Arcanum: Of Steamworks & Magick Obscura

The Good
The gimmick behind Arcanum is that it’s a fantasy role-playing game with technological elements. Thus, a steam-driven train might take you past the burial grounds of a dragon, halfling thieves might shoot at you, or you could fight a mechanized spider in a dungeon illuminated by electric lights. This does not mean that magick and technology work in concert however. One of the many storylines in this game deals with the struggle between magick and technology. This plays out in several ways regarding character development and means that as you progress towards either technology or magick, your ability to use the oppositional skills wanes. And it draws interesting parallels to the often antagonistic struggle between science and religion in our world.

So the question then, is how well does the gimmick work? Like the Fallout series, Arcanum presents a class-less role-playing system. As your character progresses you may specialize in thief-type skills, magic ones, etc. and through this create your class. Unlike Fallout, as a fantasy game you have your pick of races including human, elf, dwarf, and orc. These races have unique benefits and detriments and some close off gender options- Gnomish women, for example, are never seen. Arcanum does not make use of Fallout’s SPECIAL attribute system, but presents a similar one, which like Fallout, really affects game play. Most RPG’s don’t well integrated attribute systems, but every statistic in Arcanum really affects gameplay. Intelligence determines conversation options, Beauty affects how people react to you and Dexterity determines how fast you move. There are also statistics such as hit points and fatigue which are based on combinations of attributes and the level of your attributes determines how far you can advance in certain skills.

Which brings me to the skill section, which is the most complex system I’ve seen in any RPG. The skill set is broken down into three sets: character skills, magic skills and technological skills. These sets are then broken down into subsets such as combat, specific magic school or specific technological discipline. As you advance in level you apply points to these skills to increase your ability. You can also receive training in the character skills and advance from Apprentice to Expert to Master. Often training is purchased, but Master’s require special quests. Now you can also apply points to your attributes and you only receive one point per level. Therefore, deciding how to spend these precious points becomes strategic.

One final thing regarding the character: alignment. Your character begins the game with a neutral alignment. Depending on your actions (the quests you complete and your interaction with people) your alignment will shift towards good or evil. This is a dynamic system which does away with the complications of the traditional AD&D system and works very well within the game.

Actual game play resembles other RPGs, perhaps too much. You go on many mini-quests while uncovering the larger story. Talk to dozens (hundreds) of people and gain followers. Opinion of the usefulness of the followers seems to be mixed, but I felt like mine were great characters that did far more than carry heavy equipment. I was never able to make use of my dwarven technologist, but I think this was more my fault than his. They have wonderful conversations, fought very well, had interesting reactions between themselves and added to my enjoyment of the game.

There are many areas to explore and several major cities. Talking to the people in the cities results in useful information and interesting quests. During the game I played, I had to solve several murders, track down missing nobles and I found a fun X-Files themed conspiracy regarding half-orcs. There was seldom a time when I did not have at least one quest to work on and I usually had several on the backburner.

Graphically, this game is dated since it does not use 3D graphics, the graphics are good but result in some performance issues. Sound is wonderful. The string score is beautiful, voice work is consistently well above average and ambient noises are realistic and appropriate.

This is a very long game but highly replayable. As a non-thief character, I missed the extensive thieves’ underground, as a melee character I never got far into magic use and technology, and as a good character I didn’t touch on the dark side of Arcanum (however I did perform some evil acts for the greater good and some of my good acts resulted in bad outcomes). Finally, like the Fallout Series, at the end of the game, you get to see how your adventures affected the places you went traveled to.

The Bad
While the story in Arcanum was very good, it is unclear for most of the game. I think I prefer games where you know what points is from the get-go. Several major themes seem to disappear near the end of the game including the one with hero/villain technologist Gilbert Bates (Bill Gates?). Although, this could just be how I played the game. I also wished for more of the steam-punk, Victorian fantasy setting that the box seemed to advertise. While there was a mix of magick and technology in the game, most of the Arcanum world is entrenched in a pseudo-Tolkien setting. Pratchett’s Discworld books present a similar idea more convincingly.

