Science fiction has always been a popular theme in video games, as seen with AAA games like Cyberpunk 2077 and indie games like Axiom Verge. The genre encompasses a variety of themes and subgenres such as space opera, dystopia, and cosmic horror. It also includes the popular subgenre steampunk, which is characterized by its use of steam-powered machinery and weapons, as well as Victorian-era-inspired worldbuilding that heavily features the industrial movement of the time.
With that said, there are plenty of titles that belong under the steampunk genre. But which ones have gotten the highest ratings on Metacritic?
Professor Layton And The Curious Village - 85
Developed by Japan-based game studio Level-5, Professor Layton and the Curious Village is a puzzle adventure game that follows the namesake professor and his apprentice. Gamers are tasked with investigating the fictional village of St. Mystere in order to figure out the rightful heir to a late Baron's fortune.
The game's cute steampunk visuals have captivated gamers on the Nintendo DS system. Critics have also enjoyed the game for its twist-filled story, adorable characters, and fun puzzles.
The Legend Of Zelda: Spirit Tracks - 87
The Legend of Zelda: Spirit Tracks is Nintendo's 2008 entry to the expansive and exciting Legend of Zelda franchise. But unlike the other games where Link uses a horse named Epona to traverse Hyrule, The Legend of Zelda: Spirit Tracks incorporates a strange item to help Link go around New Hyrule — a steaming freight train.
The Legend of Zelda: Spirit Tracks was well-received by critics due to its simple and bold art style, intriguing storyline, interesting gameplay aspects, and well-designed dungeons.
SteamWorld Dig 2 - 88
SteamWorld Dig 2 is an action platformer from game developer Image & Form. In the game, players assume the role of Dorothy, a steam-powered robot who is in search of Rusty, a miner in Tumbleton. In her search, Dorothy must traverse a huge underground mine while protecting herself against various enemies.
As they progress in the game, the player can arm Dorothy with various abilities and weapons like a pneumatic arm and pressure bombs. Aside from having an exciting gameplay and narrative, SteamWorld Dig 2 has managed to garner a lot of fans thanks to Dorothy and Rusty, both of whom are considered by gamers as iconic Metroidvania characters.
Machinarium - 88
In Machinarium, gamers are tasked with solving a variety of puzzles and brain teasers using a point-and-click gameplay. Created by Czech indie studio Amanita Design, Machinarium follows the story of a robot named Josef who is on a mission to stop a criminal group from blowing up a tower in his city.
Critics appreciate the game's attempt to create a uniquely designed world full of robots, gears, and puzzles through beautiful hand-drawn graphics. However, critics also point out that Machinarium's character control system can feel flimsy at times.
Dishonored 2 - 88
Dishonored 2 is the much-awaited follow-up to Arkane Studios' 2012 action-adventure game. Following the events of the first game, players can choose to either play as Empress Emily Kaldwin or her father and star of the first game, Corvo Attano.
Aside from having a fun combat system where players can switch between a retractable blade, firearms, or supernatural abilities, critics have also commended the game for its immense attention to detail. The aesthetic of Dishonored 2 is based on Victorian European architecture, and prominently features paintings and sculptures.
Sunless Sea - 89
Gamers can explore an exciting steampunk world in Failbetter Games' Sunless Sea. According to the game's lore, Sunless Sea is an underwater ocean-themed game where Victorian-era London has been transported to a huge underground ocean. In the game, players assume the role of an undersea steamship captain who can either choose to stockpile their wealth or become a recognized explorer.
Sunless Sea was able to captivate gamers thanks to its eerie atmosphere, beautifully-drawn artwork, as well as its customizable narrative that allows players to create their own story.
Dishonored - 91
Arkane Studios' Dishonored is an action-adventure game that features assassins, supernatural beings, and steampunk inventions. The game follows a royal bodyguard who has been framed for the murder of an Empress. In order to exact revenge on those who plotted against him, he needs to team up with a group of resistance fighters and use magical abilities.
Besides having an immersive story, fascinating art, and compelling abilities, Dishonored also has a star-studded cast that involves celebrated actors like Carrie Fisher, Susan Sarandon, John Slattery, and Chloë Grace Moretz.
Thief: The Dark Project - 92
Released in 1998 for the PC, Thief: The Dark Project is a stealth video game that's set in the medieval steampunk world called the City. In the game, players assume control of a thief who needs to successfully pull off multiple robberies in order to prevent a malevolent being from bringing chaos and destruction.
The game's innovative use of first-person perspective has inspired stealth games such as Hitman and Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell. The game was well-received by critics for its first-rate storyline, immersive sound design, and inventive combat mechanics.
Skies of Arcadia - 93
Skies of Arcadia is an RPG developed by Sega-owned game studio Overworks. In the game, players control a party of characters who need to explore six floating continents in order to prevent an evil empire from using a powerful weapon to destroy their world.
Because it was released in 2000, Skies of Arcadia is a Sega Dreamcast title that many gamers might have forgotten about. Despite its obscurity, the game offers gamers a vast open world they can explore, impressive graphics, and a beautifully crafted soundtrack.
BioShock Infinite - 94
The third entry in the BioShock franchise, BioShock Infinite follows the main character Booker DeWitt as he tries to retrieve a young woman named Elizabeth in the floating city of Columbia. Off the bat, gamers can already see the steampunk elements in the game, from Columbia's Victorian architecture, high-tech revolvers, and killer automatons.
BioShock Infinite's story is notably more polished than its predecessors and has a more engaging gameplay. Critics also lauded the game's narrative for masterfully touching on sensitive themes such as racism and spirituality.