Arcanum: Of Steamworks and Magick Obscura

 PC
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
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  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 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 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).… Expand
  2. Eu
    Jul 7, 2006
    10
    A fantastic and immersive RPG,with lots of different options,from the type of character you can make to how to act in the game,definitely one of the better RPG ever done,a truly masterpiece of this genre.
  3. [Anonymous]
    Apr 20, 2002
    10
    Very addicting!
  4. MichalK.
    Dec 30, 2003
    10
    Fantastic RPG game from creators of Fallout. I highly recommend it.
  5. SanchezK.
    Aug 7, 2004
    10
    The bomb with hundreds of paths to choose in the game and tonzzz of diferent tecniques to learn if you dont like this shave you head off.
  6. EthanG.
    Apr 5, 2005
    10
    Hey Kel R? How can you expect the multiplayer of a primarily single player game to be so good? It would rely on the community. It was just giving one more mechanic for players to toy around with. If you bought the game for it's multiplayer option then you don't know nearly enough about RPGs to rate them.
  7. JB
    Jul 12, 2009
    10
    The Best RPG ever. You have to run it with the unofficial patch or its too buggy, but once you can get it to run right it is the best.
  8. EliasO.
    Jun 16, 2006
    10
    A great RPG, I have had alot of fun hours with this game, I really wish I had the time to play the game again. and again, and again.. Would be so cool to make a magic character, but I never got to that yet! lol! All the side quests..the main quest...oh lord, this game is just so much fun!
  9. AndrewN
    Nov 15, 2008
    10
    One of the four best RPG's I've ever played. It's up there with Planescape Torment and Fallout 1&2. Admittedly the game is flawed and can take quite a while to get into, but there are very few games which copy this level of non-linearity in story and have such a unique atmosphere. Out of Torment and the Fallouts, this game is also probably the most replayable - every game One of the four best RPG's I've ever played. It's up there with Planescape Torment and Fallout 1&2. Admittedly the game is flawed and can take quite a while to get into, but there are very few games which copy this level of non-linearity in story and have such a unique atmosphere. Out of Torment and the Fallouts, this game is also probably the most replayable - every game will be different and satisfying, with some very different endings. Also, check out the unofficial patch, it fixes most of the issues in the game.… Expand
  10. ScottW.
    Sep 18, 2009
    10
    Outstanding game with one of the best worlds ever conceieved, a deceptively simple combat system, and nearly unlimited customizeability. Truly open-ended, the game not only allows you to be evil, but offers a great set of characters, quests and even weapons which will allow you to actually explore the possibilities of being evil. One of the most underappreciated PC games of all time.
  11. AntonioD
    Dec 24, 2009
    10
    Easily the most underrated game out there, and unfortunately it's very unlikely it will ever get a sequel. It has almost everything the ideal RPG should have. Wish other developer teams would push this kind of complexity in their games. The players actions truly shape the character's relations and impacts on the game world. Everyone that doesn't mind dated graphics and and Easily the most underrated game out there, and unfortunately it's very unlikely it will ever get a sequel. It has almost everything the ideal RPG should have. Wish other developer teams would push this kind of complexity in their games. The players actions truly shape the character's relations and impacts on the game world. Everyone that doesn't mind dated graphics and and doesn't care that much about the combat all that much should give this one a try!… Expand
  12. 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 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 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.… Expand
  13. Tanolen
    Apr 21, 2011
    10
    One of the best RPGs I have ever played, the setting is great, the writing is good, and the freedom is amazing. If you like Fallout 1/2 then this game is for you.
  14. skohl
    Jan 11, 2019
    10
    Maybe I'm lucky, but it runs fine for me. Great role-playing game. The setting is unique, the exploration is rewarding, and you have a lot of freedom.
  15. CooterPatooter
    Jan 26, 2012
    10
    One of the best ever. Multiple solutions to quests, believable characters, a world with a rich history, a huge step away from your standard fantasy setting and a soundtrack that I still listen to eleven years after it was released. Very nearly perfect.
