Steampunk in Electronic Gaming

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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!