Arcanum: Of Steamworks and Magick Obscura (2016)

Arcanum: Of Steamworks and Magick Obscura thrusts players into a richly imagined world where the industrial revolution clashes with ancient magic. Imagine bustling metropolises where towering factories stand beside ancient keeps, and the denizens—Dwarves, Humans, Orcs, and Elves—navigate a landscape infused with both arcane energies and the whirring gears of innovation. This is a realm where a sharp flintlock can be as potent as a conjured flame, where runes intertwine with steam engines, and the lines between sorcery and science blur into a unique, compelling setting. The game's extensive character creation system mirrors this duality, offering unparalleled freedom to shape your protagonist. Whether you delve into arcane arts or embrace technological marvels, Arcanum’s world dynamically reacts to your choices, facilitated by a classless, point-based attribute system that allows for boundless customization across eight core stats, numerous derived attributes, sixteen primary skills, a vast array of spells across sixteen magical colleges, and fifty-six technological advancements within eight distinct disciplines. Beyond its intricate character development, Arcanum offers an expansive and mysterious world to explore, boasting over 30 hours of real-time traversal and a population of over 300 unique characters and monstrous foes. The game presents players with a multitude of approaches to its myriad quests, encouraging everything from honorable duels to cunning thievery and persuasive discourse. Combat itself is a flexible affair, allowing for real-time encounters with creatures or strategic, turn-based planning. The immersive world is further enhanced by accurate day and night cycles that influence gameplay mechanics, from combat prowess to stealth effectiveness. For those seeking to shape their own experiences, Arcanum provides robust world-building tools, and for those who enjoy shared adventures, an online multiplayer scenario allows for cooperative or competitive play. This deep, open-ended experience makes Arcanum: Of Steamworks and Magick Obscura a standout title that exemplifies the variety and depth of Activision's best offerings.