  16. TheXand
    May 2, 2012
    10
    Amazing game, the setting is brilliant. Steampunk, with a focus on the conflict between magic and technology each of which negatively affects the other and bring their opwn bonuses. Surprisingly dark in places, with less intelligent but physically stronger races like the orcs being dragooned into manual labour for below minimum wage jobs in factories, and prejudice against magic users inAmazing game, the setting is brilliant. Steampunk, with a focus on the conflict between magic and technology each of which negatively affects the other and bring their opwn bonuses. Surprisingly dark in places, with less intelligent but physically stronger races like the orcs being dragooned into manual labour for below minimum wage jobs in factories, and prejudice against magic users in centres of technology for example wizards being made to sit in second class seats at the back of trains.… Expand
  17. imprimus
    Jul 22, 2012
    10
    Bugs, yes. Dated graphics (even for the time), yes. Amazing story, environments, setting, characters, dialogue, and gameplay... double yes. Easily on my top 5 games of all time, the RPG elements and story in this game are second to none. There are so many little things to do, nooks and crannies to explore, and secrets to find, you can spend a hundred hours in game and not findBugs, yes. Dated graphics (even for the time), yes. Amazing story, environments, setting, characters, dialogue, and gameplay... double yes. Easily on my top 5 games of all time, the RPG elements and story in this game are second to none. There are so many little things to do, nooks and crannies to explore, and secrets to find, you can spend a hundred hours in game and not find everything. The main quest line had me riveted throughout and the NPCs actually made me care about them. So rare to find a game that can do the same these days. It's a must-play. Don't buy it for multiplayer, it's a single-player game.… Expand
  18. 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 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.    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 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!    … Expand
  19. Orctownorc
    Jul 10, 2013
    10
    I concede that this game is over complicated and dull. It also contains one of the greatest character development systems ever seen in gaming. The sheer scale of the content, plot lines, NPC's skill combinations and playstyles signal a game that is designed to be replayed for a LONG time. There is a wealth of great game design in here. Be patient and endure the boredom of the first dozenI concede that this game is over complicated and dull. It also contains one of the greatest character development systems ever seen in gaming. The sheer scale of the content, plot lines, NPC's skill combinations and playstyles signal a game that is designed to be replayed for a LONG time. There is a wealth of great game design in here. Be patient and endure the boredom of the first dozen hours or so, and you will eventually start to appreciate how good and finally how great this game is. Finally I have to agree it's In the top 10 rpgs of all time. This game is overdue for a remake.… Expand
  20. frankielee
    Apr 24, 2015
    10
    f only mage class was a little more balanced compared to mechanical one. still one of the best rpgs out there. i just finished it again after all these years and was still impressed about the quality of this game.
  21. Violett
    Mar 27, 2013
    10
    This is the most underrated game I ever saw. In icon on steampunk-technomagic style with unique gameplay, amazing plot and very huge sandbox world. If you like steampunk you simple MUST play Arcanum.
  22. PRoxy_oQ
    Nov 22, 2013
    10
    This is THE game for me yeah u can say it has no graphics (for 2013) or it is overly complex but this game is among best RPGs ever, it has great story line whit so many twists, insane amount of options how to build character, companions which can be changed in way better than Skyrim 10 years later does, it has true world map that u could not see even in Dragon age (and it has way moreThis is THE game for me yeah u can say it has no graphics (for 2013) or it is overly complex but this game is among best RPGs ever, it has great story line whit so many twists, insane amount of options how to build character, companions which can be changed in way better than Skyrim 10 years later does, it has true world map that u could not see even in Dragon age (and it has way more locations), It has tons of spells, weapons etc. It still has the best way of building your character. I've made about 10 playthroughs and i loved it every time, combat benefits so much from character customization and it gives it so much depth, were u to play mage, assassin warrior, dps tank, healer, conjurer, trap based fighter, gunner..etc. i will not be disappointed. Actually games like this shows how much RPGs lack quality this days, and it explains that Diablo 3 is not an RPG at all !
    All about it is great,was and will be. I want a remake or at least a sequel :3
    10/10    … Expand
  23. Leouch
    Jul 24, 2016
    10
    Well... it is one of best if not THE BEST 2D RPG I have ever played. Many side quests, multiple ways of achieving goal, mod support(not many of them thought :( )... Game I play since 2002 :)
  24. BuskeKiggeren
    Jan 31, 2014
    10
    This is one of the best RPG games i played in my time. Don't listen to the critics about the multiplayer part not working, it works fine. Just sad you can't play the singleplayer map online. Those hating scores is just people to slow minded to understand game, so don't let it interfere with you others trying it, you haven't truly been living without.
  25. Lostframe
    May 21, 2019
    10
    Great game, classic.............................................................
  26. CloudOJD
    Dec 5, 2015
    10
    Right up there next to Planescape: Torment, this game is my favorite game of all time. Its depth and flexibility is stunning, and the amazing attention to detail and incredible interactivity only resonates the fact that it was crafted with much love and care. If there was one game where the character you create will heavily influence and dramatically alter how the game plays out, it isRight up there next to Planescape: Torment, this game is my favorite game of all time. Its depth and flexibility is stunning, and the amazing attention to detail and incredible interactivity only resonates the fact that it was crafted with much love and care. If there was one game where the character you create will heavily influence and dramatically alter how the game plays out, it is this one. No matter how many playthroughs you have, you'll always find something new. Beautiful setting and an equally beautiful soundtrack.… Expand
  27. prawda
    Apr 12, 2015
    10
    To be honest the graphic sucks in a technical way, but the style is awesome. Steampunk combined with "Magick" looks surprisingly consistent. Also the fighting sucks. Furthermore there are some bugs and a lot of graphic glitches. And last but not least the entry to this game is not easy. There is no tutorial, the game just starts straight away and you have no clue what character build mightTo be honest the graphic sucks in a technical way, but the style is awesome. Steampunk combined with "Magick" looks surprisingly consistent. Also the fighting sucks. Furthermore there are some bugs and a lot of graphic glitches. And last but not least the entry to this game is not easy. There is no tutorial, the game just starts straight away and you have no clue what character build might work, where you have to go or what decisions might be devastating.
