At some point in nearly every conversation about storytelling in games, someone will reference Planescape: Torment. At the very mention of the title, clouds open, angels sing, and we wistfully ponder why so many games released in the intervening decade have failed to match its narrative greatness. Kieron Gillen at Rock Paper Shotgun calls PS:T "as close as we've come to the videogame equivalent of a Tolstoy or Dostoevsy...and worthy of real literary consideration." Heck, I've waxed philosophic on the game myself.

PS:T is awesomeness, gameified. It is your father, Luke. It stands at the summit of a mountain few games have climbed. ... Too much? Yeah, probably.

So why all the effusive praise for a game that failed to generate big sales or critical interest when it was released? Have we created a critic's darling that's fashionable to talk about, but no longer fun to play? Can an 11-year-old isometric Advanced Dungeons & Dragons RPG speak to modern players? Is it possible for a game to improve with age?

Now is your chance to answer those questions for yourself by examining (or revisiting) Planescape: Torment in the company of friendly folks who enjoy playing and discussing older games together. You're invited to join us at the Vintage Game Club for our collective playthrough, which begins tomorrow.

Good Old Games has re-released PS:T in a DRM-free version that runs well on modern PCs. If you already own a boxed version of the game, that will work too. We'll be happy to help you get whatever version you own running on your system. We can also help you install widescreen and UI mods if you're interested in those.

We all have busy lives, so the VGC is a no-pressure environment. If you decide to start a game with us, but can't continue it, or if you post a comment but can't return to follow up, no big deal. The club is just a framework for bringing us together. We're here to have fun and broaden our knowledge and awareness of important games. All are welcome!

The Vintage Game Club