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Steampunk has infiltrated just about every medium of entertainment... and video games are no exception! There are many steampunk-inspired games out there for the avid gamer. As such, I've compiled a short list of video games that I consider "steampunk."
1. Final Fantasy VI
Known for its break from the traditional medieval RPG setting, Final Fantasy VI takes place in a highly mechanized, steampunk inspired world devoid of magic. The game world's society mirrors that of the Victorian era, with an emphasis on opera and the fine arts as a means of entertainment for its denizens. Likewise, steam-powered railroad systems snake across the map. A ground-breaking entry in the FF series, it's a must play for pretty much any gamer.
2. Nostalgia
Another turn-based RPG adventure, this one takes place in our world, with familiar locations like London, New York, Cairo, and Japan. The technology in the game is akin to that of the Industrial Revolution, with an emphasis on flying airships as a means of transportation.
3. Bioshock
Here's a first-person shooter to mix things up! Bioshock takes place in the 60's, within a technologically advanced setting akin to the 20's, in an underwater city known as Rapture. The theme of the game revolves around genetic enhancement and communist ideals, as well as a moral dilemma between harvesting the mutant girls called Little Sisters, the source of the genetic catalyst that enhances your strength, or helping them survive. Likewise, the dystopian steampunk visuals are outstanding!
4. Wild Arms
A Western RPG, wild-west aesthetics widely tend to mirror the tenets of steampunk design (i.e. Wild Wild West). In the game's fantasy world, the human civilization was decimated by an ancient battle between demons and humans. As such, archaeologists and engineers became practically one in the same, recovering ancient technology and repairing it. The game's dystopian desert wasteland is dotted with villages and landmarks, amking the vibrant world come to life.
5. Skies of Arcadia
One last RPG, Skies of Arcadia is another fantasy game centered around airship combat. However, the world of Arcadia consists of floating islands and an endless ocean of sky, where sky pirates and an evil totalitarian regime rule the skies. You take the role of a rag-tag band of air pirates, opposing enemy pirate factions and the megalomaniacal Empress. While the game has more of an Age of Exploration feel to it, the technology and social stratification (as well as political struggles) are clearly lifted from the Victoria era. SoA is one of the best video games I've ever had the pleasure of playing, and if you're a fan of role-playing games, I highly recommend it.
While it is often said that video games and Japanese anime go hand in hand, it can also be said that steampunk aesthetics and video games have a special bond with one another. Gamers react well to Victorian/dystopian settings and themes, and the genre is steadily growing as exposure to mainstream audiences increases.
So, dear reader, have you played any good steampunk games lately? If you have any good examples that I've overlooked, you may feel free to post them in the comments section!
Thursday, March 18, 2010
Wednesday, March 17, 2010
Convention-Goers
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As you well know, reader, conventions of any kind are a great way for like-minded individuals to get together and have fun. While steampunk conventions are growing in popularity, steampunk is still prominent at comic and anime conventions, as well.
For instance, in October of '09 I visited a small Michigan-based con, Youmacon. Although I had intended to go in full steampunk regalia, I had no idea that there was to be a steampunk tea party in the convention suite! I was surprised how many ladies and gentlemen of all ages were there from out of state, hailing from such far-off lands as Washington D.C. and Alabama!
Sadly, I will not be attending the World Steam Expo this year, another lovely convention in Michigan, but I encourage anyone interested in the steampunk community to buy your tickets now and reserve your seats for the Brass Spring Ball!
On another note, Anime Central (ACEN), the largest anime convention in the American midwest, is going to be having a steampunk fashion show this year, which I will be attending (in full costume, of course). It takes place in Chicago, and hopefully I'll see many of you there!
As you well know, reader, conventions of any kind are a great way for like-minded individuals to get together and have fun. While steampunk conventions are growing in popularity, steampunk is still prominent at comic and anime conventions, as well.
For instance, in October of '09 I visited a small Michigan-based con, Youmacon. Although I had intended to go in full steampunk regalia, I had no idea that there was to be a steampunk tea party in the convention suite! I was surprised how many ladies and gentlemen of all ages were there from out of state, hailing from such far-off lands as Washington D.C. and Alabama!
