Arx Fatalis

 PC
User Score
8.2

Generally favorable reviews- based on 195 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 154 out of 195
  2. Mixed: 23 out of 195
  3. Negative: 18 out of 195
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  1. MaikiI.
    Jun 29, 2007
    3
    This game has a really poor interface. Switching between combat, cursor, and mouse-look mode is a poor decision, and really hampers immersion.
  2. BlairM
    Feb 23, 2008
    4
    Idea for spell interface is great, but not very well executed. It, the rest of the interface, and the levels themselves all feel like they weren't tested enough. I think if Arkane had spent more time polishing this game it could have become one of my favourites. The graphics are also dated, but the game fell (and would have risen) on the basis of the UI.
  3. MikeO.
    Apr 12, 2007
    3
    Let's ignore the graphics as the game is old. I found that the controls were indeed quirky in a very annoying manner. Combat, normal point and click could have been combined into one system, but it wasn't. And managing your inventory? Just as annoying. Space is very limited even if you get two extra bags. The magic system? Terrible. Not only do you have to draw out the spells, Let's ignore the graphics as the game is old. I found that the controls were indeed quirky in a very annoying manner. Combat, normal point and click could have been combined into one system, but it wasn't. And managing your inventory? Just as annoying. Space is very limited even if you get two extra bags. The magic system? Terrible. Not only do you have to draw out the spells, you have to deal with a casting time as well. Granted you can memorize up to three spells for quick access, three is certainly not enough. My biggest complaint is that the monsters do not spawn fast enough. You can be litterally stuck waiting for monsters to spawn so you can *try* to gain a level so you can build up your skills just so you can pick a lock to advance in the game. And one of the side quests? Buggy as heck. It won't spawn the notes so I can finish it. The only real redeeming thing about this game is the voice acting. It was done fairly well and it shows. It's too bad that same level of quality wasn't put into the rest of the game.… Expand
  4. [Anonymous]
    Apr 6, 2007
    0
    The poor play control alone makes this game cumbersome to say the least. The graphics aren't much to write home about either.
  5. NicF.
    Jul 10, 2007
    0
    Those who gave this game a higher rating then 5 have obviously not played oblivion.
  6. lucky225
    Oct 24, 2007
    1
    Lame! Game play is long and slow moving. While it has ok graphics, the play experiance is by far the worst I have ever had.
  7. Voyou
    Dec 23, 2015
    4
    There is one thing that most people like in this game: the magic system, the do-it-yourself spellcasting. Another aspect that I personally enjoyed is the abundance of treasures as side-quests for thieves, making for good challenges.

    On the minus side, the game offers a limited world and a claustrophobic atmosphere, a bit of a letdown at a time when dungeon crawls were being replaced by    There is one thing that most people like in this game: the magic system, the do-it-yourself spellcasting. Another aspect that I personally enjoyed is the abundance of treasures as side-quests for thieves, making for good challenges.

    On the minus side, the game offers a limited world and a claustrophobic atmosphere, a bit of a letdown at a time when dungeon crawls were being replaced by open worlds; and it's rather silly since the latter are of course a simple graphical illusion. Also contributing to the impression are the NPCs, who are static and strongly lacking in character.

    That still makes for a decent game however, worthy of a score of 6 or 7, until Arx Fatalis suddenly decides to alienate half its players by becoming an arcade game. An entire level becomes a linear platformer in which you have to run and jump, or die at the first mistake. That far into the game, I tried; of course I tried, them bastards; and cursed Jowood; and finally blacklisted them, because that's how it works, boys.    … Expand
  8. Broyax
    Aug 16, 2020
    0
    Je crois que c'est le premier jeu d'Arkane Studios et étonnamment il s'agit d'un jeu de rôle... mais premièrement, c'est évidemment un genre très difficile à maîtriser et secondement lorsqu'on débute, on peut trébucher, on peut aussi se tromper lourdement et accoucher d'un gros étron à l'insu de son plein gré (encore que.... qu'en sait-on ?).

    Quoi qu'il en soit, on est en présence d'une    Je crois que c'est le premier jeu d'Arkane Studios et étonnamment il s'agit d'un jeu de rôle... mais premièrement, c'est évidemment un genre très difficile à maîtriser et secondement lorsqu'on débute, on peut trébucher, on peut aussi se tromper lourdement et accoucher d'un gros étron à l'insu de son plein gré (encore que.... qu'en sait-on ?).

    Quoi qu'il en soit, on est en présence d'une catastrophe industrielle non pas en termes de graphismes (tout-à-fait présentables pour son époque) mais en ce qui concerne tout le reste... L'interface elle-même est un désastre et rend la jouabilité déjà mal en point complètement caduque... les combats sont à chier, le système de magie qui implique de dessiner (?!) les sorts avec la souris est totalement con.

    L'inventaire est une horreur et la présentation générale st décidément entièrement à revoir ; l'espèce de mode furtif est totalement raté lui aussi (Dishonored est encore loin !...). Le monde est souterrain et de fait très étriqué... et toujours pareil.

    Ce machin est en conséquence de quoi une bouse et une expérience désagréable, exécrable même, de tous les instants : balancez-moi ça dans le broyeur !    … Expand
  9. EptaEpt
    Sep 13, 2022
    0
    Sorry, but positive feedback is not available in your region. At least until your leadership changes the two-faced policy in their actions and statements.
    Sorry, but positive feedback is not available in your region. At least until your leadership changes the two-faced policy in their actions and statements.

Awards & Rankings

70
#70 Best PC Game of 2002
13
#13 Most Discussed PC Game of 2002
24
#24 Most Shared PC Game of 2002

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
77

Generally favorable reviews - based on 25 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 17 out of 25
  2. Mixed: 8 out of 25
  3. Negative: 0 out of 25
  1. Cubed3
    Jul 13, 2022
    60
    There's plenty of deeply flawed RPGs from the late '90s/early '00s that actually people love despite their problems, to the point that it's almost a tradition of sorts. Arx Fatalis is one of those flawed pieces of software, which, like Morrowind, Gothic, and Fallout, has plenty of issues, but manages to be entertaining in its own special way. Having said that, it's probably one of the most problematic of the bunch. Try it out if a fan of the genre, if only to get a taste of its sweet, sweet atmosphere and strong immersion. Just be prepared to get a bit of bitter disappointment as well.
    Read full review
  2. Computer Gaming World
    80
    It sounds great, it looks even better, and it's the most original RPG not named "Morrowind" released in 2002. [Mar 2003, p.94]
  3. GameZone
    83
    An intriguing and wonderful game feature is the magic-casting system. You find or buy runes and then memorize the symbol and using the control key in conjunction with the mouse, draw the rune on the computer monitor to cast the spell. The effect is stunning.
    Read full review
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