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Arx Fatalis PC
Arx Fatalis Image
Metascore
77 out of 100

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

User Score
7.7 out of 10

Generally favorable reviews- based on 51 Ratings

Your Score
10 out of 10
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  • Summary: The goal of the game is to destroy the secret cult of Akbaa, the god of devastation and chaos, thereby preventing his return to the physical world. Should the player fail, the demon is bound to impose his reign of terror upon Arx. The player assumes the role of the potential hero, fights inside an underground fortress using wooden clubs, swords and magical items to defend himself against creatures including goblins, trolls, rat-men and other vicious opponents. However, brute force is not always the best way to succeed: The player has at his disposal the innovative new "onscreen gesture based magic system" to assist him in his progress through the game. Using the mouse, burning runes can be drawn in mid-air. A series of these gestures combine to create powerful magic spells that will protect the player or empower him to defeat his enemies and pursue his quest. [JoWood]… Expand

Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 17 out of 24
  2. Mixed: 7 out of 24
  3. Negative: 0 out of 24
  1. Gamezilla!
    95
    The gameplay is so enjoyable and engrossing.
  2. PC Gameworld
    92
    Those looking for some old-school RPG fun will find Arkane Studios' latest release worth its weight in gold.
  3. Eurogamer
    70
    In many ways this game is superior to "Morrowind"; although it doesn't have the initial appeal offered by that title's graphical splendour, it has a lot more depth and far less time is spent walking from place to place aimlessly.

See all 24 Critic Reviews

User Reviews

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Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 18 out of 26
  2. Mixed: 2 out of 26
  3. Negative: 6 out of 26
  1. ZoltanR.
    10
    This game is a little bit old now - afaik it was released in 2003 - but its still FUN to play. (btw, this is what I really miss from most of the recent games...) Because of its age, Arx Fatalis might not appear as *shiny* as the new releases, but it has a gripping story, a great atmosphere and one of the best magic systems I have ever seen. (FYI, it is not like a pressbutton1forafireball stuff... You have to understand the meaning of different runes and the system how to compose a spell from them. So if you want to be a wizard in the game, you must have some brain, and not just select the wizard character at the start. (if you understand the logic, you can invoke a few hidden spells on your own)) In sum: If you are to fully utilize your new video card's directx10 capabilities and/or looking for pointless massacre, this is not for you. If you are looking for a great RPG with unique magic system, great atmosphere and you are looking for gaming experience, this is a must have.… Expand
    • 2 of 2 users said yes
  2. Imachuemanch
    5
    I loved the idea of spell-system. Carving runes with your mouse is fun. But that's all good what I can about this game. Well, maybe a humour and voice acting is well performed. But the gameplay itself is so schematic, stiff and simply not interesting, I stopped playing. The levels are poorly designed, the UI is HELL. The characters are uninteresting, not original, let's say we forget about them few minutes after a conversation with them. Non-magic fighting is incredibly poor. The story is mediocre at best.… Expand
    • 0 of 0 users said yes
  3. BlairM
    4
    Idea for spell interface is great, but not very well executed. It, the rest of the interface, and the levels themselves all feel like they weren't tested enough. I think if Arkane had spent more time polishing this game it could have become one of my favourites. The graphics are also dated, but the game fell (and would have risen) on the basis of the UI.… Expand
    • 1 of 2 users said yes

See all 26 User Reviews

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