Arcanum: Of Steamworks and Magick Obscura is a cult RPG by Troika Games, released in June 2001. The game was developed by former members of Black Isle Studios, the creators of the equally cult project Fallout. Despite this, Arcanum: Of Steamworks and Magick Obscura was a commercial failure, yet it still has its army of fans around the world. In Russia, the game was never officially published, and the existing translations are thanks entirely to fans and enthusiasts.
The action of Arcanum: Of Steamworks and Magick Obscura takes place on the eponymous continent of Arcanum, where magic coexists with advanced technologies typical of the 19th century. Magic originally existed on the continent, but at a certain point, a technological breakthrough occurred that led to a rapid industrial development. The only thing that impeded the victorious march of technology across the continent was the use of magic. Its application altered physical laws, causing technology to malfunction.
The game can be classified as nonlinear, as it allows players to follow either a 'good' or 'evil' path, and additionally, the player can change the outcome. Even side quests have a couple of solutions, and all of this together can alter the game world. According to the storyline of Arcanum: Of Steamworks and Magick Obscura, the airship that the main character was traveling on was shot down by the half-ogre aviation, and as a result, he became the only survivor of the crash. Once on the ground, he encountered a half-dead dwarf who gave him a ring. As he was dying, the dwarf tried to tell something about the impending arrival of Evil but did not make it in time. What this ring signifies and what Evil is destined to come into this world forms the basis of the plot of Arcanum: Of Steamworks and Magick Obscura.
There are a total of eight races in the game: humans, dwarves, halflings, gnomes, half-orcs, half-ogres, as well as elves and half-elves. Thanks to a well-thought-out role-playing system, players can create their unique characters. The maximum level for advancement is 50. Each player can choose a specialization, and depending on whether it pertains to magic or technology, their standing with followers of technology or wizards will be positively or negatively affected. There is a special parameter called Aptitude, which indicates the player's alignment with either camp. For example, elves are more inclined towards magic, while dwarves are unfamiliar with it but are the best in technology.
Each player has characteristics that can be improved – strength, constitution, beauty, agility, intelligence, willpower, charisma, and perception. There are also various skills, including combat, social, technical, and thievery skills. In addition, Arcanum: Of Steamworks and Magick Obscura features sixteen schools of magic and eight technological disciplines. Overall, if you decide to play this fascinating project, you will find plenty to keep you occupied for a long time.