The attribute/skill section I described above is very complex and since the game has a level cap it pays to plan ahead. I was very unhappy with the level cap because I wanted to do more with my character and if you can’t advance in level any more- why go on quests? I found myself very apathetic towards the end of the game, tired of the subquests and solely interested in the end of the game.

Of course one of the reasons for the level cap is the extremely poor balancing in the game. I was simply too powerful too soon. I was also very wealthy, so money oriented quests didn’t matter and I had all the items I wanted. While the ability to increase your attributes was fun, I was able to become almost superhuman. I think they needed to reconsider this element in favor of the traditional RPG feeling that attributes are carved in stone and only acts of God can change them.

While I mentioned some interesting quests, too many of them involved searching dungeons for a person/item. With all the dungeon crawling combat, you level up way too quickly. In short, elements of this game suffered from the Monty Haul syndrome discussed in AD&D books. RPGs have to be about more than who has the more points/gold, etc. By the time I got to the final battle, it was a joke. I was successful in a few minutes and never felt in any danger. The story and framework of Arcanum deserve more than a Cheaterz Diablo-type romp.

Finally, I mentioned that graphics were outdated. On my new system, I experienced several lock-ups because the game wasn’t making use of my 3D card. Characters weren’t particularly well animated, combat animations were minimalist, and the dungeons were visually unimpressive. There were some excellent rendered scenes, but they occur late in the game.

The Bottom Line
I played this voraciously and still don't know how I feel about this game. I definitely want to replay this game as a completely different type of character. As it stands now, I'd describe it as a failed masterpiece.

The Good
I played many games and IT IS a good game...

The universe is original, it merges mechanic and magic, and the political context between the countries of Arcanum is an important side of scenario. In short the universe is very rich and well used.

The first 2/3 of the game are very very good. Even better than the famous Baldur Gate...

Important point : before starting the game, you can choose to play the official game OR to play games made by gamers or by even you (but not easy to make one). Then it's like if you play a whole new game in the Arcanum univers. There are a few ones on the Internet that you can download.

The Bad
Nothing except that an important thing looks obvious to me : I think they finished to develop the game in a hurry and past the 2/3 of the game you can really feel it. Some important areas of the game that you heard of are small and not as great as announced in the game, some crucial movies are more slideshows than movies and the quality of the end is very disappointing. Too bad... because it could have been the best game I ever played without that.

The Bottom Line
The universe of Arcanum is so rich that I can only advice you to play this game. But be prepared to a decreasing quality on the end and maybe you will like the game as a great one.

The Good
In missed Arcanum, when it was first released in 2001. Some years later, I stumbled onto the game while searching the ‘net for new RPGS to play. I was almost immediately drawn to the game. It was from Troika, a developer made up of former Fallout designers. Since I loved Fallout, I became even more interested in the game. How had this gem of RPGS escaped my attention?(Maybe I’m slipping in my game prowess;) The setting of the game intrigued me as well, I downloaded the demo, to ensure that Arcanum would run on my new PC. And to see if the game was a cool as it sounded in the reviews I had read. To find that the answer to both questions was a resounding, yes!

Got Magick? Or Perhaps A Bit Of Technology?

In Arcanum: Of Steamworks And Magick Obscura, you begin by either picking a pre-made character to play, each with their own back-story. Or as in most PC RPGS you can create your avatar. The character creation system is deep and similar to Fallout, if anything it is even deeper. You have control over gender, race, skills, and even back round. The races run the gamut from human, elf, dwarf, to Half-Orcs, and everything in-between. Some races, I.e. dwarfs do not allow you to play as a female, and while some may see this as a draw back it is a small one at the most. Skills are what you are proficient at. From magick, to tech, every thing is at your fingertips. You can be a mage dwarf, a tech Half-elf, or anything else you can imagine. Attributes correspond to skills and vice versa. For example gamers that prefer using guns, will need a high perception. Back rounds are optional, but can enhance the gameplay, if used. You can choose from tons such as, “Child Of A Hero”, “Inheritance” , etc. These often add something extra to your avatar, but act as a double edged sword as they often also take something away. As the “Inheritance” back round, will allow you to start with more cash. As well as penalize your willpower attribute.