Sadly, I will not be attending the World Steam Expo this year, another lovely convention in Michigan, but I encourage anyone interested in the steampunk community to buy your tickets now and reserve your seats for the Brass Spring Ball!
On another note, Anime Central (ACEN), the largest anime convention in the American midwest, is going to be having a steampunk fashion show this year, which I will be attending (in full costume, of course). It takes place in Chicago, and hopefully I'll see many of you there!
Sunday, February 21, 2010
The Neo-Victorian Beat: Steampunk Music
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The steampunk movement, dear reader, is a lifestyle, limited not only to aesthetics; the movement spans writing, language, and, most notably, music. But what defines "steampunk" music?
Reader, this is a difficult question to answer. The truth is, there is no widely agreed upon "sound" of steampunk. However, there are a great deal of groups and musicians who have been dubbed steampunk, or refer to themselves as steampunk.
My personal opinion is as follows: steampunk music should contain, for the most part, instruments that reflect the era. For instance, no electric guitar or synthesizers. Piano, banjo, violin, trumpet, accordion, and other instruments indicative of the Victorian age are acceptable. Part of what makes the music steampunk for me can be the lyrics... I especially enjoy lyrics with a story behind them, much like the work of The Clockwork Quartet, a prominent steampunk group based out of London.
In opposition to my opinion lies the belief that anything involving ladies and gentlemen dressed for the part is to be promptly labelled steampunk, whether the sound is authentic or not. For instance, Abney Park, arguably the most popular steampunk music group, utilize a great deal of electronic instruments in their music. I have no qualms with the sound (I actually quite enjoy the epic scale of their tunes and the adventurous spirit present in their music), and would normally take no offense to the instruments, but I feel as though the heavy electronic beats simply aren't fitting for a pseudo-Victorian environment. Likewise, the bizarre musical stylings of Dr. Steel have come to be labelled steampunk. I am an avid fan of the good doctor's work, but must insist that the audio samples used to give his music an "aged" feel seem to be more indicative of the 20's or 50's; certainly an industrial beat, but hardly reminiscent of the Industrial Age itself. Dr. Steel has never claimed to be a steampunk musician, but I can understand why the aesthetic choices and sound would lend his style to Neo-Victorian themes. Good use of accordion, though!
Regardless, it is up to the individual to decide which music is Neo-Victorian. Part of the beauty of steampunk culture is the focus not only on the individual, but on the freedom that individual has to impact the community. The entire movement is open to suggestions; creative thought is not only encouraged but necessary for the growing steampunk community to expand. As new opinions form and new ideas are hatched, steampunk itself evolves to further reflect the community. Whether you're playing an accordion or a Cassio, or just a member of th audience, your creative input can actually change the course of the Neo-Victorian movement.
And so, I ask you, dear reader: what is your opinion? Should steampunk music be more reflective of the era, or are electronic instruments and beats acceptable? Feel free to leave your comment below.
The steampunk movement, dear reader, is a lifestyle, limited not only to aesthetics; the movement spans writing, language, and, most notably, music. But what defines "steampunk" music?
Reader, this is a difficult question to answer. The truth is, there is no widely agreed upon "sound" of steampunk. However, there are a great deal of groups and musicians who have been dubbed steampunk, or refer to themselves as steampunk.
My personal opinion is as follows: steampunk music should contain, for the most part, instruments that reflect the era. For instance, no electric guitar or synthesizers. Piano, banjo, violin, trumpet, accordion, and other instruments indicative of the Victorian age are acceptable. Part of what makes the music steampunk for me can be the lyrics... I especially enjoy lyrics with a story behind them, much like the work of The Clockwork Quartet, a prominent steampunk group based out of London.
