Arx Fatalis PC
Metascore
77 out of 100

Generally favorable reviews - based on 24 Critics

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 17 out of 24
  2. Mixed: 7 out of 24
  3. Negative: 0 out of 24
view
per page
  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. Thunderbolt
    90
    An underrated gem.
  4. netjak
    85
    With its very tight storyline, great combination of features from several older games, challenging but not frustrating puzzles, good graphics and awesome sound: this game beats even "Wizardry 8" in its peer group.
  5. PC Gamer
    85
    The compelling story, gorgeous graphics, and innovative magic system are more than enough to make this journey worthwhile. [Jan 2003, p.86]
    All this publication's reviews
  6. GameSpot
    84
    If your system can handle it and you don't have any hang-ups with wandering around in dark places, you'll likely find a lot to like.
  7. GameZone
    83
    An intriguing and wonderful game feature is the magic-casting system. You find or buy runes and then memorize the symbol and using the control key in conjunction with the mouse, draw the rune on the computer monitor to cast the spell. The effect is stunning.
  8. Games Radar
    82
    A very good tribute to an unquestioned classic, and well worth owning if you're a serious fan of role-playing games.
  9. Pregaming
    80
    Certainly not your run of the mill Dungeons and Dragons modeled game, Arx Fatalis reflects an innovative approach to the RPG genre.
  10. IGN
    80
    The atmosphere, spell system, puzzles, voices, and story were good and interesting enough to give me a pretty enjoyable experience.
  11. Yahoo! Games
    80
    A sensational story-led RPG, giving fans of the role-playing genre just what they need to enjoy the ride it takes you on.
  12. G4 TV
    80
    One thing that is nailed down tight is the visual style. Every area in Arx Fatalis is extremely atmospheric, and in a nod to the backstory, just feels right.
  13. Computer Gaming World
    80
    It sounds great, it looks even better, and it's the most original RPG not named "Morrowind" released in 2002. [Mar 2003, p.94]
    All this publication's reviews
  14. Quandary
    80
    You can almost feel the damp and the cold; and the echoing 'plink' of unseen dripping water or disembodied moans and a myriad of dungeon clangs and creaks haunt your every step.
  15. GameSpy
    75
    Underneath the technical problems is an innovative, creepy, and intense experience.
  16. Four Fat Chicks
    75
    If you like first-person perspectives in RPGs and enjoyed “Morrowind” (an all-around better game), plus have a high tolerance for the aforementioned idiosyncrasies of Arx, then I would recommend this title to you.
  17. Game Revolution
    75
    A solid game and a good Adventure/RPG in the style of "Deus Ex" or "System Shock 2." Like those games, its real strengths lie in allowing multiple styles of play and multiple solutions to problems.
  18. 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.
  19. Computer Games Magazine
    70
    But for every warm fuzzy old-school feeling it invokes, there's an annoying old-school counterbalance, including a litany of bugs (some of whihch have been patched) and a tired, predictable plot. [Jan 2003, p.70]
    All this publication's reviews
  20. eToychest
    70
    So many little things were done right in Arx Fatalis that any fan of the computer role playing game genre owes it to them to pick this game up and give it a try.
  21. ActionTrip
    69
    The game's innovative plot and magic system, supplemented with a great deal of interactivity, will surely appeal to most gamers, while the sheer complexity and skill advancement should please RPG fans.
  22. Game Over Online
    65
    "Master of Orion 3: had better save me from all this crap, that’s all I’ve got to say.
  23. PC Arena
    60
    The gameplay loses its luster after a while, but there are some exciting moments to be had. Die-hard RPG players may be frustrated with the game’s unswerving linearity.
  24. Adrenaline Vault
    50
    Completely engrossing, from the horribly narrated opening sequence to the pulse-pounding excitement of the final encounter. What Arx Fatalis lacks in innovation and polish, it more than makes up for in rich atmosphere.

User Reviews

All reviews »
User Score
8.1 out of 10

Generally favorable reviews- based on 74 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 21 out of 28
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 28
  3. Negative: 6 out of 28
  1. BobS.
    9
    Great game! If you are a fan of Ultima Underworld or System Shock you'll love this one. Worth the time, good story, great exploration and interface system. Best of all is the magic system. This is a rare gem and a nice treat to play.… Full Review »
  2. 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.… Full Review »
  3. MikeO.
    3
    Let's ignore the graphics as the game is old. I found that the controls were indeed quirky in a very annoying manner. Combat, normal point and click could have been combined into one system, but it wasn't. And managing your inventory? Just as annoying. Space is very limited even if you get two extra bags. The magic system? Terrible. Not only do you have to draw out the spells, you have to deal with a casting time as well. Granted you can memorize up to three spells for quick access, three is certainly not enough. My biggest complaint is that the monsters do not spawn fast enough. You can be litterally stuck waiting for monsters to spawn so you can *try* to gain a level so you can build up your skills just so you can pick a lock to advance in the game. And one of the side quests? Buggy as heck. It won't spawn the notes so I can finish it. The only real redeeming thing about this game is the voice acting. It was done fairly well and it shows. It's too bad that same level of quality wasn't put into the rest of the game.… Full Review »
See all user reviews »