Role-playing games (RPGs) are often associated with high fantasy settings, but in recent years, there has been a trend towards exploring non-traditional settings and themes. These include post-apocalyptic, steampunk, cyberpunk, historical, and horror genres. Each offers players a chance to explore unique and imaginative themes such as survival, community building, industrialization, societal norms, terror, the unknown, and human psychology. With so many options available, players can find a game that best suits their interests and preferences.
Beyond the Standard Tropes: A Look at Non-Traditional RPG Settings and Themes
Roleplaying games (RPGs) are often associated with high fantasy settings, featuring the standard tropes of knights in shining armor, mythical creatures such as dragons and unicorns, and magic spells. While these elements can make for a fun game, they are by no means the only way to approach RPGs. In recent years, there has been a trend towards exploring non-traditional settings and themes, offering players new and exciting experiences. In this article, we’ll take a look at some examples of non-traditional RPG settings and themes.
Post-Apocalyptic
The post-apocalyptic setting has become increasingly popular in recent years, influenced by popular culture such as the Mad Max movies and Fallout video game series. In a post-apocalyptic RPG, players take on the roles of survivors in a world ravaged by nuclear war, environmental catastrophe, or a pandemic. This setting offers many opportunities for players to explore themes such as survival, community building, and the breakdown of society. Games such as Apocalypse World and Gamma World explore this setting in unique and interesting ways.
Steampunk
Steampunk is a genre that combines elements of Victorian-era aesthetics and technology with advanced machinery powered by steam. This setting offers a unique blend of historical and fantastical elements, often featuring airships, steam-powered robots, and other intriguing inventions. A steampunk RPG allows players to explore themes such as industrialization, social class, and environmental concerns in a unique and imaginative way. Games such as Iron Kingdoms and Castle Falkenstein take a steampunk approach to their settings and themes.
Cyberpunk
Another popular non-traditional RPG setting is the cyberpunk genre. Cyberpunk takes place in a future where advanced technology has led to a dystopian society ruled by large corporations and corrupt governments. Players take on the roles of hackers, mercenaries, and other rebels trying to fight against the system. This setting offers themes such as transhumanism, artificial intelligence, and the dangers of unchecked technological advancement. Games such as Cyberpunk 2020 and Shadowrun explore this setting in detail.
Historical
While fantasy settings often draw inspiration from history, there are RPGs that are set in real historical periods. These games allow players to explore the societal norms and conflicts of different eras, from medieval Europe to ancient Rome. Historical RPGs can also offer opportunities to examine issues such as colonialism, slavery, and cultural exchange. Games such as Pendragon and GURPS Historical offer players a chance to dive into the past and experience history firsthand.
Horror
Horror RPGs offer a chance to explore darker themes such as terror, madness, and the supernatural. Players take on the roles of characters facing off against monsters, ghosts, and other horrific creatures. These games generate tension and create a sense of dread, making for a unique RPG experience. Horror RPGs explore themes such as mortality, the unknown, and human psychology. Games such as Call of Cthulhu and Vampire: The Masquerade delve into this genre.
Conclusion
Overall, non-traditional RPG settings and themes can provide players with new and exciting experiences. Whether it’s the post-apocalyptic wasteland or the dark and mysterious world of horror, these games offer a chance to explore different themes and ideas in a fun and imaginative way. With so many options available, players can find a game that best suits their interests and preferences.