Basically I have never played this game, I have almost bought it numerous times but have always held back. What I'm asking is should I play it? I know it's really critically acclaimed and all that, but I just want the opinion of other gamers to help me decide whether I should sink the neccesary hours into?

Cheers!

Best D&D game ever made, and probably best RPG ever.

Yes.

For more details, see this review:

http://www.gamespot.com/planescape-torment/reviews/planescape-torment-review-2535119/

If you value a great story, interesting characters, and original settings, then there really isn't anything to debate. Buy it. Play it. Treasure the memory.

Do you like a game with a story? Then absolutely get it.

Use this guide too: http://www.gog.com/news/mod_spotlight_planescape_torment_mods_guide

Also realize that since combat is secondary in this game, you should put fewer points into str/dex/con and more into wis/int/cha (17 wisdom is good to start)

I was expecting a Sacrifice themed post from you . :p

I was where you are five days ago. I made an almost identicle post. I love it. I enjoy RPGs but I don't like overly complicated skill set systems and really don't like having to worry about taking care of entire groups (ie BG which is fun but a headache). Planescape avoids all of that so I dig it. What I really like is that it is just weird enough to be totally original and fun without being so weird that you need a 50 page book just to figure out how to play. Big thumbs up from me. 'Course, I've only just begun playing.

What Licurg said.

Do you like reading?

If the answer is yes, then you will love PS:T.

Yeah, it's shit. don't buy it.

Cheers for the interest guys! Right you got me convinced, gonna buy it :D

Torment is definitely worthwhile for the story and the cast of characters.

The D&D anthology is 50% off at GG at the moment. However, I think it's likely there will be a D&D themed bundle here sometime between now and Jan 3rd, so I'm holding out for that. I'm kind of annoyed at GG right now.

There are certain games that demonstrate the possibility of games as visual art on the level of something in a museum, even if they are lacking in certain gameplay aspects. Similarly, Planescape: Torment demonstrates the possibility of games as a storytelling medium on par with the great written works of fantasy.

It has a tremendous story and atmosphere, but the game does ask you to invest a lot in reading the dialogue and responding. The acquisition of powerful items and defeating of powerful creatures are intended to take a back seat, so players for whom those aspects of an RPG are very important are usually not going to be nearly as impressed with the game.

Absolutely.

It's worth playing for the setting alone. I guarantee you've never seen anything else quite like it (assuming you're not already familiar with the Planescape lore, that is :P).