Steam-powered machinery, gears, and Victorian aesthetics. Dystopian vibe, flying vehicles, the spirit of invention, and Victorian dresses. This unique retrofuturistic blend of technology and history is steampunk. The term “steampunk” was coined by K.W.Jeter. This sci-fi sub-genre is a way of reimagining history. How could the quasi-late 19th century Victorian city look like with today’s technological inventions? And steam machinery in steampunk-inspired productions isn’t outdated. This is a fantastic aesthetic inspired by Jules Verne and H.G. Wells.
This incredible mixture makes steampunk the perfect artistic backdrop to action in video games. Do you want to find yourself immersed in a retro-futuristic, haunting dystopian city? Feel the spirit of the era of the industrial revolution? Even if you aren’t a steampunk lover and are in the mood for IviBet, steampunk-inspired games can keep you entertained. They often have engaging gameplays, twisting narratives, and amazing soundtracks. If that’s what you’re looking for, strap on your pneumatic boots, wear your goggles, and take a look at our list of the most iconic steampunk-themed games. They know how to make your adventure steamy!
BioShock Infinite (2013)
The impact of BioShock Infinite on the gaming industry can’t be overstated. The story is set in the floating steampunk-inspired city of Columbia. This is one of the best depictions of a steampunk city in the gaming industry. Full of mechanical machinery, retro-futuristic Columbia has an evil government. The narrative has many interesting issues to consider like theocracy and racism. Booker DeWitt is a Former member of the Pinkerton National Detective Agency. Ex-detective has to save a woman named Elizabeth who is imprisoned in Columbia. During his action-packed adventure, DeWitt grinds on the aerial trails, fights off enemies with an arsenal of weapons, and uncovers mysterious secrets of Columbia. The game has an inventive “Tears” element – the supernatural ability that lets the hero see alternative universes.
Dishonored 1&2 (2012, 2016)
Set in the fantasy Victorian London-inspired city of Dunwall, this steampunk-themed franchise is available for Windows, PS4, and Xbox One. This series deserves a high spot on our list because of its steampunk atmosphere, combat and stealth gameplay, and fantastic visuals. You play as assassin Corvo Attano who is also the royal bodyguard and lover of the Empress of the Isles. In Dishonored 1 after the mysterious murder of the Empress, his daughter disappears, and Corvo himself is framed. Now his task is to restore order to Dunwall, save the princess, and find the murderers of the Empress.
Visual elements of the game make it a must-play for steampunk lovers. The game’s visuals incorporate many distinct steampunk elements, as well as zombies and supernatural magic. The gameplay is pretty unique because of karma and magic systems. Both of them let players control the development of Corvo and use his supernatural abilities in dark Dunwall adventures. The sequel of Dishonoured also has a steampunk theme in mind but takes place in another fantasy city, the city of Karnaca. In Dishonored 2 players navigate through Karnaca as Corvo or daughter of the Empress, Emily. So the sequel continues the narrative of its predecessor.
Thief Series (2007, 2012, 2014)
Even if the franchise is pretty old, the Thief series is worthy of a playthrough. Explore the steampunk-inspired City as legendary thief Garrett in one of the four video games of the franchise. Sneaking through dark and mysterious streets, Garrett steals items from the nobility. The City itself is an interesting mix of Victorian London and medieval city. One of the best Thief games is in our opinion Thief II: The Metal Age. However, all the games of the franchise have similar mechanics. They all are first-person stealth games with different non-linear levels, steampunk machinery, and atmospheric worlds.
Frostpunk (2018)
“Frostpunk” is a strategic city-building game with steampunk visuals and survival elements. The game is set in the alternative 19th-century fantasy era of the new Ice Age. The entire world is covered with ice, and only steam-powered machinery helps the citizens of the last city on Earth stay alive. Players should explore new lands and construct new buildings to help the human colony survive. “Frostpunk” is not as obviously steampunk as Dishonored, BioShock Infinite, or Thief, but has an interesting art style and many tasks.
SteamWorld Dig 1 & 2 (2013, 2017)
Our last recommendation for all steampunk enthusiasts is SteamWorld Dig. The title of this video game series has the word “steam” and speaks for itself. Take on the role of mining steambot Rusty in these indie steampunk-inspired platformer games. A little robot digs into the earth and uncovers treasures, this is his daily business. The art style of the game with retrofuturistic machinery is pure joy for steampunk enthusiasts.
Do you agree with our list of top five steampunk games? If you want more, take a look at this list with other cyberpunk-inspired titles: Myst series, Cyberia series, F.I.S.T.: Forged In Shadow Torch, Steelrising, The Incredible Adventures of Van Helsing, Machinarium, Iron Harvest, The Misadventures Of P.B. Winterbottom, The Great Ace Attorney Adventures, Styx: Master of Shadows, Opus Magnum, 80 Days, They Are Billions, Vampyr, Sunless Sea, Professor Layton and the Unwound Future, Rise of Nations Rise of Legends, Final Fantasy VI, The Sinking City.
Or do you have your own Top 5 in mind?