Arcanum: Of Steamworks and Magick Obscura (PC, 2001)

Arcanum, by the now-defunct Troika Games (Fallout, Greyhawk: TToEE, Vampire: TmB) is one of the best role-playing experience of all time. I found the controls rather intuitive and the story quite engrossing. The NPC interaction was beautifully scripted and each character had their own uniqueness. Filled with adventure, intrigue, mystery, suspense and surprises. The point-and-click gameplay is simple, and combat is a chinch for Diablo and Baldur's Gate type players alike. Just clicking on something you wanted to pick up, or click on someone to immediately talk or attack. Spells and skills are easily accessed on the main interface through shortcuts as well. The main storyline as well as numerous side-quests will keep your attention all the way through the game. The character creation and customization is another of Arcanum’s shining spots. You can literally create any character your mind can imagine - from Half-Orc Air Elementalists to Human Pirates and Dwarven Shotgun-wielding Necromancers.

I personally have nothing bad to say about this game except for the difficulty. At times it can be more challenging than needs be, but this is easily overcome with some extra leveling/questing. I never found the soundtrack to be repetitive or boring. The graphics, though isometric and 2-D pixel-based and considered to be very dated, draw you into the world. The effects used, such as spells, explosions, etc. are done very well and look convincing. Every item and person seems to have been given care during the creation of the game, made apparent by the wide variety and beauty of in-game weapons, armor, gems and even necklaces. I highly suggest this game for ANY RPG/CRPG fan (especially those of games like Diablo, Baldurs Gate, Fallout, Morrowind, etc). This is a rare gem that every RPG fan should not go without even trying.

Pros
Engrossing atmosphere, beautiful soundtrack, intuitive controls, great story and side-quests, just a great game.

Cons
Difficulty at some points, dated (but beautiful) graphics, on-line play, a few bugs.

Ok, first I am not a gamer. Strictly speaking I hate computer or console games, I just can never seem to get into them. But several years back I recieved a gift card for best buy and after buying some music and what not I had $10 left on the card so I figured I would fish in the discount games bin and see if I could find anything that struck my fancy. I found this game. Once I got it home and installed and started playing, I couldn't get away. I could literally sit for hours and hours playing this game. It draws you in. And though some may say the graphics are dated and what not, it does not detract from the game play in any way. Unfortunately I lost this game when I moved out of state and since its not sold in stores anymore I have had to come to ebay, but I will DEFINATELY be making this purchase. It is an incredible game, especially with its replay ability. Its never the same game twice. With the characters you can choose and whether to be tech or magic, and the tons of side quests that you can take or not, you will never get bored. Its a great game and a great buy for anyone out there who likes the RPG field. Take it from a non-gamer... this is a must have. :-)

Arcanum is a wonderful game, full of numerous paths and options for characters based upon their character's skills and abilities, even going as far as to have certain conversation options appear to only particularly dull characters. In style the game is quite similar to Fallout 1 & 2, which may be due to Troika Games being composed of the former staff of Interplay who were responsible for those games. Similar to Fallout 2, a fan patch has been produced for Arcanum, and in my opinion it is a valuable addition to any player's experience. It reintroduces much cut content as well as solving numerous bugs and logical discongruities. The patch can be found on the Terra-Arcanum site, http://www.terra-arcanum.com/d​ownloads/

Very good RPG game, great atmosphere, unique ideas and world. Very interesting plot and gameplay (switch between turn-based or real time Fallout tactics - style), amazing soundtrack that takes you all into this wonderfull world! World that uniquely combines magic and firearms technologies, create your own game character, hire NPC be bad guy, good one, magician, archer, barbarian, sharpshooter and grenadier and many many more.
Designed by "Troika games" - the creators of great original Fallout (not nasty "oblivion-8 with guns" one), highly recommended! The game you should play. I personally not a fan of magic old-style RPG's I prefer Fallout, futuristic ones. But this game will make you love itself, fantastic!

"Arcanum" had the potential to be a really incredible game. It has some excellent plot and quest elements dealing with clashing law based realities versus miracle based realities. Technology of steam and gunpowder struggling with the magick of old. The character interaction is sometimes very intelligent and somewhat comparable to "Planescape: Torment" but far less developed in that way. Unfortunately when you come into the game magick has mostly lost the battle and the kingdoms that relied on it are in disrepair. This game has alot of freedom in character development and feels alot like Fallout in form, but not quite as unique and powerful. The graphics and art of arcanum are minimal and the battle system is akward, both in real time (very quick paced) and turn based like "Fallout". The most striking advantage to the credit of Arcanum is the massive map and sheer amount of quests to accomplish in the game. In this way it surpasses any notable rpg out there. Despite all of the failings of this game I find it still holds up really well to scrutiny and is fairly addictive to play. I recommend it highly especially if you enjoyed the fallout or "Baldur's Gate" series.