Black Isle Studios' 1999 classic — its history, how the press received it, how it plays today, and what a copy costs.
- Released
- 1999 · PC (DOS / Windows)
- Developer
- Black Isle Studios
- Publisher
- SEGA Enterprises Ltd.
- MobyScore
- ★ 8.5
- Players today
- Very Positive on Steam (94% of 3302)
The history
Released in 1999, Planescape: Torment was developed by Black Isle Studios and published by Interplay Entertainment. It was the first video game to be set in the Planescape universe, a Dungeons & Dragons campaign setting composed of various planes of existence.
The title mattered because it departed from traditional high fantasy, offering a dark, diversified representation of the D&D multiverse. By focusing on a protagonist who was a change of pace from the predictable "do-gooder" RPG hero, it crafted an utterly unique experience that sought to be iconoclastic within the genre.
How it plays
Players assume the role of The Nameless One, a scarred man who wakes up on a stone slab in a morgue with no memory of his identity. The core loop involves exploring the city of Sigil and other planes to rediscover his past, solve puzzles, and determine what forces prevent him from dying in peace. The game is notable for its massive amount of in-game text and conversation, where non-combat attributes like Intelligence, Wisdom, and Charisma dictate the outcome of quests and dialogue options.
Combat utilizes a party-based, "real-time-with-pause" system similar to Baldur's Gate, featuring a heavily altered version of Advanced Dungeons & Dragons Second Edition rules. The Nameless One begins as a fighter but can transition into a mage or thief through specific quests. While he cannot wear armor, he can enhance his defenses using special tattoos, and his alignment shifts from True Neutral based on the player's choices and words.
How it was received
The game received widespread critical acclaim, earning a Metacritic score of 91/100 and multiple awards, including Game of the Year (1999) and two RPG of the Year (1999) awards, eventually entering the Hall of Fame in 2004. GameSpot called it "clearly the best traditional computer role-playing game of the year," while Next Generation claimed it offered the best RPG gameplay available on store shelves. Other high marks came from IGN (9.2/10), PCGUS (93%), and GamePro (4.5/5).
Critics lauded the emotional impact, the ability to play an evil character, and the bizarre bestiary of the setting. While the 640x480 resolution was not advanced for 1999, the art, sound, and music were praised as superb. Then and now, the sentiment remains overwhelmingly high, with modern Steam players echoing the original critics' praise for the writing and story.
In the magazines
The period press.
PC Gamer UK's Kieron Gillen cheered the game for being iconoclastic, and Computer Games Magazine's Robert Mayer described it as a "dark and interesting game" filled with macabre humor. Allgame gave it 4.5/5, while PCZone scored it 8.7/10.
What players say today
Modern players on Steam rate the game as "Very Positive" (3118/3302 positive reviews). Players praise it as a profound exploration of existential, moral, and Nietzschean philosophy, specifically highlighting the "funniest companions ever," such as Morte. While some find the combat to be "very mid" and the modron maze frustrating, the strength of the writing and story is generally considered to outweigh these flaws.
“Planescape: Torment is a wonderful exploration of existential and moral themes while pushing the limits of high fantasy without straining the suspension of disbelief of the player. Colorful characters…”
“amazing game, outstanding polish localization but maaan fxck the modron maze”
“Great story, great gameplay, great writing, great everything. Very mid combat but rest is so good that it doesn't matter.”
Screenshots
The box & the art
Cover art, and real copies photographed in the wild.
Legacy
Black Isle Studios established a reputation for inventive RPGs, with this title proving it was possible to create a refreshing experience in a "sea of clones." The game remains worth seeking out today for its exceptional writing and its willingness to push the limits of high fantasy through philosophical discourse.
What it's worth
A second-hand market that moves over time — a loose disc is pocket-money, while sealed or complete-with-manual copies drive the top end. For today's exact listings, check the live search.
See current copies on eBay →Copies in the wild
Real listing photos — the range of condition you'll meet.
Photographed examples from past listings — illustrative of condition, not a live inventory.
How to play it in 2026
Easiest today: Steam or GOG (DRM-free) on modern Windows. Either way the core game is intact.
Verdict
Planescape: Torment holds up as a masterpiece of narrative design. While the combat system may feel dated or mediocre by modern standards, the depth of the role-playing and the complexity of the world-building remain unparalleled.
For those who value story, character development, and philosophical inquiry over tight combat loops, it is an essential experience that continues to challenge the boundaries of the RPG genre.
Sources: MobyGames, Steam, and period/web coverage. Prices reflect the second-hand market and change over time.