I got this game from a random bundle and nearly gave up on it from downloading it and playing straight from Steam simply because the textures weren't loading properly (black boxes everywhere ... I didn't realise I had a health bar as it was black), and the spell-casting was iffy. It's mentioned a lot in these reviews, but Arx Libertatis is a must to enjoy the game.

It is enjoyable for what it is - an old, janky RPG with puzzles and funny secrets. I kinda want to say it was ahead of its time with how you can interact with things. The spell casting system is unique and I don't think I've seen it replicated elsewhere. I did try an assortment of the spells, but some are clearly better than others. The story is alright, too, and sets itself up for a sequel if they ever wanted to, but stands well enough on its own.

Some annoyances are symbols registering as a different one mid-fight, some hallways are too small so prepare to get stuck behind a foot-dragging guard, there is some running back-and-forth but I think that was mostly me exploring an area too early and needing to go back later (the map can get confusing), and not really being sure of what to do next - do I talk to X or talk to Y? But when I do, they tell me nothing etc. only for me to realise, oh I guess I do have to do that one small thing I thought was a side-quest to progress.

Nonetheless, I played it constantly, got trolled by the game, and cooked a few rats. Would recommend.

Very good RPG with a lot of Looking Glass Studios energy.

The whole map is a big underground dungeon, and it's very interesting to explore, full of secrets and intriguing worldbuilding details. It's incredibly atmospheric with great sound design, graphics, map details, etc and is made with a lot of care to really pull you into the unique setting. You're given a lot of freedom to explore the world at your own pace and even affect it in significant ways, like being able to kill anybody and get unique reactions and alternate quest endings. There's no handholding in Arx. You're given little quest updates, but beyond that, it's up to you to remember things and figure out where you want to go and how to progress.

Alongside that, the mechanics are really fun. Melee combat is good but isn't anything to write home about, but the magic is amazing. Having to draw spells out is a little cumbersome but adds a layer of strategy with the real time and memorization elements. Spells can be crazy powerful and only get more powerful as you level up. I also really loved the inventory system and how you're able to combine things and freely place and move around objects in the world. What really shines about the mechanics is the discovery element. Just like how you've gotta explore the world to find secrets, you frequently have to experiment with the mechanics to figure out what works, like what item combinations do or how they can help you or what secret spells there are through memorizing symbol meanings and experimenting with them. Even after you already know most of this stuff, it's just really engaging how intertwined it all feels.

It's hard to fully describe the appeal of everything, but Arx Fatalis is a really satisfying RPG to make your way through with a fantastic setting that only helps to draw you in. Highly recommended, just remember to grab Arx Libertatis so it runs fine on modern computers.

It's one of those games that you always want to replay, but never find the time. Well, you should find it, or play it for the first time. This is still one of the greatest immersive sims out there, and with Arx Libertatis the game works perfectly on modern PCs in 4k.

Of course, Arx Fatalis has its flaws: the combat is clunky, the UI isn't the most convenient, and some of the quests are really obscure. However, the world building, exploration, and the story are really good. In fact, I think the only Arcane Studios game with a better storytelling is Prey.