What kind of game is Arcanum?

Arcanum: Of Steamworks and Magick Obscura is a role-playing video game developed by Troika Games and published by Sierra Entertainment in 2001. It is known for its unique blend of fantasy and steampunk elements, offering players the choice between technology and magic.

What platforms is Arcanum available on?

Arcanum was released exclusively for PC.

Who developed Arcanum?

Arcanum was developed by Troika Games, a company founded by former Fallout developers.

What year was Arcanum released?

Arcanum: Of Steamworks and Magick Obscura was released in 2001.

What are the main themes of Arcanum?

The main themes of Arcanum revolve around the conflict and coexistence of magic and technology, prejudice, industrialization, and societal change in a Victorian-era inspired fantasy world.

Arcanum: Of Steamworks and Magick Obscura

In short: Arcanum: Of Steamworks and Magick Obscura is an RPG game released in 2001 by Troika Games, available on PC. Our score: 8.5/10 (highly recommended). Lowest price we found right now: $3.89.

An acclaimed RPG by Troika Games.

Arcanum: Of Steamworks and Magick Obscura offers a deeply engaging cRPG experience, blending a Victorian-era fantasy setting with complex gameplay systems. Its groundbreaking Magick vs. Technology system forces players to choose between mastering arcane arts or embracing invention, with profound gameplay implications. The intricate crafting system combining alchemy, engineering, and enchanting further deepens player agency.

Game details

Developer: Troika Games
Publisher: Sierra
Release year: 2001
Platforms: PC
Category: RPG

Our review

Arcanum: Of Steamworks and Magick Obscura, a 2001 RPG by Troika Games, remains a cult classic for its ambitious world-building and intricate role-playing mechanics. Set in a unique steampunk-fantasy world where magic and technology clash, Arcanum offers a truly distinctive experience. The narrative is a standout, providing a rich, branching storyline with meaningful choices that impact the world and your character's journey. Character creation is incredibly deep, allowing for a vast array of playstyles, from a powerful mage to a technological inventor, each with unique interactions and consequences. The raw potential and depth of the game are its greatest strengths. However, it's not without its flaws. The graphics, even for 2001, were somewhat dated, and the combat system, while attempting innovation with real-time and turn-based elements, often feels clunky and unintuitive. Technical issues, including bugs and a less-than-optimized interface, are also prevalent. Despite these rough…

Pros

Deep, branching storyline with meaningful choices
Rich and unique steampunk-fantasy world
Extensive character customization and role-playing options
High replayability
Engaging lore and world-building

Cons

Dated graphics, even for its time
Clunky and unintuitive combat system
Prevalence of technical bugs
Unoptimized user interface

FAQ

What kind of game is Arcanum?: Arcanum: Of Steamworks and Magick Obscura is a role-playing video game developed by Troika Games and published by Sierra Entertainment in 2001. It is known for its unique blend of fantasy and steampunk elements, offering players the choice between technology and magic.
What platforms is Arcanum available on?: Arcanum was released exclusively for PC.
Who developed Arcanum?: Arcanum was developed by Troika Games, a company founded by former Fallout developers.
What year was Arcanum released?: Arcanum: Of Steamworks and Magick Obscura was released in 2001.
What are the main themes of Arcanum?: The main themes of Arcanum revolve around the conflict and coexistence of magic and technology, prejudice, industrialization, and societal change in a Victorian-era inspired fantasy world.

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Last updated: 01/04/2026