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Platform: PC Genre: RPG Publisher: Fishtank Interactive Developer: Arkane Studios ETA: Summer 2002
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ARX
Fatalis
Developed by French developer Arkane Studios, ARX Fatalis is a modern day Ultima Underworld. Set in the world of Arx, the game focuses on the classic good versus evil. In this case, the evil is the god of Chaos, Akbaa, and a host of minions who seek to plunge the world into darkness and have forced the citizens of various cities to flee their homes and hide in underground caverns. The story of the game revolves around players journeying through vast labyrinthine dungeons and cities. In addition to a story-rich single player game, ARX also promises an online death match mode. Like all other RPG’s, the world of Arx is inhabited by numerous races ranging from humans, to dwarves, to goblins just to name a few. ARX promises a non-linear game play experience by enabling players to do as they wish when they wish. If you are offended by a presumptuous character, you have it in your hands to deal death or to be the epitome of patience. Interactions with the characters of the game are highly detailed. Fans of the Ultima series will find plenty to admire in ARX, as the various characters and items can be interacted with in a wide variety of ways. |
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In a move that was inspired by classic RPG’s before it, ARX includes a complex character creation process. While nothing concrete has been announced thus far, if ARX follows in the footsteps of other RPG character creation processes, then you’ll be able to customize every facet of your character from the sex of the character to physical appearances to specialties. No RPG would be complete without sub quests and ARX promises enough sub-quests to keep even the most die hard of players busy. While maybe not quite as varied as say EverQuest |
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(which is an entirely different topic altogether), the sub-quests in ARX will enable players to learn more about the story and the world as well as the obligatory character enhancements and treasure hunts. The
magic system of ARX may very well be its most intriguing aspect.
Inspired by the Death Gate Cycle of books by Margaret Weis and
Tracy Hickman, the magic system of ARX uses a variety of runes, which
players draw on screen via the mouse.
There are over 50 unique spells in ARX and there is even the
possibility of being able to combine runes and creating new spells
altogether.
Using
a first-person engine, ARX looks beautiful in the handful of screenshots
that Arkane has seen fit to reveal to the world.
Spell effects are dazzling and full of colorful particle effects.
The interface will seem extremely familiar to fans of the Ultima
Underworld series and Everquest players alike.
The choice to use a familiar interface will enable players to
delve right into the game without spending too much time learning the
basics. ARX Fatalis is slated for a summer 2002 release on the PC and will be published by Fishtank Interactive. - David Reese |
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