! would say no, it's not like Titan Quest's real-time combat system. It's much more hectic, to the point where I recommend that everyone just play in turn-based mode to save themselves the strain, to say nothing of taking full advantage of their agility stat.

You cannot dual-wield anything. Particularly not a melee and a ranged weapon.

I don't know of any game that allows you to make "nearly any" decisions on quests, but Arcanum allows you a lot more freedom than most games, and it's almost as free-roaming as they come.

You've got a huge landmass to explore from the get-go. The main plot puts a few limits on where you're allowed to go initially, but once you've "discovered" a new land, you're free to return to old stomping grounds anytime you like. The entire continent of Arcanum (plus or minus some islands) will be open to you by the end of the game.

I may be in the minority here but i actually quite like the real time combat in Arcanum... for me its much more fun! okay it could be argued that you don't have the time to react like you do in turn based but my take on it is its meant to be an adventure, things will jump out and suprise you, and if you're not quick enough they'll happily chew/shoot/stab/poke you until you're a bloody mess on the ground.

The game itself is phenomenal, I've finihsed the game many times with real time combat and a few with turn based. With just about every type of character you can think of (within reason, there are thousands of combinations in arcanum and not enough hours in the day) and all id say is go for it, Get stuck in! :D

Only things that really need mentioning so you don;t get whaled is save often, dont be stingy with potion/salve supplies and remember the quickbar is your friend :)

Both modes of combat have their merit, depending on the situation. An almost impossible fight against difficult enemies could call for turn-based combat, allowing the chance for careful planning and execution.

Then there's situations that could call for real-time combat. Possible scenarios include really easy encounters that you just want to finish as quickly as possible, like killing a few rats or trying to smash a locked barrel. Another possibility is when your party is heavily wounded, trying to rest just outside Tarant for free - resulting in a random encounter where you flee through town as a horde of yeti charge after you, killing anything that stands in their way!

I'm in agreement with DrWevil on this. Real-time is definitely more chaotic, but very rewarding if you're willing to work with it. The scenario with the yeti was only possible with a mod, but it is one of the most memorable battles I've had in my years of Arcanum.

Anyway, Arcanum has a lot to offer in terms of free-roaming. It really just boils down to how you like to play.