Steampunk is a setting that doesn't see as much representation in modern media as most people would assume. When a steampunk setting is carried out with great finesse, it garners a ton of attention, but these instances are few and far between. As a result, many people feel that the steampunk setting doesn't really have enough potential to be utilized well. This is an erroneous statement in many ways.
Video gaming is a medium where people can truly showcase their creativity. It's also an extremely populated industry, where the majority of indie games simply don't get the attention that many other mainstream titles get. As a result, there are several hidden gems that use the steampunk setting brilliantly.
10 Machinarium
Point-and-click titles aren't all that common nowadays. For lovers of the genre, it's great to see games like Machinarium using this setting to great effect for both its gameplay and narrative.
The emotive animations and brilliant art design sell this game for many. Players shouldn't be deterred from what they might perceive as dated gameplay, since Machinarium makes it interesting with all the other elements it nails.
9 Arcanum: Of Steamworks and Magick Obscura
Arcanum: Of Steamworks and Magick Obscura is a great CRPG that has become an underrated gem of sorts. This type of RPG can be challenging to get into, but the brilliant writing and combat serve as easy hooks to trap players in a world full of charm and wonder.
The roleplaying in Arcanum is quite impressive, and the combination of steampunk and high fantasy elements works out well. In a world where many rely on machinery, magic is a tool that is both frowned upon and held in high regard. It's this fascinating duality between technology and sorcery that makes Arcanum an engaging experience from start to end.
8 Frostpunk
Most casual simulation games are approachable and forgive players for making mistakes with their rewarding game design. However, Frostpunk doesn't shy away from punishing players for failing to help their survivors during a devastating volcanic winter.
Freezing to death is pretty common, unless players take steps to prevent this from happening. The day-to-day survival in the game is hard enough as is, but there are several tough decisions in Frostpunk that make its steampunk setting all the more alive and harrowing.
7 The Order: 1886
The Order: 1886 was brutally crucified upon release. While the game had beautiful cinematics, the lack of interesting gameplay coupled with its short length made for an experience that wasn't worth its price tag.
However, in modern times, players can get this game for a lower price and find the experience to be well worth the investment. The steampunk world in The Order: 1886 is quite interesting, with the addition of fantasy elements making this iteration of London even more exciting to behold.
6 Assassin's Creed Syndicate
Given how severely the Assassin's Creed formula swerved after Syndicate, many people might consider this title to be a fairly average experience. This couldn't be further from the truth, with victorian London serving as a great backdrop for one of the more engaging Assassin's Creed games.
Taking out gangs in London during the industrial revolution makes for a great time, with both Jacob and Evie being pretty fun protagonists to control. While the game might not have been very financially successful, Syndicate was a great game that featured a delightful open world for players to mess around in.
5 Sunless Sea
Sunless Sea is a captivating indie game that doesn't shy away from showing players just how difficult it can really be. Death serves as a lesson of its own, with players slowly becoming more adept at playing this game in every run.
The steampunk setting of this title is engaging, with the addition of gothic and Lovecraftian horror being a great bonus. Players who want to check out a unique steampunk title with RPG elements will feel right at home with Sunless Sea.
4 80 Days
Around the World in 80 Days is one of the most well-known steampunk stories around, penned by the great sci-fi writer Jules Verne. The story of this title is a classic one and has been paid homage to in the game 80 Days.
Players are tasked with traveling the entire world in eighty days, with steampunk elements appearing at every step of the way. The choices in 80 Days are pretty impactful and shape the narrative of the game in unique ways that make it a blast to replay over and over again.
3 Resonance Of Fate
Resonance of Fate is a JRPG that didn't really attract a sizable audience. Most people would argue that the game is too steampunk for its own good, with the majority of environments just being different shades of gray.
However, Resonance of Fate shines with its combat and unique story, with both elements being quite engaging if somewhat puzzling at times. Giving this game a shot can be a challenge, but players who come to grips with Resonance of Fate's mechanics will find themselves enjoying a great title.
2 Final Fantasy 6
In many ways, the Final Fantasy series itself is moving away from its illustrious history. Final Fantasy 14 might be an ode to both the past and the future of the series, but both Final Fantasy 15 and 16 are making it abundantly clear that real-time action is the best course of action to take for a franchise known for its engrossing turn-based combat.
Regardless, many fans still love past games in the series, and Final Fantasy 6 is especially beloved despite its niche status. Modern gamers can definitely check out the Pixel Remaster and witness its glorious steampunk setting for themselves.
1 The Great Ace Attorney Chronicles
The Great Ace Attorney duology wasn't localized for a long time, but Capcom finally gave in and announced a translated re-release of the game on modern consoles. It was clear that fans were hyped to the moon for this title, thanks to the series' cult following.
Fans of mystery titles should definitely check out The Great Ace Attorney Chronicles. The idea of exploring a steampunk setting and solving murders along the way is quite appealing, and the combination of mystery-solving and the visual novel genre works quite well indeed.