Arcanum: Of Steamworks and Magick Obscura PC

Arcanum: Of Steamworks and Magick Obscura Image
Metascore
81

Generally favorable reviews - based on 24 Critics What's this?

User Score
9.0

Universal acclaim- based on 248 Ratings

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0 out of 10
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  • Summary: Populated with elves, orcs, humans, dwarves, gnomes, and halflings, Arcanum, a Tolkienesque fantasy world, exists in an unsteady equilibrium between the emergence of industrialized cities and the decline of magic. This debut RPG from the core "Fallout" team finds the player "on vacation"Populated with elves, orcs, humans, dwarves, gnomes, and halflings, Arcanum, a Tolkienesque fantasy world, exists in an unsteady equilibrium between the emergence of industrialized cities and the decline of magic. This debut RPG from the core "Fallout" team finds the player "on vacation" when he becomes responsible for the fate of this world.… Expand
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Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 18 out of 24
  2. Mixed: 6 out of 24
  3. Negative: 0 out of 24
  1. Cinescape
    91
    Although the characters you meet along the way try to guide you through the game, Arcanum really leaves most of what happens up to the player.
  2. 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.
  3. ActionTrip
    89
    One of those games that deserve to be played for a long while.
  4. All Game Guide
    80
    New features and a solid storyline should keep even the most veteran players busy for quite sometime.
  5. GamePro
    80
    There truly is a deep, rewarding, and splendiferous RPG behind Arcanum’s dated, clunky machina…but only the most intrepid RPG fanatics will have the patience to dig it out.
  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. 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.

See all 24 Critic Reviews

User Reviews

Write a Review
Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 37 out of 44
  2. Mixed: 2 out of 44
  3. Negative: 5 out of 44
  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).… Expand
  2. ScottW.
    Sep 18, 2009
    10
    Outstanding game with one of the best worlds ever conceieved, a deceptively simple combat system, and nearly unlimited customizeability. 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.… Expand
  4. 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 manyWell... 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 :)… Expand
  5. 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 thenOne 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.… Expand
  6. waso
    Jan 24, 2014
    9
    This game is quite possibly my favorite game, EVER! I wish there were more like it. I wish there was a little more with character creation butThis game is quite possibly my favorite game, EVER! I wish there were more like it. I wish there was a little more with character creation but that's so minor compared to the fantastic gameplay, puzzles and writing.… Expand
  7. Adanedhil
    Mar 11, 2011
    9
    One of the best role-playing games in the world with Planescape, Fallout I/II and Baldur's Gate. Dialogues, many variants of playing, goodOne of the best role-playing games in the world with Planescape, Fallout I/II and Baldur's Gate. Dialogues, many variants of playing, good story. Perfect for beggining of XXI century.… Expand
  8. KelR.
    May 3, 2003
    0
    What? Multiplayer sucks! That's right kids are good friends at Sierra decided to do a half A**ed job on the multiplayer intending to What? Multiplayer sucks! That's right kids are good friends at Sierra decided to do a half A**ed job on the multiplayer intending to defraud people into buying the game because it says "Multiplayer" on it, but in reality the limitations, problems and bugs in multiplayer are enough to make you swear off Sierra for life.… Expand

See all 44 User Reviews

Awards & Rankings

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

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