Arcanum: Of Steamworks and Magick Obscura

 PC
Metascore
81

Generally favorable reviews - based on 24 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 18 out of 24
  2. Mixed: 6 out of 24
  3. Negative: 0 out of 24
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  1. Adrenaline Vault
    70
    Ultimately an entertaining title, but one with enough quirks to prevent it from attaining true RPG greatness.
  2. Armchair Empire
    65
    Between the somewhat overly complicated nature of the game and the slow, dull battles there just wasn't a lot to get excited about in the game.
  3. Game Revolution
    67
    If you're looking for a long-term relationship with a complicated, temperamental (I have nervous breakdowns all the time), frustratingly smart game, then baby, I'm your man. Otherwise, I'm just trouble.
  5. GamePen
    70
    Unfortunately, there is one area in Arcanum that truly fails to hold up with the rest of the game—the combat engine. Combat is overly simplified and feels a lot like it was added on as an afterthought.
  6. GameSpot
    73
    Suffers from a host of rather serious flaws, including an overall lack of polish, which can end up making the game disappointing more often than enjoyable for some players. These problems veil what's an otherwise captivating and immersive role-playing experience.
  7. Yahoo!
    70
    What it lacks in polish, it makes up for with that elusive "fun factor" that you can feel even when you can't always pin it down.

Awards & Rankings

39
#39 Best PC Game of 2001
7
#7 Most Discussed PC Game of 2001
21
#21 Most Shared PC Game of 2001

User Reviews

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User Score
8.7

Generally favorable reviews- based on 389 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 334 out of 389
  2. Mixed: 28 out of 389
  3. Negative: 27 out of 389
  1. Bruno
    Apr 6, 2006
    10
    I wonder how old are those kids from armchair empire or game revolution. To give this rpg jewel 65% or so means you have absolutely no idea I wonder how old are those kids from armchair empire or game revolution. To give this rpg jewel 65% or so means you have absolutely no idea about how should real RPG look like. They are whining on bad graphics and especially interface which is so subjective. I love the interface and all I know love it too. Beside that everything in Arcanum is excellent, dialoges, questing system (so many possibilies of how to fulfil quest), character developoment, game world, sounds. I can hardly imagine better RPG made in that particular setting (steam&magic).… Full Review »
  2. slippery
    Aug 8, 2013
    10
    This is by far one of THE best RPG games I've ever played. The steampunk mix of technology and magic is wonderful. The guns are bitThis is by far one of THE best RPG games I've ever played. The steampunk mix of technology and magic is wonderful. The guns are bit underpowered, but the game is fun.

    The dialog is fun. The environments are beautiful, varied and interesting. There are a LOT of interesting people to meet and talk to. There are SO many quests and adventures.

    The story is surprising and delightful.

    The choices I make in the game have consequences.

    The only bad thing I can say about the game is that they didn't finish all the endings. Without the right mods, you can't naturally get some of the "bad" endings. There is also one quest that ends up being unsolvable. Some people actually LIKE that you can't do anything about it. Some people hate it. It has artistic merit, even if it does sting a bit to be unable to right that particular wrong.

    But the game is so detailed and there is SO much to see, do and discover that I can easily forgive a lot of faults in this game.

    I love how the character I choose completely changes the encounters. Race and gender have real effects on the people I meet.

    I love this game!    … Full Review »
  3. FeyshanW.
    Dec 26, 2009
    10
    Such a shame they don't seem to make games like this one anymore. It has the required complexity and plethora of choices for each Such a shame they don't seem to make games like this one anymore. It has the required complexity and plethora of choices for each presented problem, that aren't merely fake choices, as presented in titles like the failure that was DA:O. Although this kind of games doesn't suit the majority of players that want simpler games, the kind that were once most commonly found in arcades/console games, but nowadays have taken over even the pc gaming industry. With everything being multi platform and in extreme dumbed down.… Full Review »
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