My previous weekend was almost entirely consumed in playing Arcanum from start to finish. I purchased it over a year ago, but never played through more than about half the game before getting distracted by the great shiny things of life. I’m glad I decided to play it again; it was worth it.

Arcanum is an old-fashioned computer role-playing game in the grand tradition of the Fallout series and Planescape: Torment. A huge world, an interesting story, and a huge range of abilities and outcomes. It’s set in a steampunk setting, which is as concisely as possible is a cross between the world of Tolkien and the 19th century industrial revolution. Elves in smoking jackets stroll down the street. Dwarves drink in taverns wearing chainmail and a top-hat, carrying a steam-powered battle axes.

On my most recent expedition to Arcanum, I decided to play the Most Beautiful Woman in the World. Insanely good looking (and a snappy dresser) as well as a smooth talker, she was adored by just about everyone she met. It was a hard road, as young Emma had no technological or magickal skills, but she seemed to attract a small army of followers who were able to take care of any things she couldn’t smile and talk her way out of. One cannot negotiate with zombies.

The main plotline, while dragging at times, is compelling, and picks up tremendous steam as it progresses. I suppose it’s for the best that it dragged, as there were a great number of incidental things to do which were not directly related to the overarching story. Still, many were small games in themselves. Young Emma spent most of her time amongst the well-to-do, but I am sure that there was equal depth of story for the more sinister of heart.

The period fantasy is done very well. Virtually everyone in the game is polite in a wonderfully Dickensian way (”Good show, madam!”). The costuming and architecture, machinery, and even the daily newspapers add to the mix. To top it off, it had a magnificent soundtrack, scored for string quartet. A far cry from the epic “this-is-exciting-damnit-its-got-brass-and-drums-see-see” of so many other games, the soothing score lent a huge amount of intimacy to the game. It made Arcanum was a cozy experience, like wrapping up in blankets on a stormy night and reading a good book.

In some ways I wish it were a book. Finishing it has left me wanting more, wanting to know the fates of many of the people I ran across. For all Emma was able to accomplish, there was so much more. Perhaps in a few months I will revisit the world and experience it again. Perhaps with someone a bit uglier. Maybe a gnome with a lisp and a penchant for firearms.