I've only played Geneforge 1 before this. Played it all the way through and experimented with various endings. I enjoyed it so much that for a long while I was playing three simultaneous games--as Agent, Guardian, and Shaper. I only finished as the Shaper, though.
Umm ... I don't think so. I've been away from the game for a few months, as it was too frustrating to continue. Is that the faction to the southwest of Medab (or wherever the Awakened leader is posted)? I must have heard warnings to avoid the Barzites.
Really?! Seems like every time I cross the narrow path to where that big eye is, he starts zapping us to death. I don't even think I looked to see if there was an exit beyond him. How embarrassing that would be--to have been stumped by a creature I could just walk by.
Yeah, I cleared out most everything in that heavily mined area, with some difficulty. Had to use some mech-enhancing items, IIRC, and do a lot of fancy dodging. But until today I thought that area was a dead end, so I didn't persist when I got near where the exit is. I'll try again. As to Clawbug Canyon--hmmm ... I'll have to take a closer look at that; I can't remember whether I even ventured there.
Actually, I did refer to a walkthrough while playing--but it didn't help me get past the obstacles I'm facing. I've never resorted to cheats, but normally I don't mind using walkthroughs to guide me through RPGs. I played Baldur's Gate, Icewind Dale, and Planescape: Torment with the help of walkthroughs, and I don't think I'd have wanted to go through either entirely on my own. I'd have been frustrated to tears by some of the puzzles. The story's still there even if I peek ahead for a clue now and then.