If you're at all familiar with Ultima Underworld, Arx Fatalis will be extremely familiar, with the first person perspective, runes, and item usage, such as combining items to make new products, prevalent in Arx. Though initially almost exactly alike, Arx Fatalis separates itself with a much more artistically designed world and improved graphics. In fact, the entire underground world of Arx is a testament to excellent artistry and graphics, giving the whole a gritty, spooky feel. Item usage, enemy AI, and other aspects of the game are for the most part extremely well done, as is the instructive manual. Sound is also excellent, and extremely necessary, as often dialogue is not printed out in text, and your character will often audibly let you know his status or needs.​