Arcanum

[Raya Wolfsun]

Has anyone here played Arcanum: Of Steamworks and Magick Obscura? It's a considerably older game, and I don't know much about it... but I've been told it's something like Fallout 2 + Diablo in a steampunk universe, which has rather piqued my interest!

Anyway, I'm curious for thoughts/opinions of anyone here who's played it. Is it worth trying to hunt down?

 

[tobakkun]

If you don't mind the bugs that'll click from time to time... HELL YEAH. I got a copy during a garage sale of my neighbor so I got it cheap. It was worth every penny I paid for it. XD Your description is fair; more like a medieval version of Fallout 2. You can choose to have it active or turn-based or semi turn-based (time limit on your turn).

Story-wise, you start off picking the race and other specifics of your character before you're introduced into the plot. For whatever reason, you're onboard an airship that gets attacked by orcs on planes who gun you down. You are the only survivor. A monk-in-training suddenly approaches you as you step away from the rubble and somehow believes you to be the reincarnation of a great elf of the past. Thus, your journey begins...

Anyway, what I find fun about it is that your race and stats affect not only the story in some aspects but also how people react to you. Being a stupid half-ogre doesn't get you the same treatment as a handsome half-elf. So depending on how you want to progress through the story, your race and stats should match.

Also, you can lean towards magickal or technological proficiency. Not both since high level magicks requires the little ticker to be leaned towards magic to a certain degree.

All in all, I found it to be a good game. Got hooked on it for quite a while despite some bugs and a little cheesy way to get cash. >_> XD

 

[Raya Wolfsun]

I don't know how long ago you posted this - I only just saw the response here - but thanks a bunch for your thoughts!

Without giving any spoilers, what do you make of the plot? I'm not so much asking what happens, but what you think of it. Is it a good storyline? Well integrated? Or do you play more because the game lets you loose in a fun interactive gameworld...

And what's this about a cheesy way to get cash?

 

[Renzokuken]

I had a guy come into work (I work at a gaming store) asking for the game, which we didn't have because it's considerably old. I'm sure you could purchase it online somewhere, or even Ebay.

 

[Krovvy]

Actually never heard of it, but it sounds interesting.

 

[Aurora]

I just happen to have a huge pile of gaming magazines. According to this review, it's an awesome game. And yes, I also just happened to know where this particular review was. Don't ask.

Anyway, it seems that there were actually ex Fallout creators working on this, so it's not that strange that this game has similarities with Fallout, hehe.

The plot and conversations are said to be really deep, but the review doesn't give away much. It's a classic "you get attacked by orcs and a monk sees you as some sort of hero/prophet" story. The review says that it gets pretty epic, so I'll just trust them there. I've been reading this magazine since like, late 2000/2001. Borrowed it before that.

Graphics are fuller then Diablo II, but less artistic then Baldur's Gate II. But if you like playing older games, graphics shouldn't be a problem.

It got an 88/100, with 8/10 for graphics, 9/10 replay and 9/10 gameplay. I'd give it a try. Even if it was just for the ridiculously nice character creation thing.

Enough information?