The Best Speculative Fiction RPGs

Summary

Speculative fiction RPGs like Cyberpunk 2077 bring complex settings with rich lore and characters.
Many speculative fiction RPGs, like Undertale and Earthbound , offer unique, experimental storytelling.
RPGs like New World: Aeternum and The Ascent explore alternative histories and dystopian futures creatively.

As a seasoned gamer with a heart for RPGs and a knack for appreciating the unique, I find myself captivated by the imaginative worlds these games create. From the post-apocalyptic wastelands of Fallout to the quirky and abstract Earthbound, each title offers a fresh perspective on speculative fiction.

Speculative fiction refers to a unique literary category that bridges the gap between alternate histories, futuristic concepts, and creative storytelling. Games based on this genre frequently portray scenarios such as post-apocalyptic landscapes, steampunk aesthetics, or a witty, dark tone.

Most RPGs have some elements of speculative or experimental fiction, for both video games and TTRPGs, but fewer video games make it a dominant part of their setting or plot. It often takes extra work to build a realistic world based on a type of fiction that doesn’t have any set rules, which is why it remains a niche genre. That hasn’t stopped these speculative fiction RPGs from earning their accolades though.

7. West Of Loathing

A Quirky Story That Plays On Eldritch Horror

West of Loathing belongs to a compact indie series that commenced in 2003 with a browser game named Kingdom of Loathing. The atmosphere and narrative have consistently adopted a witty perspective on RPG stereotypes, encompassing horror, royal lineage, crime investigations, and other perilous themes. As the third and latest installment in the series, it merges the excitement of the Wild West with tales of aliens, spirits, and demon cattle.

In this rephrased version, the game starts similar to other Role-Playing Games (RPGs), by allowing players to select a class from a group of three options. Each class carries out typical responsibilities depending on their unique statistical attributes. The class that inflicts physical damage is called Cow Puncher, which depends on the player’s Muscle score. The Beanslinger class uses Mysticality, and the Snake Oiler primarily relies on Moxie, a stat similar to Charisma.

6. Cyberpunk 2077

An Alternative Future

The cyberpunk genre, which emerged in the early 90s, is characterized by its portrayal of dystopian futures filled with advanced technology and societal decay. A prominent example that popularized this genre was a high-budget video game, initially met with some challenges but subsequently improved and expanded, earning favorable feedback upon the release of the 2023 DLC titled “Phantom Liberty.

In a creative twist common in futuristic storytelling, the character Johnny Silverhand – a former anti-hero who lives on as a bionic implant and could potentially take control of the main character’s body – exemplifies this genre’s intriguing characters. The intricate narrative further delves into corporate dominance, fashion culture, and political background, thereby constructing a fully realized world where such characters and their events fit perfectly.

5. Undertale

A Modern Indie Game With A Vintage Look

Despite being released in 2015, its visual style seems reminiscent of a late ’80s 16-bit Nintendo game, and this retro aesthetic plays a significant role in labeling it as speculative fiction. The narrative unfolds based on the protagonist’s decisions, which is typical for an RPG, but what sets this game apart is the unconventional and intriguing manner in which its stories are crafted.

Spoiler alert: it’s possible to finish this game without fighting at all, resulting in an ending that most players never see. On the other hand, there’s also an “evil” ending if the main character decides to slay every character they meet, which is also a possibility.

4. New World: Aeternum

An Alternative History

In my experience, many Role-Playing Games (RPGs) are set in a medieval fantasy world, with classics like World Of Warcraft or Final Fantasy 14 being prime examples. However, some games, such as Aeternum, draw inspiration from real historical periods. The unique aspect of the story in Aeternum is its speculative fiction approach, which explores an alternative history of the Age of Discovery, blending elements of occult and Biblical mythology.

In the game known as “New World“, there aren’t many predefined character classes to select, and players have a great deal of flexibility when it comes to choosing armor, weapons, and professions. This means that players must essentially construct their characters from scratch. While this type of RPG isn’t as widely played as those with more established classes and storylines, the ability to customize your character is part of its allure and adds an element of anticipation.

3. The Ascent

A Story Of Future Dystopia

In this new RPG, we find a blend of speculative storytelling with a cyberpunk ambiance, enriched by innovative elements such as a complex arcology system. This not only deepens the immersion but also paints a vivid picture of a dystopian future. The game offers more than just defeating adversaries; it allows for environmental destruction as well, and this element is crucial to the game’s development process.

Title of the game reflects The Ascent Group, and the primary protagonist symbolizes one of numerous laborers under their corporation. Interestingly, once the firm crumbles, the narrative unfolds amidst anarchy within the arcology, as various factions vie for supreme authority.

2. Fallout

A 20th Century Vision Of Dystopia

What made the original Fallout a massive success was its unique tale set in a dystopian, post-apocalyptic world with a retro-futuristic style. The franchise continues to thrive, producing multiple direct sequels and offshoots, each developed by various studios. However, the core element that lends speculative realism to the story has consistently remained.

In this game, you’ll find a blend of survival aspects and traditional role-playing game tasks such as questing, exploration, and character growth. However, instead of crafting your own character, you take on the role of a pre-existing one called the Vault Dweller. This character resides in a nuclear fallout shelter, a place that literally defines them. An early mission for players involves repairing a water purification system, and as the game progresses, the challenges become increasingly intense.

1. Earthbound

One Of History’s Best RPGs

As a passionate movie enthusiast, let me tell you that “Earthbound” is actually the second chapter in one of the most cherished role-playing game series in history. It might come as a surprise because its distribution was limited in North American markets due to localization efforts. Yet, ironically, it was the game’s innovative use of a Western pop culture backdrop that made it so popular, adding to its status as speculative fiction.

This game’s narrative and structure have received an array of literary, artistic, and psychological analyses, surpassing that of many novels. The protagonist, Nes, embarks on a journey through a fantastical realm blending elements of existentialism, absurdism, and abstract concepts. Despite being a classic RPG with standard genre traits, its creative flair and thought-provoking themes continue to make it a beloved game even years after its release.

2024-12-17 16:35