Arcatera: The Dark Brotherhood is a role-playing game with familiar character archetypes in a traditional fantasy setting. As an RPG, the focus in Arcatera is to provide players with as much freedom as possible, allowing the story to progress according to the player's decisions. Any character, be she a murderous bandit or a humble townsperson, may be approached with either friendly words or with a drawn weapon with the player's character will benefit or suffer from the approach chosen. The story includes ten different endings, providing a realistic outcome for a wide range of player choices.

Much of the game takes place in the land of Senora and the surrounding forest where players will meet many NPC's, some who may have useful information and others who are best dealt with by sword or spell. Another uncommon feature in Arcatera involves the game clock, which is always running when the game is played. No matter what choices the player makes, or what tasks are accomplished or left unfinished, the story and the game end after three weeks of game time. ~ T.J. Deci, All Game Guide