In opposition to my opinion lies the belief that anything involving ladies and gentlemen dressed for the part is to be promptly labelled steampunk, whether the sound is authentic or not. For instance, Abney Park, arguably the most popular steampunk music group, utilize a great deal of electronic instruments in their music. I have no qualms with the sound (I actually quite enjoy the epic scale of their tunes and the adventurous spirit present in their music), and would normally take no offense to the instruments, but I feel as though the heavy electronic beats simply aren't fitting for a pseudo-Victorian environment. Likewise, the bizarre musical stylings of Dr. Steel have come to be labelled steampunk. I am an avid fan of the good doctor's work, but must insist that the audio samples used to give his music an "aged" feel seem to be more indicative of the 20's or 50's; certainly an industrial beat, but hardly reminiscent of the Industrial Age itself. Dr. Steel has never claimed to be a steampunk musician, but I can understand why the aesthetic choices and sound would lend his style to Neo-Victorian themes. Good use of accordion, though!
Regardless, it is up to the individual to decide which music is Neo-Victorian. Part of the beauty of steampunk culture is the focus not only on the individual, but on the freedom that individual has to impact the community. The entire movement is open to suggestions; creative thought is not only encouraged but necessary for the growing steampunk community to expand. As new opinions form and new ideas are hatched, steampunk itself evolves to further reflect the community. Whether you're playing an accordion or a Cassio, or just a member of th audience, your creative input can actually change the course of the Neo-Victorian movement.
And so, I ask you, dear reader: what is your opinion? Should steampunk music be more reflective of the era, or are electronic instruments and beats acceptable? Feel free to leave your comment below.
Sunday, February 7, 2010
Straps and Goggles: A Guide to Steampunk Fashion
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The world of the 19th century was vast, full of intrigue and adventure; so, too, were the clothes that typify the era. Whether you don suspenders and welding goggles or a top hat and monocle, steampunk outfits embody an age of never-ending possibility, unlimited human potential, and brass. Lots of shiny, shiny brass.
When designing your outfit, dear reader, the possibilities are endless! It was once said that the sun never set on the English Empire; the immense reach of the crown came to include Australia, New Zealand, South Africa and India. Likewise, different areas of England at the time had different trends in terms of fashion. But who said England and its colonies were the only nations touched by Victorian influences? Steampunk costumes can be based on Japanese, Russian, even American clothing of the time. In fact, the American Civil War is a popular sub-genre of Neo-Victorian style, as is safari gear for African excursions! While Victorian London is generally agreed upon as the capital of steampunk, don't be afraid to get adventurous!
Regardless of where your Neo-Victorian alter-ego hails from, there are some universal conventions of steampunk fashion. While I vehemently agree that rules were made to be broken, fundamentals are the building blocks of fun, and it is important to understand the staples that define "steampunk" aesthetics.
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1. Traditional Victorian Apparel
It goes without saying that the trends of the period are of the utmost importance when designing a steampunk costume. For my own costumes, I often refer to this website to ensure historical authenticity. These materials can usually be found at local clothing stores or thrift shops, or ordered directly from the Internet. Top hats or bowler hats, vests, cravats and pocket watches are essential for upstanding gentlemen, while corsets, long skirts and wide-brimmed hats are the norm for ladies. Lower-echelon individuals of the period were generally dressed in suspenders or overalls, with a collared shirt and a cabbie hat for men, and plain long skirts for women. However, modern steampunk has incidentally developed somewhat of a "gender-bending" quality, so ladies in top hats and suspenders are not only allowed but encouraged!
2. Brass and Shiny Bits
As the Industrial Age was notorious for its many technological advances, so too is steampunk notorious for its contraptions... more often than not contracted of copper or brass. It is not uncommon to see antique jetpacks, clockwork and gears, or even steam powered prosthetic limbs used in steampunk costumes. Understandably, these aren't the kind of things you can simply go to the store and pick up, so this is where the "do it yourself" spirit of steampunk comes into play. While some may find this aspect unappealing, I implore the technologically inclined to enhance their outfit with an original invention! The sky is the limit... quite literally!
