[friend_al_23]

The first six months of 2001 have been a very good period for CRPG fans. The second half of the year also holds great promise, with the release of Arcanum: Of Steamworks & Magick Obscura widely expected to be a highlight. The first project to be developed by Troika Games, it takes place in a huge, varied gameworld that offers an intriguing twist on high fantasy. While it contains magic alongside familiar races like elves and dwarves, the game is set in the midst of an industrial revolution that has brought urbanization, steam age technology and affordable manufactured goods. The dual forces of magic and technology co-exist, but since their basic natures are polar opposites, the balance between them is not always stable.

-- Sharon Shellman