Arx Fatalis

not sure how the gog build quality is as I have the free version of the game that came with one of my video cards back in the day. I do know that the base game might have a few issues with modern systems and I highly recommend you checkout the Arx Libertatis project. Libertatis is a complete engine rebuild with modern system's in mind but you still need to original data files so the gog build should be great for that.

Arx Fatalis is a classic set in a fantasy dungeon world where all of civilization is underground. Throughout the game you'll encounter many races and decide how you deal with characters, and often through diplomacy, brute force, stealth, or magic.

This is a terrific game, absolutely worth playing even now after 20 years. At lest if you install the Arx Libertatis mod, haven't tried the game without it. The only thing I didn't like about the game was the fight with the demon and the final boss, but they can be defeated by just levitating above them and hitting them with your sword. The key system was also a hassle, but that can be fixed with a key-ring mod or dropping the key in front of it's keyhole after use.

Arx Fatalis has always been a game that I wanted to play when I was younger, but never could due to lack of a decent PC. Now, after all these years... I liked it a lot ( almost loved it), buuuut what does it for me is its atrocious technical realization. No, seriously. It's a game that truly doesn't hold your hand, that have a nice and no-so simple story ( if you dig deeper than your primary mission) , that have one of the most complex magic system I have ever seen ( although is not perfect, but I guess that's the point).. all things that I love.. but it doesn't matter: it's still a mess, a beautiful one, mind you, but still a mess. Gameplay wise, it's an old first person RPG style of gameplay, which is something that I personally love, and combat is not what defines this game: exploration is. And also remembering everything useful. Basically, even the logbook, while useful, is completely a mess in keeping track of the quests.. and I guess that's the point. The game, again, doesn't try or want to hold your hand, every single thing you achieve comes from your own intellect ( or from internet ;)). But unfortunately other aspects are.. well combat is bare bones ( at least, for melee) while the magic system is something unique... but good luck casting a spell in combat ( yes, you can prepare three of them, but it is not enough in later levels). What truly have caught my attention was the story and settings: unique, quirky and serious. But it's like they ran out of time while developing it ( I mean, I hope that is the case.. the story is fantastic but too little? too much focus in few but good side.stories, and even then they don't receive the time needed for developing correctly.. plus the voice-acting is terrible). I mean, this game came out AFTER Morrowind.. and it looks like ages behind it. So, after all my ranting, Do I recommend it? incredibly, YES. It's a mess, but a beautiful one. Although this game is for a very tight niche kind of gamers.

Nice old game, though it's pretty important that you get the Arx Libertatis community patch. Else you'll hate doing magic because of weird detection issues.