What about classes Mr. Megid? You ask. Well allow me to educate you, no pun intended. In Arcanum, classes, such as fighter, mage, thief, etc. Do NOT exist. At least not in the traditional since. Arcanum never tells you what your class is. In a gameplay sense, it more depends of how you play the game. If you are proficient with magick, you will gain spells as you continue leveling up. As there are many magick “colleges”, I will not go into it. But you can master one such group, or mix and match, it is your choice.

More fun is the technology “classes”. Like with magick you can choose what if any tech stuff you wish to learn. You can be a gunslinger, a gunsmith, or both. You use mechanized armor, as well as create items, like some kind of mad scientist. So you could be a gun slinging thief. Or a sword-wielding inventor. Or just about another eclectic combination you can conceive.

“There Can Be Only One Living One!”

Arcanum, begins with an attack on the Zephyr. A newfangled Airship. It goes down half-way to it’s intended destination. Upon waking up in the wreckage of ground zero, you desperately search for other survivors. And discover a gnome, he implores of you to “…find the boy”. He hands over a signet ring, and dies, with his cryptic message ringing in your ears. Near the wreckage you meet Virgil, a human cleric. Among his ramblings he revels that you may be the chosen one. “He Will Be Born Upon Wings Of Fire…”. That could be you, after all you were sort of born of wings of fire. From here you are directed to find Virgil’s mentor as he could explain the prophecy in more detail. The plot thickens as you learn of assassins, known as the “Molecan Hand” are out for your blood. The dwarfs of the “Black Mountain Clan” have gone missing. And dark elves are trying to see the return of Arronox, a villain from Arcanum’s colorful past.

The plot is one of the game’s strongest points. Every time you think you have an answer you inevitably end up with more questions. It is very mysterious, and paced superbly. I always found myself wondering how everything fit together. I was practically glued to my monitor from start to finish. Now mean feat considering Arcanum has a lot to offer, with a 30-40 hour campaign, plus tons of side quests, and optional areas to explore, they game can easily take up to 60 hours to complete.

The side quests are very fun to do. Unlike a lot of other RPGS that shall remain nameless. But in the end the main quest steals the show. And the plot twists are is a word genius. I won’t divulge them here, but rest assured you will never see them coming.

There Ain’t No Party, Like An Arcanum Party, Cause An Arcanum Party Don’t Stop!

In Arcanum, as in many other RPGS you can amass a party of followers. However the party or follower system works a little differently than what you may have seen in other RPGS. The number of followers that can join in your significant quest, is based on your charisma. The higher it is the more people will follow you to the ends of Arcanum.

Building a diverse party is as per usual in RPGS is the key to success in Arcanum. Having a mix is more fun as well as help make the game easier. My party consisted of a cleric, Half-Ogre ass kicker, a loyal dog.(A.K.A. Worthless Mutt, somewhat a misnomer as he is far from “worthless”) A tech-inclined dwarf, and last but not least, a smoking hot elf babe with a penchant for the mystical arts.

Certain characters will not join you if you are either too good or too evil, too magick or too tech. Giving the game replay value. Some are more talkative than others as well. Virgil for example will always have something to add in verbally. He greatly enhances the plot, and gives a better understanding of the world of Arcanum. Raven, the aforementioned smoking hot elf babe, will often provide you with good info as well. And if you are playing as a male human, elf, or half-elf, she may fall in love with you, if you treat her right.

I Want To Live In Arcanum!

Another of the games greatest strengths, is the unique fantasy world that is Arcanum. As I mentioned earlier, the world is in a turn of the 19th century fashion. With the once magick only world of Arcanum, now going through a technological revolution. Magick is aversely affected by technology, and technology by magick. At the same time there are ancient ruins, as well as high tech “Metropolis” inspired cities. Elven forests and vast railroad networks. And unlike the setting of some RPGS, Arcanum never stumbles and makes this eclectic mix seem believable. And always interesting. Very few other RPGS every manage such a unique world. For some reason many RPGS neglect to make the fantasy world believable, despite the fact that it is a very important in not the MOST important role of fantasy is to make the world seem real. A few other RPGS that also pulled it off include, Planescape: Torment, Jade Empire, and Shadow Run.

“Vae Victus!”

