Video games are a never-ending journey that drops players into massive worlds and connects them to their survival. Whether taking part in an intergalactic waras a Space Marineor defending a kingdom from an army of orcs, the worlds are carefully crafted to immerse the players in the present themes. Video games are primarily singularly themed, but there have been a small few by comparison that have melded genres and introduced a perfect mixture of two popular genres. Some of the most challenging genres to mix are science fiction and fantasy.
Science fantasy is a genre that combines aspects of science fiction and fantasy to multiple degrees. It bridges the gap between concepts like mythological races, arcane magic, and modern and futuristic tropes. The combination of advanced technology and mystical arts can lead to massive failure or create a permanent fixture like Steampunk or Technomancy. When an RPG does the combination right, it’s a wonderful experience packed with a memorable game world and player enjoyment. Here are some of the best RPGs, which are science fantasy.
7The Surge
Action-Packed Combat Against Mechanical Mutations
The Surgebrings science fiction and fantasy together in very subtle ways and even mixes inaspects of Soulslike games. Players take control of a paralyzed character who signs up to become a slave worker, which will also return their ability to walk.
Unfortunately, after a bomb gets dropped during the player’s surgery, chaos is unleashed on the entire facility. Players must traverse a treacherous environment where mechanical monstrosities have taken over and mutated beyond belief. The player can equip themselves with implants, modify their exo-suit, and loot a wide variety of weaponry.The Surges’mixing of futuristic body modification complements the dungeon-crawling experience as players face off against mechanical monsters.
Star Warsis a perfect example of how well the science fiction and fantasy genres can work together.Star Warshas sparked an entire universethat has stood the test of time for nearly fifty years and expanded into multiple mediums.Star Wars: Jedi Fallen Orderis a fantastic game that takes advantage of the otherworldly “wizard-like” abilities that the Jedi have access to and mixes in a laser sword.
Cal Kestis is the lone surviving Jedi who has tried to put his past behind him but is pulled back into conflict as the fate of the galaxy once again hangs in the balance. Players will travel to multiple worlds and upgrade their powers and skills in the force while trying to put a stop to the threat to the empire.
Too Humanwas a game ahead of its time that combined the deep lore of Norse mythology with futuristic technology and advanced engineering. Players load into Midgard, a world saved by cybernetically enhanced “gods” like Thor and Odin, who fight against a mechanical army called the children of Yamir.
Players control Balder and slash a path through endless robots to find the truth and save the people of Midgard. Along the way, players can fully customize the character’s armor and gameplay while progressing through the story. The hierarchy of the gods almost seamlessly fits into the futuristic setting and makes for an exciting story throughout the entire game.
Shadowrun: Dragonfallis a top-down turn-based RPG similar toBaldur’s Gate 3and theDiablofranchise. It is a long-standing TTRPG that has gathered a dedicated fanbase and released multiple videogame installments in the franchise.
The game is set in a dystopian futuristic Germany during the aftermath of a catastrophic event that reintroduces magic into the world. Players take control of a ragtag band of mercenaries of various mystical races tasked with a simple mission that quickly grows into a complicated and perilous one. The game introduces countless mystical races and magical abilities and combines them with technology to make new classes for the system.
TheFinal Fantasyfranchiseis famous for mixing genres of all types and masterfully implementing RPG elements with an incredible narrative-driven experience.Final Fantasy 15is an excellent example of that formula coming together perfectly, where players take on a journey alongside Noctis, a young prince coming of age with the fate of his kingdom and the entire world on his shoulders.
Final Fantasy 15mashes magic and swordplay wonderfully with advanced technology such as firearms, vehicles, and robotics. Players take control of Noctis and his three allies and hit themassive open worldin style.
The vastly creative mind of Hideo Kojima is something that little can fully understand. The well-known creator of the even more well-knownMetal Gear Solidfranchise parted ways with his home at Konami and stepped out with a massive project that fully took use of his creativity withDeath Stranding.
In a post-apocalyptic America, players take on the role of Sam Bridges, a courier who must navigate the hellscape that is now the outside world. With the mixing of the word of the living and the realm of the dead, players must combat lethal specters called BTs and ensure each package reaches its destination. To callDeath Strandinga perfect mesh of science and fantasy is an understanding of how high the game takes the limits of two genres and raises them even higher. The concept of a rift opening up to another dimension is pulled straight from aDungeons and Dragonsmanual.
Returnalwas a phenomenal launch title for the PlayStation 5 that blew gamers and critics out of the water with its innovative take on the Rogue-like style of gameplay and the flawless mix of science fiction with intergalactic travel and Lovecraftian-styled fantasy. Players crash-land on a distant world in control of Selene, a traveler from Earth who lost her memory.
Selene only knows that she is stranded and must find a way to get back home. Unfortunately, the plot grows darker and more sinister as she realizes that she has been stranded for quite some time as she discovers the bodies of her failed attempts.Returnalhas an incredibly fun gameplay loop paired with an engaging psychological thriller story that is a must-play.
