fond of this, so he embarks on a dangerous and somewhat insane journey filled with suffering, pain, and hopelessness.
The game world seems very strange. Here, one encounters incomprehensible beings and characters (for example, the floating skull Mort or Transcendent Mortality), and the locations are products of the developers' wild imagination. Much attention is given to the Nameless One's identity – his lack of a soul has a very negative impact on his mental state. The main character is constantly on the brink of madness, constantly reminded of it by his few remaining friends. If he goes insane, he will not be able to regain his mortality. And what could be worse than Eternal Madness?
A dominant part of the time, the player must solve various quests, of which there are many in the game. They are primarily based on a dialogue system – a particular response can lead to a positive or negative outcome. This choice often determines how the further playthrough will develop. The Nameless One can become either a good or evil character, and the player cannot always predict who the main character will ultimately become.