NFG Summary:Arx Fatalis is an immersive and thrilling game that brings players into a world of danger and darkness. With its unique onscreen gesture-based magic system, players can unleash powerful spells and engage in epic battles against a variety of formidable foes. The game offers an exciting and strategic gameplay experience that will keep players on the edge of their seat as they strive to prevent the return of the god of devastation and chaos.
Categories: Western, RPG Meta Score: 71 Store: Arx Fatalis (Price: $ 1,72) User Score: 84.0 Platform:Xbox, PC Publisher Names:DreamCatcher Interactive Support Language: English, French, German, Italian, Spanish – Spain, Russian Publish Date: 2003-12-23
ScreenShots:
PC Requirements:
Minimum: Windows XP, 500 MHz Pentium ® III or compatible, 64 MB RAM , DirectX 8 or higher, DirectX 8 compatible sound- and graphics card with 16 MB, 750 MB fixed disks Recommended: 900 MHz Pentium ® III or compatible, 256 MB RAM , DirectX 8 or higher, DirectX 8 compatible sound- and graphics card with 32MB, 750 MB fixed disks
Description
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]
Positive Comment(s)
This title ported very well to the Xbox. Though mostly a quest-driven RPG, Arx Fatalis still manages to offer enough variety and discovery to keep players enthralled.83GameZone
The perfect balance of non-linear gameplay and plot development, the game offers a unique experience that successfully evolves the gameplay of the original.80Gamer’s Pulse
It’s long, complex, and difficult. There’s so much freedom of control and so many passages to discover, that it’s hard not to find yourself completely immersed in this dark and dangerous world.80G4 TV
Less reverb and echo! Sure the game is underground and all, but lay off a bit!78XboxAddict
A solid RPG with an innovative magic system. With some deep object interaction, challenging puzzles, and a nice progression, the game is a fun experience.78IGN
The experience is so immersive one can build a fishing rod, catch a fish, and bake it in an open fire. [Apr 2004, p.7]91Computer Games Magazine
Doesn’t do much of anything RPG fans haven’t seen countless times before-but it does everything we’ve seen time and again well.85RPG Fan
Arkane Studios has done a wonderful job in transferring this PC game onto the Xbox where hopefully even more people can enjoy it.84GamingTrend
Arx should take you around 30 hours to complete, possibly more depending on how fast you are at figuring out a few of the puzzles or how often you have to reload some of the more difficult combats.84Game Chronicles
Negative Comment(s)
Those desiring a fast-paced FPS should search elsewhere, but Arx will certainly be up some people’s alleys. [Jan 2004, p.150]75Game Informer
Fans of “Morrowind” will be interested immediately, since the essential style of the game is very similar, but the game offers up less depth than “Morrowind” in many ways and is far less open ended.75Deeko
A solid dungeon crawler with dated graphics and audio.75Into Liquid Sky
The voice-acting meanwhile features a variety of accents and the sound effects adequately portray the stark reality of a strange world.70Gamestyle
With its open-ended structure and unusual story line, Arx Fatalis is the polar opposite of traditional console RPGs, and that’s why I like it so much.70GMR Magazine
If “Morrowind,” fantasy and claustrophobia are not your favourite things, then there really isn’t a point.70Eurogamer
The graphics are somewhat weak in this game.70Next Level Gaming
For those who grew up on dungeon crawls, this is a title that can’t miss.70eToychest
A poor framerate, bland textures, awful character models, clipping bugs, and a messy interface all suck the fun out of what should be a solid RPG. [Jan 2004, p.76]65Official Xbox Magazine
The game drags under the weight of too much walking and item gathering – mostly while looking down at the ground – and not enough engaging action.60GamePro
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