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Arcanum: Of Steamworks and Magick Obscura

PC (Microsoft Windows) • 2016

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Quick resume

Imagine a place of wonder, where magick and technology coexist in an uneasy balance, and an adventurer might just as easily wield a flintlock pistol as a flaming sword. Welcome to the land of Arcanum.

Global score

89/100

Genres

Role-playing (RPG)

Pros

  • Extensive character customization and roleplay freedom
  • Deep and immersive fantasy-steampunk world
  • Multiple quest solutions and high replayability
  • Rich story and moral complexity
  • Active fan community with patches and mods

Cons

  • Dated graphics and interface
  • Buggy and unstable without unofficial patches
  • Clunky and unbalanced combat system
  • Steep learning curve and lack of tutorials
  • Requires patience and sustained attention

Motivations

  • Autonomy
    5

    "Players have extensive freedom to create characters, choose playstyles, and solve quests in multiple ways."

  • Competence
    3

    "Character builds and skill development require thoughtful planning and mastery, though combat can be unbalanced and buggy."

  • Competition
    -3

    "Focus is on personal roleplay and exploration rather than competing against others; multiplayer is minimal and not emphasized."

  • Continuation
    5

    "Highly replayable with many playthroughs reported; players return repeatedly for new experiences."

  • Cooperation
    3

    "Players can recruit companions with unique personalities and manage party dynamics, though companions act semi-autonomously."

  • Creativity
    5

    "Strong emphasis on character customization, crafting, and multiple solutions to quests."

  • Domination
    -4

    "Interactions emphasize roleplay and mutual respect; no evidence of power-over or trash talk dynamics."

  • Escapism
    5

    "Players immerse in a rich fantasy-steampunk world to escape real life, with deep story and atmosphere."

  • Expectation
    -5

    "Engagement is driven by intrinsic interest, nostalgia, and personal desire rather than obligation."

  • Experimenting
    5

    "Players experiment with diverse character builds, skills, and quest approaches."

  • Exploration
    5

    "Open world with many hidden locations and secrets encourages discovery."

  • Expression
    5

    "Character creation and roleplay allow for strong self-expression."

  • Fantasy
    5

    "Set in a unique fantasy-steampunk world with magic, mythical races, and imaginative fiction."

  • Fellowship
    2

    "Community and fan patches/mods exist; some social interaction through companions and fan communities."

  • Growth
    4

    "Players develop skills, learn game mechanics, and improve through multiple playthroughs."

  • Health
    -4

    "Primarily sedentary gameplay with long sessions and minimal physical activity."

  • Idle
    -4

    "Requires sustained attention and focus; not suited for casual or background play."

  • Intimacy
    1

    "Some emotional connection with companions and community, but limited to in-game relationships."

  • Leadership
    2

    "Players lead a party of companions with some autonomy, balancing group dynamics."

  • Progression
    5

    "Strong progression through skills, items, crafting, and character development."

  • Relaxation
    2

    "Atmospheric and immersive but combat and bugs can cause frustration and tension."

  • Sensation
    2

    "Enjoyable soundtrack and art style provide sensory pleasure, though graphics are dated."

  • Status
    -3

    "Focus is on individual experience rather than social recognition or popularity."

  • Story
    5

    "Deep narrative with branching quests, moral ambiguity, and rich lore."

  • Strategy
    4

    "Requires planning character builds, quest approaches, and combat tactics."

  • Thrill
    1

    "Some suspense in quest outcomes and combat, but overall moderate emotional intensity."

  • Value
    5

    "High perceived value due to extensive content, replayability, and low price."

  • Violence
    1

    "Combat is present but players can choose pacifist or violent approaches; violence is not glorified."

  • Survival
    3

    "Players manage resources, avoid threats, and overcome challenges in a dynamic world."

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    Last update: 06/03/2026