Overview
Most RPGs ask players to save the world. Planescape: Torment asked them to save themselves—or damn themselves, depending on choices. Black Isle’s masterpiece wrapped philosophical questions in bizarre Planescape settings, prioritising words over combat. The Nameless One’s quest for identity produced gaming’s most celebrated writing.
Fast facts
- Developer: Black Isle Studios.
- Lead designer: Chris Avellone.
- Engine: Infinity Engine.
- Setting: Planescape (D&D multiverse).
The Nameless One
| Aspect |
Significance |
| Immortality |
Cannot permanently die |
| Amnesia |
Lost memories |
| Past lives |
Previous incarnations |
| Scars |
Story written on body |
Central question
| Theme |
Exploration |
| Identity |
Who are you? |
| Change |
Can people change? |
| Mortality |
What makes life meaningful? |
| Regret |
Past actions’ weight |
Writing achievement
| Metric |
Scale |
| Word count |
800,000+ words |
| Dialogue |
Unprecedented depth |
| Companions |
Fully developed arcs |
| Choices |
Meaningful consequences |
Companions
| Character |
Nature |
| Morte |
Floating skull |
| Annah |
Tiefling thief |
| Dak’kon |
Githzerai warrior |
| Fall-from-Grace |
Succubus priestess |
| Ignus |
Living conduit of fire |
Combat de-emphasis
| Design choice |
Result |
| Dialogue solutions |
Most encounters |
| Experience from quests |
Not grinding |
| Wisdom importance |
Unlocks memories |
| Charisma value |
Dialogue options |
Critical reception
| Recognition |
Status |
| Writing acclaim |
Gaming’s best |
| Cult classic |
Devoted following |
| Influence |
Narrative RPG standard |
See also