Torment: Tides of Numenera
In short: Torment: Tides of Numenera is an RPG game released in 2017 by inXile, available on PC, PS4 and Xbox One. Our score: 8.5/10 (highly recommended).
An acclaimed RPG by inXile.
{"title":"Torment: Tides of Numenera","year":2017,"developer":"inXile","category":"RPG","description":"Torment: Tides of Numenera is an ambitious and thought-provoking role-playing game that serves as a spiritual successor to the beloved Planescape: Torment. Set in the far-flung future of the Ninth World, a post-post-apocalyptic Earth billions of years from now, the game presents a world steeped in the remnants of countless fallen civilizations and their advanced, enigmatic technology known as the Numenera. You awaken as the 'Last Castoff,' a being containing the memories and souls of numerous previous personalities, a consequence of inhabiting a body created by the enigmatic Sorrow. Your primary quest is to understand your own nature and the mysterious circumstances of your birth, embarking on a journey across a vibrant and often bizarre landscape brimming with alien flora, fauna, and societies.\n\nThe gameplay of Torment: Tides of Numenera is a significant departure from traditional RPG combat. While there are moments of conflict, the emphasis is heavily on narrative, choice, and consequence. Instead of a traditional health bar and hit points, characters possess 'Endurance' and 'Wounds.' Combat encounters are often resolved through dialogue, clever use of the environment, or by exploiting abilities that deal with the mental and emotional states of your adversaries rather than pure physical damage. A core mechanic is the 'Crisis' system, which presents complex scenarios req…
Game details
- Developer: inXile
- Publisher: Techland
- Release year: 2017
- Platforms: PC, PS4, Xbox One
- Category: RPG
Our review
Torment: Tides of Numenera, developed by inXile Entertainment, is a spiritual successor to the legendary Planescape: Torment. Set in the bizarre and fascinating Ninth World, a science-fantasy setting crafted by Monte Cook, the game plunges players into a narrative-rich experience where choice and consequence are paramount. The story follows the Last Castoff, a living consciousness discarded by a god-like being known as the Changing God. You awake with no memory, thrust into a world filled with ancient artifacts, strange creatures, and philosophical dilemmas. The game excels in its writing, with exceptionally well-crafted dialogues and descriptions that paint a vivid picture of the Numenera universe. Every NPC, every location, and every item feels imbued with a unique history and purpose. The gameplay is heavily focused on dialogue, exploration, and turn-based combat. While the combat system is serviceable, it often takes a backseat to the intricate narrative and character interactions…
Pros
- Deep, philosophical narrative
- Rich world-building and lore
- Meaningful player choices and consequences
- Excellent writing and dialogue
- Unique art style
Cons
- Combat can feel secondary and sometimes clunky
- Performance issues on consoles at launch (mostly patched)
- Reliance on reading may not appeal to all players
FAQ
- What type of game is Torment: Tides of Numenera?
- Torment: Tides of Numenera is a single-player, isometric, story-driven RPG with a strong emphasis on narrative, choices, and consequences.
- Is Torment: Tides of Numenera a sequel to Planescape: Torment?
- While not a direct sequel, Torment: Tides of Numenera is considered a spiritual successor to Planescape: Torment, sharing its focus on deep storytelling, philosophical themes, and unique world-building.
- What is the story about in Torment: Tides of Numenera?
- You play as the Last Castoff, a human mind inhabiting a body previously used by the Changing God, an ancient being who has cheated death for millennia. You awaken with amnesia and must uncover your past while being hunted by an enigmatic creature known as the Sorrow.
- What are the 'Tides' in the game's title?
- The Tides are a crucial gameplay and narrative mechanic, representing different emotional and philosophical alignments that shift based on your choices and actions, influencing how the world reacts to you.
- What platforms is Torment: Tides of Numenera available on?
- Torment: Tides of Numenera was released in 2017 and is available on PC, PlayStation 4, and Xbox One.
More about this game
Similar games
- The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild
- The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt
- Disco Elysium
- Mass Effect 2
- Persona 5 Royal
- Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree
Last updated: 01/04/2026