    All these drawbacks can possibly make a game completely worthless. But not for arcanum, especially the last thing does not matter at all, it is even a good concept. Even though you don't know what to do, the game always offers another option of progressing. You can kill very important NPCs, which might break a game like this, but in Arcanum the developers have built in this possibility. Therefore the degree of non-linearity in this game is outstanding. There are a few other games, which also offer you such a tremendous amount of freedom, but there is no single game, where the story is being developed regarding your decisions and way of playing, also there is no game where the philosophical concept of the game is interwoven so cleverly with the story as well as the game mechanics. Other outstanding games of this genre are hard to transfer to a different medium like a book or a movie, but for Arcanum this is just not possible. The story/philosophy/plot can only work if the receiver of the medium is able to interact with the game. Therefore Arcanum makes use of the possibilites of computer games and involves the player so deep into the game world, that this game is a solid 10/10. You will not get this kind of experience from any other game. I find this perfection in this regard to be suffcient to overcome the flaws and still rate this game as high as possible.
    The degree of non-linearity is like Jagged Alliance 2, the love and detail of quests is like Baldurs Gate, the quality of the NPCs is better than JA2 (which has really funny NPCs or neurotic ones, but they are not as deep as in Arcanum), the atmosphere outperforms Fallout, the freedom of character design might be comparable to Baldurs Gate or the like at first glance, but after you realize what seemingly unimportant details still have an effect in the game, you are convinced that this game outperforms the other genre-defining games again. And finally the story itself outperforms even good books, there are funny analogies to the real world, satirical references regarding religion, capitalism, politics, human flaws and much more. But again these are just details. What makes the story outstanding is, that you are never force to hate or love a specific character in the game. It is your decision, the story just shows you, why someone does something, what impact it had and what his/her motivations are. You decide, if you want to support or stop someone. You can kill every single NPC, except one, in the whole game and finish it, but you can also finish it without killing any NPC. And last but not least, the ending of the story is a blast. Once you enter the last part of the game, there will be jaw-dropping-ception.    … Expand
  28. FunkyDreamer
    Dec 24, 2015
    10
    A Game a little bit buggy, but this is excellent DnD style RPG game. Very addictive and interesting.
    You can easily compare it to Fallout 2 or Baldurs Gate 1-2.
    Take a the latest patches and enjoy.
  29. DickTracy
    May 9, 2016
    10
    Arcanum: Of Steamworks and Magick Obscura was astoundingly buggy when it came out, and many of its battles were as laughably imbalanced as its title. Patches and mods have alleviated some of that pain over the years, but even then they weren't powerful enough to hide what a great mix of fantasy and steampunkery thrived under its surface. If you can’t find something to love about this game,Arcanum: Of Steamworks and Magick Obscura was astoundingly buggy when it came out, and many of its battles were as laughably imbalanced as its title. Patches and mods have alleviated some of that pain over the years, but even then they weren't powerful enough to hide what a great mix of fantasy and steampunkery thrived under its surface. If you can’t find something to love about this game, dump your computer in the garbage right now.

    Arcanum was dark 'n' gritty before some such tendencies became all the rage, and its character creator allowed players to create everything from gnome gamblers who brandish self-explanatory Tesla-guns to outcast orcs lugging along rusty maces. Toss in non-linear progression and multiple solutions for quests, and you've got a winner that holds up 15 years later. With all its flaws this is a true classic.    … Expand
  30. Joewashere
    Aug 27, 2019
    10
    Arcanum has its fair share of flaws. Yet it is high up amongst my favorites, because despite its flaws it manages to hit all the right notes. A high fantasy world in the throes of an industrial revolution with a lot of steampunk thrown in for good measure, accompanied by a great and perfectly fitting soundtrack. Likeable companions, a great villain with a well-reasoned motivation to hisArcanum has its fair share of flaws. Yet it is high up amongst my favorites, because despite its flaws it manages to hit all the right notes. A high fantasy world in the throes of an industrial revolution with a lot of steampunk thrown in for good measure, accompanied by a great and perfectly fitting soundtrack. Likeable companions, a great villain with a well-reasoned motivation to his actions, interesting lore, and a nice twist on the usual Chosen One routine. What Arcanum does best, however, is reactivity. Not only do mages, thieves, inventors, etc., differ in how they play, but also in how the world treats them. Furthermore, almost every choice you make is acknowledged in some way, be it your in-character decisions, stats, abilities, race, gender, companions, or even the things you wear.

    If you can stomach the boring combat and the occasional tedious dungeon crawl, give Arcanum a chance. You will not regret it.    … Expand
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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

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
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
  1. Game Over Online
    80
    I thought the gameplay was good enough to make up for the deficient engine, and I found Arcanum to be a worthy successor to the Fallout series.
    Read full review
  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.
    Read full review
  3. PC Gamer
    90
    If you can’t find something to love about this game, dump your computer in the garbage right now. Arcanum epitomizes what people like you and me love most about PC gaming.
    Read full review
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