The combat in Arcanum comes in various flavors. There is the traditional turn-based, fast turn-based, and real time. The real-time combat is probably the worst as you have no control over the fights. Fast turn-based, is just that, a faster turn-based combat.

I found that the tried and true, turn-based works the best. It is very similar to Fallout. As in you have meter that is color coded. Green dots are your action points, with these you move, attack, use items, and magick, if you have any. When you deplete points the dots turn red, and yellow, as the enemies attack and your follower perform actions.

You have no direct control over your party unlike many such games. However they often do what is expected of them, so you do not need to worry about shitty A.I. Doing stupid things, They will attack, or heal, or whatever is most needed.

Outside of battles, you can have your party members trade items, heal you, or discuss various things.

Beyond Good And Evil

As with your class, your reputation, is based on what you do, not what you pick as in games like Baldur’s Gate. If you act like an evil prick, people will treat you like one. If you are good and act heroic, people will treat you like a hero. Or perhaps you shall be born with a heart full of neutrality, once again it is up to you.

Followers will also react to your choices. Some may be coerced in to doing evil, others will not, and will let you know it. Some do not care either way. And of course evil followers do not like “little goody two shoes”.

There are also “fate points”. They can be earned by doing heroic acts as well as evil acts. A fate point is used to automatically help you pick locks or persuade someone, despite your skill in the said area.

Reputations can also be gained. For instance if you report to the newspaper printer, that you are the sole survivor of the Zephyr, citizens of Tarant, will be nicer to you. You can also gain negative reps, such as Tarant Pervert, if you run through the streets naked.

The visuals and audio in Arcanum, are pretty good as well. Firstly the graphics, you likely have noticed that for a game from 2001 Arcanum looks a little dated. After all, this was the same year that gave us the amazing visuals of Morrowind, as well as Neverwinter Nights.

This is likely due to the fact that Arcanum is based of the graphics engine of Fallout and Fallout 2. And was in development for quite a while. Do not misunderstand me, the graphics are good, but not mind-blowing. Besides I like the look of 2D RPGS, a rarity these days.

The sound and music are overall better than that of the visual department. One could easily say that the sound is excellent.

The score is can be epic, and also quaint. It also fit’s the game very well. And sounds proper, for a game set in a world similar to the late 1800’s of American history. The sound effects all sound excellent, and work very well in the game. In this area Troika’s Legacy really shines. From the slash of blades, the arcane whirl of magick, and the boom of a shotgun, it all sound amazingly realistic. They even have the ambiance covered. When near the ocean, you can hear the waves crash on the shore. In dense forests the various animal sounds let you know you are not alone, in the wilderness.

The Bad
There are often graphical glitches. And the game tends to become unbalanced. As in the first 10 hours or so, the game can be very challenging. Yet the mid and later portions of the game are WAY to easy

Other quibbles include: sometimes party members do not understand, and action. For example in one side quest, about halfway through the game. You must kill a elf that is possed by a demon, thereby freeing his soul. The problem here is that your good party member often do not understand, that you are killing a man, but to save his soul. And therefore they will bitch. And may leave the party.

Also sometime a follower will not listen to you, and ignore your request to healed. And as you get stronger healing spells often fail.

And finally the ending may disappoint some. My beef with it however is this: to achieve a perfect good ending, you have to solve most of Arcanum’s main problems if, you should fail one, you will get a worse ending. And as some of the events you must fix are early on in the game, you likely will miss at least a few. But then again the multiple ending possibilities as well as gameplay problems will provide many reasons to replay the otherwise amazing game.

The Bottom Line
At the end of the day Arcanum is one of those ever so rare games. The ones that are flawed, but for every flaw there is also something that overrides it. And makes you forgot all the flaws.

This combined with the vastly original setting and enthralling plot, help make Arcanum, one of the most fun and most complete RPG experiences that I have every had the pleasure of playing. Trust me I have played hundreds of games.

And since the sequel was cancelled, this is as good, as it gets. The sequel was going to be a first person RPG in the vein of Deus Ex. Too bad, it would have been cool to see the world of Arcanum is glorious polygons. As well as would have given us another P.O.V. of one of gaming's most unique RPGS.