The first release by developer Troika Games, Arcanum: Of Steamworks and Magick Obscura follows many of the well-established conventions of third-person 2D role-playing games. Features like the isometric view and even the red and blue health and energy meters will be immediately familiar to veterans of games like Diablo. The real-time/turn-based combat system seems essentially similar to that of Baldur's Gate.
But Arcanum breaks away from the RPG crowd in its storyline and game world. Instead of a traditional fantasy or futuristic sci-fi setting, Arcanum blends the two, creating a world in which flintlock pistols are as common as magical swords. Humans, Dwarves, Orcs and Elves must stay wary as technology and magic coexist and compete to unexpected, sometimes tumultuous consequences. The open character development structure in Arcanum should allow most role-players the freedom to explore this unique world as they please, through a comfortable, familiar interface.