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Arcanum: of Steamworks & Magick Obscura

Publisher: Vivendi Universal

ESRB Rating: Mature

Release Date: August 22, 2001

Platforms: Windows 98, Windows Me, Windows 95

Media: CD-ROM

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Features

Character Creation: No More Character Classes. Arcanum uses a classless, point-based system where players use points to "buy" attributes. You're only limited by your own creativity in guiding your character's development.
Complex Stat-Driven System: Take charge or your own growth in the game environment. A deep and complex statistical system underlies every event that takes place within Arcanum. These include:
8 basic stats (including Strength and Charisma), and more than a dozen derived stat (such as Poison Resistance and Character Speed)
16 primary skills (such as Gambling, Healing, and Lock-Picking)
80 spells within 16 colleges

 

Product Description

Most role-playing games are set in a fantasy world, and if they're not directly related to Dungeons & Dragons, they at least follow the blueprint of the D&D rules. Not so with Arcanum. Set in the world of steampunk--a genre of fiction that puts forth the idea that computers and other advanced technology existed back in the late 1800s--Arcanum's world is fantastic and instantly recognizable at the same time. The game begins with the crash of the L.F.S. Zephyr, which you were aboard. Things go from bad to worse as assassins try to kill you. Meanwhile, you struggle to understand why people think you are the reincarnation of "The Living One."

Developed by Troika Games--which is staffed by many of the people who created the excellent Fallout games--Arcanum takes the conventions of the RPG genre and turns them on their head. Instead of binding players to a specific character class, such as Paladin or Barbarian, Arcanum lets you create a completely unique character. Experience points can be distributed in any area, so you can create a character that's a thief, magic user, and gunslinger all in one. In addition, you can specialize in either magic or technology, which will impact how the other characters in the game deal with you.

The world of Arcanum is simply massive, and the story is extremely detailed. The main plot will provide you with 30 to 40 hours of gameplay, and the side quests will add another 10 to 20 hours to that figure. The quests run the gambit from fetching items to finding a cure for lycanthropy, and they're all well designed.

Arcanum is viewed from a third-person isometric view--similar to Diablo II and Baldur's Gate II--and the graphics easily compare with any other RPG on the market. The characters are modeled nicely, and the backgrounds and structures are very detailed and really add substance to the game. Unfortunately, even on a high-end system such as an Athlon 1.33 GHz, the game suffers from long loading times, and will occasionally slow down during combat.

Those minor problems aside, Arcanum is a sensational game. The open-ended nature of the character-creation system guarantees replayability, and the setting and story will offer relief for anyone tired of Diablo II's dungeon crawls. --Kilmic Robbins

Pros:
  • Great story
  • Numerous quests
  • Ability to completely customize character
Cons:
  • Long loading times
  • Interface can be overwhelming at times
 
Average Rating: 4.0

Product Reviews

Rating: 5 StarsI LOVE this game!

I love this game! I was so glad to find it since I lost my original a while ago and they don't sell it in stores anymore. Even better it works with Vista Home Premium! I was worried I wouldn't be able to run it with all of Vista's issues but I have played the game 3/4 of the way through without a glitch.

Rating: 5 StarsdONT wORRY bE hAPPY

u CANT LOOSE IF YOU LIKE THE CLASSICS. HTIS IS BY FAR THE BEST AND MOST EXCLUSIVE WORK I HAVE WITNESSED..Arcanum is the premier RPG and all others fit into the Arcanum mold.If Yoyu Appreciate A Fantastic RPG Journey ..Dont Fret Go 2 Arcanum Youll Be Glad You Found A Ticket..Good Luck And GodSpeed

Rating: 5 StarsGreat game. NOT THE ORIGINAL PACKAGING!!!

Eventhough this game is one of my all time, favorite games. The picture that they use(d if changed) to show the game is honestly False. And I Bought the game thinking that I would get the jewelcase and everything that came with the game, when it was new (the picture thet makes it look like the game come in a box). But that was not the case (think the normal plastic game case that's used when they try to get out the last cents out of the game).

So as i said, this is a great game that deserved a purchase when Troika existed and it still deserves a buy now. I just hope, that the original creators atleast get royalties, for mine and yours purchase.

I let others tell a more indepth and (more grammaticaly correct) objective review.

Rating: 4 StarsArcanum

Great rpg. Has one of the best skill system evere, where you choose between magic and thecknology. It look a bit out dated graphical, but if your a fan of turned based rpgs this is a sure wonner.

Rating: 5 StarsIn my opinion the game is great.

This is a really great for the style and type it is. I personally love non-linear type games that have plenty of side quests and each action determines a different outcome... just like in real life. Arcanum is highly playable and highly replayable. There are a few kinks in the script of the game and a few glitches here and there, but they don't affect the overall gameplay quality. Arcanum has to be what you're looking for in a game or you won't like it. It's that simple... the same holds true for any game. You don't need other people's opinions about it. Go try it for your self!
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