The quest design is sparse, with only a handful of contextual side content, but with many non-specified goals, like robbing a bank or following cryptic scavenger hunts – player agency and exploration being emphasised instead of direct instructions.

All of this results in an eclectic pacing which means that, while the game is short for an RPG, clocking in at about 20 hours, there is a great deal of variation. This is reflected in the progress system as well, only three of the nine skills that define the player's avatar being decidedly combat-focused. Since these can be increased without any restriction, versatility is heavily encouraged.

Balance leaves a lot to be desired though; Ethereal Link shows enemy statistics and boosts your magical power regeneration, but, given the simple combat and the high amount of potions available, it can be safely ignored. In dire contrast, the indispensable Object Knowledge is the only way to create, enchant, repair and even identify items, which cannot be used otherwise.

While Arx Fatalis isn't overly combat focused, the moments where it does feature fighting for extensive periods of time are decidedly one of its weaker parts. Melee and range combat are decidedly mediocre but stealth is surprisingly well-done with it having a shadow-based detection gradient. A clear nod to Thief by Looking Glass, the same studio that made Ultima Underworld. Sadly the game in no way supports a pure stealth approach. Still, skulking through the shadows can be a pretty tense experience, especially at early levels.

Now onto one of the game's best aspects: the magic system. Each spell is cast by using specific runes, which need to be manually drawn using the mouse, similar to Peter Molyneux's Black & White. The effects that can be achieved are quite numerous and frankly outstanding considering this a studio's first game.