3. Goggles
Nothing says "adventure time" quite like a pair of goggles; whether aviator or welding, goggles and eyepieces of any kind are quite frankly essential to the Neo-Victorian look. Regardless of profession or caste, goggles are acceptable and oftentimes a fashionable choice! Likewise, glacier glasses and jeweler's lenses are stylish alternatives, and one can never go wrong with a monocle! Finding a good pair of goggles is a matter of looking for them. From my own personal experience, the Internet is a wise place to begin searching, but anime conventions and specialty shops sometimes carry them.
With these guidelines in place, the rest of the costume is dependent upon the creator's creativity and imagination! Creating fun and stylish steampunk outfits can be a rewarding hobby for the whole family!
Again, I thank you, the reader, for perusing my humble blog, and encourage you to subscribe, as well as leave a comment! For more information on steampunk costume design, Threadbanger has created a handy instructional video sure to quench your thirst for knowledge.
The world of the 19th century was vast, full of intrigue and adventure; so, too, were the clothes that typify the era. Whether you don suspenders and welding goggles or a top hat and monocle, steampunk outfits embody an age of never-ending possibility, unlimited human potential, and brass. Lots of shiny, shiny brass.
When designing your outfit, dear reader, the possibilities are endless! It was once said that the sun never set on the English Empire; the immense reach of the crown came to include Australia, New Zealand, South Africa and India. Likewise, different areas of England at the time had different trends in terms of fashion. But who said England and its colonies were the only nations touched by Victorian influences? Steampunk costumes can be based on Japanese, Russian, even American clothing of the time. In fact, the American Civil War is a popular sub-genre of Neo-Victorian style, as is safari gear for African excursions! While Victorian London is generally agreed upon as the capital of steampunk, don't be afraid to get adventurous!
Regardless of where your Neo-Victorian alter-ego hails from, there are some universal conventions of steampunk fashion. While I vehemently agree that rules were made to be broken, fundamentals are the building blocks of fun, and it is important to understand the staples that define "steampunk" aesthetics.
---------------------------
1. Traditional Victorian Apparel
It goes without saying that the trends of the period are of the utmost importance when designing a steampunk costume. For my own costumes, I often refer to this website to ensure historical authenticity. These materials can usually be found at local clothing stores or thrift shops, or ordered directly from the Internet. Top hats or bowler hats, vests, cravats and pocket watches are essential for upstanding gentlemen, while corsets, long skirts and wide-brimmed hats are the norm for ladies. Lower-echelon individuals of the period were generally dressed in suspenders or overalls, with a collared shirt and a cabbie hat for men, and plain long skirts for women. However, modern steampunk has incidentally developed somewhat of a "gender-bending" quality, so ladies in top hats and suspenders are not only allowed but encouraged!
2. Brass and Shiny Bits
As the Industrial Age was notorious for its many technological advances, so too is steampunk notorious for its contraptions... more often than not contracted of copper or brass. It is not uncommon to see antique jetpacks, clockwork and gears, or even steam powered prosthetic limbs used in steampunk costumes. Understandably, these aren't the kind of things you can simply go to the store and pick up, so this is where the "do it yourself" spirit of steampunk comes into play. While some may find this aspect unappealing, I implore the technologically inclined to enhance their outfit with an original invention! The sky is the limit... quite literally!
3. Goggles
Nothing says "adventure time" quite like a pair of goggles; whether aviator or welding, goggles and eyepieces of any kind are quite frankly essential to the Neo-Victorian look. Regardless of profession or caste, goggles are acceptable and oftentimes a fashionable choice! Likewise, glacier glasses and jeweler's lenses are stylish alternatives, and one can never go wrong with a monocle! Finding a good pair of goggles is a matter of looking for them. From my own personal experience, the Internet is a wise place to begin searching, but anime conventions and specialty shops sometimes carry them.
With these guidelines in place, the rest of the costume is dependent upon the creator's creativity and imagination! Creating fun and stylish steampunk outfits can be a rewarding hobby for the whole family!
Again, I thank you, the reader, for perusing my humble blog, and encourage you to subscribe, as well as leave a comment! For more information on steampunk costume design, Threadbanger has created a handy instructional video sure to quench your thirst for knowledge.
