Games

Best of 2009 | 08 |07 | 06 | 05
Advanced Search

Stars indicate the most critically-acclaimed games.

Anachronox

EMAIL PRINT pc

8.7 User Score:

Generally favorable reviews

Based on 18 critic reviews
How did we calculate this?

Based on 12 votes
Read user comments
Rate this game >

Game Info

Publisher: Eidos Interactive

Developer: Ion Storm

Genre(s): Role-Playing Game

Players: 1

ESRB Rating: T (Teen)

Release Date: June 26, 2001

Summary

Theory has it Anachronox was once home to millions of quarantined aliens who died of some horrible plague (Anachronox literally means "poison from a previous time"), leaving this city to fall to ruins, to be taken over by the refuse of the galaxy as the center of their nefarious dealings. Here our story begins. [Eidos Interactive]

Cheat Codes & Hints: Adrenaline Vault Cheat Code Central GameSpot Happy Puppy

Also On The Web: Official Website Planet Anachronox

What The Critics Said

All critic scores are converted to a 100-point scale. If a critic does not indicate a score, we assign a score based on the general impression given by the text of the review. Learn more...

100

Four Fat Chicks

All in all, Anachronox is a long, rich, elegant, worthwhile, and above all satisfying gaming experience. The characters, story, and quests are really loads of fun. The goals are always clear, and if you get sidetracked you have no one to blame but yourself, and ultimately no harm is done.

Read Full Review >

All Game Guide

The game is reminiscent of a well-written novel that is funny, suspenseful, and, yes, epic in scope.

Read Full Review >

PC Gameworld

Anachronox is full of vibrant color and rich detail, and could easily pass for an "Unreal Tournament"-based game.

Read Full Review >

Voodoo Extreme

All of this gaming goodness is presented to you by the cutting-edge "Quake 2" engine – well, it was cutting edge years ago. Now, its age shows drastically.

Read Full Review >

GameSpy

Fun, engaging, and very entertaining. Some will be drawn in by the story, some by the humor, and some by the sheer originality of the world that has been created.

Read Full Review >

Gaming Age

A unique and refreshing console style RPG whose superb story and irreverent characters easily overshadow its minor technical limitations.

Read Full Review >

ActionTrip

It tells you a great story, but it never goes beyond that in terms of giving the player more freedom...Don't get me wrong, the game is still very addictive in that classic adventure sense, as it makes you wanna play an extra hour to see what's gonna happen.

Read Full Review >

IGN

Despite the aged graphics, the game makes you laugh and once you get past the first couple hours you'll find a truly fun RPG. While it isn't the 200+ hour monster that most PC gamers are used to (see "Baldur's Gate II" for that), it will keep you busy for over 60 hours, and for a console-style RPG that is a very good length.

Read Full Review >

Quandary

Anachronox is an extremely enjoyable game. Although billed as a console style RPG it has a lot of adventuring and puzzle elements mixed in which might appeal to some adventurers as well as RPG fans.

Read Full Review >

GameZone

The slowdowns in the game are semi-frustrating, while the 'adult' nature of the program is overstated. The program is a terrific combination of gaming elements.

Read Full Review >

Electric Playground

The game evokes memories of Blade Runner, the dark-grey/pink palettes lending a film noir ambiance that fits the plot like a black leather glove.

Read Full Review >

Gamer's Pulse

Past the technical issues and bland combat system is a universe that’s worth exploring.

Read Full Review >

GameSpot

In terms of gameplay, it's a by-the-book entry in an established genre, but its American perspective and a successful sense of humor set it apart from the pack.

Read Full Review >

Computer Games Magazine

Brief moments of brilliance speak of the fantastic game that Anachronox could have been, but it never quite makes it up to anything more than slightly above average.

Read Full Review >

Game Revolution

The writing and design are fresh and clever, but the actual gameplay can drag at times.

Read Full Review >

GamePower

Anachronox has a deep and satisfying noir sci-fi back story and genuinely well-wrought characterization. For all that, it is remarkably unengaging to play.

Yahoo! Games

Ion Storm seems absolutely dead set on making you scream with frustration for the long haul through the opening section of the game.

Read Full Review >

Adrenaline Vault

A triumph of mediocrity.

Read Full Review >

What Our Users Said

The average user rating for this game is 8.7 (out of 10) based on 12 User Votes

Note: User votes are NOT included in the Metascore calculation.

Tyler E gave it a10:
I haven't been able to find a single game that has been nearly as enthralling and inspiring as Anachronox since I picked it up back in 2001. Poor and buggy gameplay is made up easily by the incredible story, amazing environments, awesome characters, rofl-able humor, etc., etc. I still find myself often pushing friends into it and youtubing cutscenes to share with people. The game is simply genius, and the adventure is unforgettable.

Mocanu I. gave it a10:
A superb game, proof that games are art and one I'd really like to see brought to an end. The story ended so abruptly it made me shed a tear.

SHODAN gave it a10:
This game has personality and style. The setting and narrative are original and unique in their presentation. It is a detailed and subtle world. The characters are complex and meaningful. I found myself resonating with their ideas, feelings and motivations as their back stories unfurled. The game has some intentionally hilarious moments and others which are emotionally weighty. The graphics may be poor technically, but the art-direction is effective in setting up the atmosphere across varied environments and is aided by a stellar score. The game is of good length, too. Sure, it has some bugs and other poor design decisions, but for the original, engaging and meaningful experience it presents, I can forgive it.

Ed RM gave it a10:
Simply a classic. Fun, fun and fun. Good plot and incredibly well directed cutscenes with characters with personality.

David M. gave it a 10:
Weak graphics, and bugs are the only thing that hamper this excellent pc rpg to save pc rpgs. Turn based and wonderful, this thing roxxorz mcownage, a must buy for pc afficianados.

John D. gave it a 6:
Can be absorbing and fun but then come along the frustrating and annoying mini missions to hold you up. Not a classic and could have been a lot better. Not particularly difficult either - apart from the mini missions.

Games

Sony

Microsoft

Nintendo

Other Platforms

Upcoming &Recent Releases

Anachronox

Game Info

Summary

What The Critics Said

What Our Users Said

Upcoming &
Recent Releases