Arcanum opens, the mechanical age has only recently arrived in this ancient land where Humans, Elves, Dwarves, Orcs and other races have learned to coexist in the new sprawling industrialized cities.

But this radical shift from magic to technology has created a potentially explosive situation.  While the townspeople and other thinkers begin mass production of light bulbs, batteries, eyeglasses and guns, the Mages grow leery.  This tightly-wound setting is the starting point from which the character must set out on his quest.

Arcanum allows gamers to assume the role of multiple pre-existing characters or create their own, and provides many paths to explore the game world, ensuring the highest degree of replay ability.  Meanwhile, the multiplayer component extends the life of the game and appeals to a large fan base that enjoys cooperative and competitive play.