I have a large shelf loaded with PC games purchased over the years. I was just going through them and came upon Arcanum. I didn't load it up and replay it (I've played through it twice in the past). The reason I didn't replay it was because this game is so incredibly memorable that there is no way I can play it again at this point. We often hear how important "replayability" is with games but, to me, there is also the opposite: A game so well put together that there is no need to replay it... in other words, they did it right the first time and didn't need to add a bunch of garbage and different endings to try and make it seem like a bigger game than it is. Arcanum is huge and it's story is complete "as is." I remember how addicted I was to this game... it is on the level with Baldur's Gate and Planescape: Torment but with such a unique story line that you won't think it's a knock off. I don't know if you can even find this game anymore (and I wouldn't let mine go for cheap)... but if you can find this game out there, buy it and play it. You will not be disappointed unless you hate RPGs. Yeah, the graphics are way dated, Yeah, the interface is a little weird and takes up a third of the bottom of the screen... but it's well worth dealing with some minor shortcomings to play a game that will most likely be as memorable for you as it is for me and thousands of others out there. It's funny (in an odd way) that so many companies are out there right now trying to blur the line between console and PC and trying to market to "everyone" on earth instead of just concentrating on what really sells games: A quality story with memorable characters and some fun dialogue, combat, treasure hunting and character development. That's really it in a nutshell. I would offer advice to these companies for free: GET BACK TO BASICS. Yeah the graphics are pretty in new games now and sure I can play them on pretty much anything out there... but I'd rather just have a good game like Arcanum. Something that I don't feel like I threw away my money on. Something that doesn't need 10 patches just to get it working right. Anyway... sorry for the ramble. I really just wanted to say that Arcanum is a great classic game. Get it and play it.
Other Helpful Reviews for Arcanum: Of Steamworks and Magick Obscura
Arcanum is an unparalleled piece of absolute perfection. Or whatever. It is the ideal RPG. The training is non-compulsory, and easy (ish) to obtain. The skill effects and chance factors are realistic, since pickpocket in... Read Full Review
Arcanum has great combat, TONS (I mean TONS) of ways to individualize the way you play... Character creation has so many options, you can be a technologist, herbalist, magician, fighter, thief, so many different things o... Read Full Review
