Arcanum: Of Steamworks and Magick Obscura

Troika Games · Aug 21, 2001

Mature

About

Arcanum creates a compelling new world where magic and technology coexist in an uneasy balance. As Arcanum opens, the mechanical age has only recently arrived in this ancient land where Humans, Elves, Dwarves, Orcs and other races have learned to survive in the new sprawling industrialized cities. But this radical shift from magic to technology has created a potentially explosive situation. As the townspeople and other thinkers begin mass production of light bulbs, batteries, eyeglasses and guns, the Mages grow leery. This tightly wound setting is the starting point from which the character must set out on his quest. Classless, point-based attribute system allows for limitless creativity in guiding your character's development.

Trailers & screenshots

Scores by platform

PC

Critic 8.0 (2 critics) · Gamer 9.1

Critic reviews

IGN
IGN Staff · Aug 24, 2001
8.7
Arcanum isn't perfect by any means, but is more than the average of its parts, and even with a few problematic bugs, visual shortcomings, and occasional choppy performance, Arcanum is a delightful RPG with plenty to offer to those of you looking for a detailed storyline, rich atmosphere, and one of the best character development systems ever. It's good to see that the RPG tradition is still alive. I only hope that Arcanum sells well so we can continue to see RPGs like this in the future.
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GameSpot
Greg Kasavin · Aug 21, 2001
7.3
At a glance--even after a while--Arcanum can seem disappointing. It's not for everyone; its strengths aren't in any of its superficial qualities, and even its story and its characters aren't particularly noteworthy. Important parts of the game, like the combat, are decidedly flawed, and none of it is very polished. Thus, if you simply play it once, straight through, which is typically all you need to do with many other games, then you might have little to show for the experience once it's finally over.
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