Themes that should be in more Video Games

We’ve all seen games with lush jungles, desert wastes, frozen tundra, floating cities, post-apocalyptic ruins, ancient technological dungeons, mystic oceans, dank caves, and a land of shadows. Sometimes, all in the same game, we’ve traveled though time from medieval fantasy castles to futuristic cyberpunk utopias. What I’m looking for is something new; a place or style that I’ve never seen before, or at least never seen done well. Here’s a bit of what would make would make a welcome addition to popular gaming.

Steampunk

Steampunk is a semi-popular fad that is growing amongst hipsters. It’s a mash-up of classic Victorian Style and steam powered futuristic machines; very Jules Verne. Lots of brass and copper, plenty of pipes, and draped in black. It’s like if the technology of now was available during the civil war. There are plenty of Steampunk things out there; things like: The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen, The Time Machine, SteamBoy, 20000 Leagues under the sea, etc. There have been a few games with steampunk style, but it still seems to be ignored by the majority of game developers. I think it would be a great style to explore.

The Vietnam War

A major event not just in US, but certainly world history. Every war game seems to dance around Vietnam, like it never happened. World War 1 & 2 were not the only wars in history. Surely the war that sparked a cultural revolution would make a great addition to gaming. Would it really be so controversial? More so than the ‘No Russian’ Mission, or ‘Nazi Zombies’? I doubt it. I, for one, would like to see the war from both sides. For instance, in Vietnam, it’s called the ‘American War’. A 16 year conflict, and one of the most embarrassing military moments in US history shouldn’t be ignored. I can only think of ten, maybe fifteen Vietnam War games ever, whereas there are probably hundreds of World War 1 & 2 games.

Immortality

I’ve seen Immortality done really well in games. Cult Classics like: Planescape: Torment, and Lost Odyssey. Having played both, I can only say I want more. I want a game where I can’t die, as dying is such an integral part of most games. Can you imagine how developers would have to make a game in which you couldn’t die, but have it still be challenging? I’m sure most of us have enjoyed the simple pleasure of God Mode, but what if you couldn’t turn it off? What would we do if there wasn’t a health bar? It’s all a mysterious gray area, and one I think deserves to be ventured into.

So that’s it for now, until part 2, where I talk about some more things I’d like to see. I’m sure some of you agree with me, whilst others think I’m full of it. Mostly, I’m just tired of the same, cliche, predictable games, and yearn for something new. If not new, than at least rejuvenated. Look for part 2, um, eventually.