Arcanum: of Steamworks and Magick Obscura

The gameplay of the game is a mixed bag, with some praising its unique mechanics and deep character customization, while others criticize its clunky controls, outdated systems, and numerous bugs. Many players appreciate the rich world-building and engaging story, but find the gameplay experience hampered by its age and complexity, often requiring unofficial patches for a smoother experience. Overall, it offers a nostalgic charm for fans of classic RPGs, but may frustrate newcomers with its steep learning curve and mechanical shortcomings.

The graphics of the game are widely regarded as outdated and reminiscent of early titles like Fallout 1 and 2, often described as "bad" or "sub-par." While some players appreciate the nostalgic charm and unique aesthetic, many find the visuals to be a significant drawback, with issues such as graphical glitches and limited resolution options on modern systems. Despite these shortcomings, the game's compelling story and gameplay can overshadow the graphical limitations for those willing to overlook them.

The music in the game is widely praised for its beautiful and immersive quality, particularly its melancholic string compositions that perfectly complement the steampunk setting. While some players noted a lack of variety and occasional repetitiveness, many found the soundtrack unforgettable and integral to the game's atmosphere. Overall, the music is considered one of the standout features, enhancing the storytelling and emotional depth of the experience.

The game's stability is widely criticized, with numerous reports of bugs, glitches, and crashes that render it nearly unplayable without unofficial patches. While some players find enjoyment in the experience after troubleshooting and applying fixes, the overall consensus is that the game requires significant modding to run smoothly, especially on newer systems. Despite its charm and engaging content, the persistent technical issues detract from the overall experience.

The game is praised for its high replayability, offering numerous character customization options, varied gameplay styles, and multiple ways to approach quests. Players appreciate the depth of choices, including moral alignments and unique character interactions, which encourage multiple playthroughs. While some note a degree of repetitiveness after several runs, the overall consensus is that the game remains engaging and rewarding over time.

The humor in the game is widely praised for its absurdity and clever dialogue, with many players highlighting hilarious moments and social commentary, particularly involving gnomes. The character creation process and varied playstyles contribute to the comedic experience, allowing for amusing interactions and outcomes, especially when neglecting intelligence. Overall, while the game has its flaws, the humor remains a standout feature that enhances the enjoyment of the gameplay.

The game's optimization is widely criticized, with many users reporting significant performance issues, including drastic frame rate drops and the need for various patches to run smoothly on modern systems. While some players have found success with unofficial patches and specific settings, the overall consensus is that the game is poorly optimized for contemporary hardware, detracting from the experience. Despite its engaging content, the lack of proper optimization remains a major complaint among players.

Character development in the game is highly praised for its depth and versatility, allowing players to shape their characters through meaningful choices and diverse skill sets. The engaging storyline and rich world respond dynamically to character decisions, offering a wide range of options from moral alignment to combat styles. While some players note that the game may struggle to balance its ambitious character development features, the overall consensus highlights it as a standout aspect that enhances the gameplay experience.

The atmosphere of Arcanum is widely praised for its unique blend of steampunk elements, rich storytelling, and memorable characters, creating an immersive experience that stands out in the RPG genre. Reviewers highlight the game's complex narrative and the significant impact of player choices, contributing to a deep and engaging world. While some note budget constraints, the overall consensus is that the game's atmosphere and story are exceptional, often surpassing those of larger studio titles.

Players find the grinding aspect of the game to be tedious and time-consuming, often requiring excessive travel and repetitive tasks to progress. While some enjoy the leveling system and feel a sense of improvement with each level, many express frustration with the slow pace and the need for multiple playthroughs to fully experience the game. Overall, grinding is seen as a necessary but unenjoyable part of the gameplay.

Players express a mix of frustration and deep emotional engagement with the game, highlighting its challenging mechanics and complex themes. While technical issues detract from the experience, the narrative's exploration of significant societal questions evokes a strong emotional response, making it a memorable journey akin to that of other emotionally charged games like Mass Effect.