Thursday, February 4, 2010
Behold the Difference Engine
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Hello, dear reader, and welcome to the Difference Engine; a blog celebrating 19th century aesthetics with a 21st century twist!
Delighted as I may be that you should chance upon my humble blog, I realize that the Neo-Victorian aesthetic movement, or "steampunk" as it has come to be known, is at present unknown to most mainstream media consumers, bloggers filling a key role among said consumers. As such, allow me to enlighten you:
The name "steampunk" originated as the result of Victorian-era technology (most notably clockwork and steam engines) and fashion (pocket watches, top hats, corsets, etc.) coming together with the modern underground "punk" movement. While I find that the phrase Neo-Victorian is a much more accurate representation of this trend, steampunk is the more widely accepted mode of identification.
The roots of steampunk lie heavily in science-fiction and fantasy literature. While many important works in the foundation of the genre were written during the 1960's and 70's, the coining of the term "steampunk" is attributed to author K.W. Jeter in the early 80's. As the genre began to grow in popularity, its fans became more open in their emulation, adaptation, and re-creation of 19th century fashion and technology, due mostly in part to the Internet.
The popularity of steampunk skyrocketed as ladies and gentlemen affiliated with the Neo-Victorian culture hit the web. The technology and style attracted fans of industrial music, while the romantic allure and terrifying tales of Victorian England drew in the gothic crowd. As more and more individuals began to recognize steampunk, an entire culture evolved surrounding the genre, leading to artwork and engineering, clothing design and role-playing, even Industrial Age music!
Now, in the year 2010, with steampunk enthusiasts numbering in the hundreds of thousands, steampunk conventions are not uncommon, and adaptations of classic films (Sherlock Holmes, Wolfman) are showing in theaters around the world. The Neo-Victorian movement is starting to reach the mainstream.
Reader, I pray my explanation shed sufficient light on Neo-Victorianism and its colourful history. If, however, you seek further information, might I suggest visiting the related links to your left? I personally guarantee them to be satisfactory.
Hello, dear reader, and welcome to the Difference Engine; a blog celebrating 19th century aesthetics with a 21st century twist!
Delighted as I may be that you should chance upon my humble blog, I realize that the Neo-Victorian aesthetic movement, or "steampunk" as it has come to be known, is at present unknown to most mainstream media consumers, bloggers filling a key role among said consumers. As such, allow me to enlighten you:
The name "steampunk" originated as the result of Victorian-era technology (most notably clockwork and steam engines) and fashion (pocket watches, top hats, corsets, etc.) coming together with the modern underground "punk" movement. While I find that the phrase Neo-Victorian is a much more accurate representation of this trend, steampunk is the more widely accepted mode of identification.
The roots of steampunk lie heavily in science-fiction and fantasy literature. While many important works in the foundation of the genre were written during the 1960's and 70's, the coining of the term "steampunk" is attributed to author K.W. Jeter in the early 80's. As the genre began to grow in popularity, its fans became more open in their emulation, adaptation, and re-creation of 19th century fashion and technology, due mostly in part to the Internet.
The popularity of steampunk skyrocketed as ladies and gentlemen affiliated with the Neo-Victorian culture hit the web. The technology and style attracted fans of industrial music, while the romantic allure and terrifying tales of Victorian England drew in the gothic crowd. As more and more individuals began to recognize steampunk, an entire culture evolved surrounding the genre, leading to artwork and engineering, clothing design and role-playing, even Industrial Age music!
Now, in the year 2010, with steampunk enthusiasts numbering in the hundreds of thousands, steampunk conventions are not uncommon, and adaptations of classic films (Sherlock Holmes, Wolfman) are showing in theaters around the world. The Neo-Victorian movement is starting to reach the mainstream.
Reader, I pray my explanation shed sufficient light on Neo-Victorianism and its colourful history. If, however, you seek further information, might I suggest visiting the related links to your left? I personally guarantee them to be satisfactory.
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