Arcanists

About

Arcanists is a multiplayer tactical turn-based strategy game. It was developed by pur3 extreme and was released on July 15, 2024. It received positive reviews from players.

Arcanists is a thrilling competitive + casual, multiplayer, turn-based, artillery game. Players take turns in a race against the clock, utilizing an array of spells to defeat their opponents in battle! Victory is accomplished by becoming the 'last man standing' (or last team) after all other players have been reduced to zero hitpoints. ------------------------------------- 100+ Achievements to …

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86%

Audience ScoreBased on 623 reviews

gameplay11 positive mentions

stability3 negative mentions

Highly nostalgic and faithful recreation of the original game with added new spellbooks and features.
Deep strategic turn-based gameplay with a high skill cap and many spell combinations.
Free to play with a strong sense of community among dedicated players and frequent updates by passionate developers.

Very small and dwindling player base, making matchmaking and finding games difficult.
Toxic and elitist community with unwelcoming behavior towards new players and moderation issues.
Balance problems due to overpowered meta spells, poor UI, and some gameplay mechanics causing frustrating, drawn-out matches.

gameplay
25 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
44%
44%
12%
The gameplay offers a fun, strategic, and addicting experience with a variety of spells, modes, and customization options, evoking a nostalgic charm. However, it suffers from imbalanced mechanics, unclear or hidden systems, and a clunky UI that can lead to frustrating trial-and-error moments. Despite some glitches and design changes from the original, the core gameplay remains engaging for those willing to adapt.
- “Super fun, strategic and endlessly entertaining gameplay.”
- “Taking players back to simpler times with its charming graphics and engaging gameplay.”
- “The game does need a lot of UI and other changes to make it more accessible, as currently it's leaning a bit too hard into the jankiness of the original game's UI and systems, but the core gameplay is a ton of fun.”
- “Hidden mechanics that make you lose and make no sense, frustrating trial and error gameplay (e.g. game doesn't explain there are type weaknesses, and water is weak to fire for some reason).”
- “The game and matching system are designed to meet the needs of a small group and it is impossible and unrealistic to progress in the game. The development team has also altered the original mechanics of the game too much, resulting in an extremely imbalanced and very glitchy experience.”
- “A lot of the old mechanics in the original game just don't work.”
graphics
20 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
25%
60%
15%
The graphics receive mixed feedback, with some appreciating the nostalgic, retro 2D pixel art that evokes a charming, simpler era, while others criticize the visuals as outdated and lacking quality compared to modern standards. Though the art style may be an acquired taste, many agree that the engaging gameplay and nostalgic appeal compensate for the lack of advanced graphics. Overall, the visuals are seen as decent but could benefit from modernization and additional polish.
- “Taking players back to simpler times with its charming graphics and engaging gameplay.”
- “The graphics and customization are just like I remember them.”
- “Solid gameplay, appealing visuals, free price tag.”
- “On the topic of visuals, the weak-looking 2D retro assets seem like they'd be more at home in a browser game or a mobile app.”
- “3D graphics accelerators hit the mainstream of PC gaming in the mid 1990s with cards like the ATI Rage and Voodoo3D; there's no excuse for such poor 2D graphics in 2026.”
- “Modern players will be turned off by terrible graphics and repetitive MIDI-quality soundtracks.”
humor
5 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
100%
The humor in Arcanists is nostalgic and lighthearted, evoking memories of childhood fun and playful chaos. It blends well with the game's complexity, offering a creative and entertaining experience that many players find genuinely funny.
- “Arcanists is more than a game—it's a gateway to memories of growing up, casting spells with childhood friends, and laughing through chaotic matches long before responsibility set in.”
- “It's funny, complex, and creative.”
- “Forgot how funny it can be at times.”
music
5 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
60%
40%
The music features low-quality, repetitive midi-style soundtracks reminiscent of the 1980s, which may deter modern players. However, each map has distinctive background music and unique spell sound effects that contribute to an enjoyable and engaging gameplay experience.
- “I can't tell you how good the music is, how fun the gameplay is; it's simple to grasp, yet has extreme depth and several methods of expression.”
- “Each map has its background music, and each spell has its own sound effect.”
- “Soundtrack, gameplay, super fun.”
- “Modern players will be turned off by terrible graphics and repetitive midi-quality soundtracks.”
- “Low-quality soundtracks that were likely composed in MIDI format from the 1980s.”
atmosphere
3 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
67%
33%
The game's atmosphere is noted for being highly atmospheric and chaotic, appealing especially to fans of magic and old 2D turn-based games. However, some users mention a negative presence of toxicity within the community that detracts from the overall experience.
- “The game is very atmospheric and chaotic.”
- “If you love magic, old and atmospheric 2D games, and turn-based matches, then I am sure you will like this game!”
stability
3 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
100%
The game suffers from significant stability issues, including frequent bugs, crashes, and login problems, making it largely unplayable. These problems contribute to a frustrating experience and reflect poorly on the remake compared to the original.
- “Game is very buggy, with low population. Played for a few hours only to be kicked from the game and then unable to log back in. Not worth wasting time. The game was made in 2006 and failed for a reason.”
- “Remaking and releasing a buggy remake is just disrespectful to the original Funorb game. Such a letdown.”
- “With all the game freezes, it's unplayable.”
emotional
3 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
100%
The emotional experience of the game has been marred by a shift from a supportive, welcoming community to one that is toxic and abusive, leading to frustration and disappointment for returning players. Despite personal achievements through dedication, the negativity within the player base significantly detracts from the enjoyment and nostalgia of the game.
- “This game initially started off with a very wholesome and pleasant community ready to help new players such as myself, but it is now left with the worst kinds of people who will verbally abuse you and kick you from games for not being as adept. I came back with excitement to play a game from my childhood, but this community of players ready to belittle you at every turn has ruined this experience for me.”
monetization
2 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
50%
50%
The game's monetization is well-received, focusing solely on cosmetic purchases, which players appreciate. Its strong player base and revival without marketing highlight its quality and appeal.
- “I think it is great that the only in-game purchases are cosmetic.”
grinding
1 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
100%
Users mention grinding briefly, suggesting it is a recognized part of the gameplay, though details about its impact or extent are not provided.
replayability
1 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
100%
The game offers high replayability, especially when played with friends, enhancing its long-term enjoyment.
- “Has lots of replayability and best played with friends.”