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Arx Fatalis

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7.3 User Score:

Generally favorable reviews

Based on 24 critic reviews
How did we calculate this?

Based on 34 votes
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Game Info

Publisher: JoWood Productions

Developer: Arkane Studios

Genre(s): Role-Playing Game

Players: 1

ESRB Rating: M (Mature)

Release Date: October 18, 2002

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]

Cheat Codes & Hints: Game Revolution

Also On The Web: Official Website

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...

Gamezilla!

The gameplay is so enjoyable and engrossing.

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PC Gameworld

Those looking for some old-school RPG fun will find Arkane Studios' latest release worth its weight in gold.

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Thunderbolt

An underrated gem.

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netjak

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.

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PC Gamer

The compelling story, gorgeous graphics, and innovative magic system are more than enough to make this journey worthwhile. [Jan 2003, p.86]

GameSpot

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.

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GameZone

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.

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Games Radar UK (Pre-2006)

A very good tribute to an unquestioned classic, and well worth owning if you're a serious fan of role-playing games.

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IGN

The atmosphere, spell system, puzzles, voices, and story were good and interesting enough to give me a pretty enjoyable experience.

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Computer Gaming World

It sounds great, it looks even better, and it's the most original RPG not named "Morrowind" released in 2002. [Mar 2003, p.94]

Pregaming

Certainly not your run of the mill Dungeons and Dragons modeled game, Arx Fatalis reflects an innovative approach to the RPG genre.

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Yahoo! Games

A sensational story-led RPG, giving fans of the role-playing genre just what they need to enjoy the ride it takes you on.

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Quandary

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.

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G4 TV

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.

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Four Fat Chicks

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.

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Game Revolution

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.

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GameSpy

Underneath the technical problems is an innovative, creepy, and intense experience.

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Computer Games Magazine

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]

Eurogamer

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.

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eToychest

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.

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ActionTrip

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.

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Game Over Online

"Master of Orion 3: had better save me from all this crap, that’s all I’ve got to say.

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PC Arena

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.

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Adrenaline Vault

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.

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What Our Users Said

The average user rating for this game is 7.3 (out of 10) based on 34 User Votes

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

Bob S. gave it a9:
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.

Blair M gave it a4:
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.

[Anonymous] gave it a10:
Some features in this game are only now starting to show up in newest games.

Blair M. gave it a4:
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 favorites. The graphics are also dated, but the game fell (and would have risen) on the basis of the UI.

[Anonymous] gave it a5:
The casting was cool but you have the most fuck up control step up ever attack targeting was bad pots where hard to use looting was time consuming no double click fast action when adding items to bag using pots but like I said I though the casting part was really cool thats why I gave it a 5 it was just that cool everything else seemed weak story was engaging but for the love of god why is it always a prison.

Doug E. gave it an8:
Really liked the game. The continuous fatal memory error was the only annoyance.

Ja gave it a9:
Game is great, if you know how to enjoy real RPG.

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Arx Fatalis

Game Info

Summary

What The Critics Said

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