Steampunk, a genre quickly surpassed by its sibling genre, cyberpunk, is an undeniably fantastic setting for game worlds, somehow attracting more game developers into its ranks than it does any other form of art. While the majority of steampunk games seem to be in the stealth genre, stemming from the earlyThiefgames,RPGsseem to be a close second in terms of visual style.
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Something about the retrofuturistic grit and grime makes the perfect art direction for studios who want a departure from more common motifs, often paired with fantasy imagery for optimal conceptual contrast. Games likeFinal Fantasytook this idea in strides, and more or less single-handedly popularized that specific visual genre for generations to come, alongside the aforementionedThieffranchise. For those looking to explore the rusty browns of the genre’s undeniable highlights, these might be the best places to start.
10Steamworld Quest
The most recent in theSteamWorldseries,SteamWorld Quest: Hand of Gilgamechis a different spin on the studio’s former efforts, adding an element of fantasy (a common recurrence between steampunk games). Instead of adapting the series to a straight-forward RPG, however, theSteamWorlddevs implement a deck-building mechanic to keep the formula fresh. The unique spin on the genre is especially effective when paired with the game’s beautiful hand-drawn assets and vibrant world-building.
9Arcanum: Of Steamworks And Magick Obscura
Activision’s response to the popularity of earlyadaptations of tabletop RPGsto the virtual gamespace,Arcanumis a weird mash-up ofD&DandShadowrun. The game prides itself in being so free a world that an adventurer “might just as easily wield a flintlock pistol as a flaming sword.”
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Regardless of its vaguely contrived advertising,Arcanumis actually an interesting CRPG, providing quite a large world and some great character-building mechanics, using basic stat chains instead of classes and providing some interesting opportunities for roleplaying.
8They Are Billions
They Are Billionsbrings zombies to the steampunk crowd, literally unleashing billions of undead upon the last remaining human civilizations. Players take over here, gaining access to the post-apocalypse’s most advanced technology to build and protect their cities from the outside threat. Though maybe falling short of some of its contemporaries,They Are Billionsis an undeniably addicting andtime-consuming RTSworthy of genre fans' time.
7Torchlight II
In the vein of classic RPGs,Torchlightaims to pick up whereDiabloleft off with yet another fusion of fantasy and tech (an undying trend at this point). The games have received quite a bit of critical praise, improving on fans' wants and needs from the formula, and adding some of thebest multiplayer mechanicsin the genre.Torchlight’sfun visual style and addicting gameplay makes it one of the better entries for those looking for something to pick up with their friends, and the second game is perhaps the best example in the series for those purposes.
6Vaporum
An obvious child ofBioshock’simmense influence on the industry,Vaporumimplements the first-person oceanic escapades into a grid-based dungeon crawler.
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Though the game’s inspiration is dangerously implemented, down to the intro sequence and main plotline,Vaporumpulls it all off surprisingly well, and begins to forge a reputation of its own. Grid-based dungeon crawlers may be a relatively outdated system that looks unappealing to new generations, but the format does itself a lot of favors here. While not mind-blowing, it’s a must-try for anyone looking to get back to theold-school rootsof first-person RPGs.
5Skies Of Arcadia
Though it’s more or less been locked in timeon the Dreamcastand Gamecube consoles,Skies of Arcadiais now a retro favorite among RPG fanatics. The game follows a group of sky pirates as they attempt to prevent an evil empire from unearthing a devastating ancient weapon. The game’s visuals were typically vivid for the generation, and its characters and systems would undoubtedly be in the ranks of fan-favorite RPGs, if not for having beenleft behind by its studio.
4Kenshi
Kenshiis an interesting MMO. For one, it’s undeniably ugly, even so far as to bemistaken for a shovelwareindie title by uncaring audiences. What players find upon beginning their journey, however, is much more unexpected.Kenshiis strange even in concept, it’s a mix of Eastern motifs with a subtle steampunk overlay and a surreal fantasy twist. Players take on the typical survival world but choose who they want to be in that context — a trader, a thief, an explorer, a warrior, or just another meal for uncaring cannibals.
3Steambot Chronicles
Another RPG franchise lost ina former generation,Steambot ChroniclesAKABumpy Trotwas an action RPG for the PS2 that took a surprisingly western turn on its steampunk visuals. The games are more sandbox-style mech pilot sims, in which the player takes control of a young boy whose character is influenced by player choices throughout the campaign, much likeFablebefore it.
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The majority of gameplay surrounds the creation and customization of mechs, with a secondary emphasis on music, as the playable character is a solo musician in his free time, which becomes more prevalent throughout the game.
2Resonance Of Fate
Resonance of Fatecan only really be described as a visual combo ofFinal FantasyandDark Souls, with the bonus addition of what the devs call “symphonic gunplay.” The game hardly got the reception it deserved in the west, and has become something ofa hidden gem. The game’s story is set in the distant future on a ruined planet in which the players must constitute blazing gun battles with their foes in an effort to change the fate of the world.
1Final Fantasy VI
Aside from the game-breaking popularity ofFinal Fantasy 7-10,the sixth entry in the franchise remains somewhat underappreciated in terms of modern crowds who might see the game as dated relative to Square Enix’s contemporary efforts.
FFVI,however, remains one of thebest in the series, with a deeply interpersonal storyline and humongous scale. This was also the first title to dive headfirst into the steampunk aesthetic, taking a lot more visual influence from the movement than the previous entries' mere flirtations with it.
