Why is it that all (or very, very, very close to all, Fallout is the only one I can think of) RPG''s are fantasy, with spells and demons, set in medevil times. Is there a game development rule for this? (I am only talking about true RPG''s here, there have are several games to implement RPG elements like character stats). Yes spell systems and monsters do leave a great deal of room for the imagination, making nearly anything in the game world possible. But think of the incredible weapons and technology you could have in a futuristic setting (Fallout only just touched the amazing possibilities of this). Monsters and demons would be replaced with any kind of massive robotic creatures and weapons systems. The possiblities are endless in the future, you could even have different planets and cybernetic implants, making even any physical ability possible (E.G, gravity changes for any movement differences like speed and jumping). Now i''m not saying there are greater possiblities in a future setting rather than a fantasy setting. In fact, with some of the above suggestions, both settings could give near the same results in moves and attacks etc., but fantasy has been done over and over and over (and over and over and over), isn''t it time for something more original? And i''m sure there are a few more non-fantasy RPG''s out there, so please correct me on this if you know of any. More idea''s for something other than fantasy are: Alternate Realities (a.k.a What if scenario''s) Comic Book (with super hero''s etc. I know there was a game like this being made, I think it was canceled though) Time Travel (this could be somewhat like a future setting, only times could change throughout the game. This might make things too linear for an RPG though.) Virtual Reality (ok, this one just screams The Matrix, but it has near unlimited possibilities)

As a fan of the Fallout series, I just have to reply.
Another game of note for straying from the sword and sorcery path is called Wasteland (Interplay, bout 198-) which Fallout is rather well based on. And Wasteland''s not too well recieved sequel Fountain of Dreams (EA). I personally find the modern/futuristic games more to my liking, and plan to one day create my own futuristic RPG (Which I''m creating the ''mechanics'', I guess you could say, for when I get time. Also, an RPG I would like to see would be based on the Shadowrun pen and paper RPG by FASA. As it has a mix of technology (firearms, cyberware) magic, (totems, fireballs, etc) and even virtual reality (which, was called in the game, the Matrix), as well as an interesting storyline, which would make an excellent atmosphere for a RPG, or even online RPG

I think part of the reason may be that people don''t want to play futuristic games all the time. Think about it: with some exceptions, most non-rpg games are set in present or future time periods.

--TheGoop

Don''t forget Parasite Eve 1 and 2, Bomberman. Those were present day and VERY cool and cinematic. And FF7 (more than 8) definitely had a strong futuristic influence (Barrett had a GUN for a HAND).

I personally despise the cliched medieval times RPG, but often futuristic ones are not much better, because they''re cliched, too. I think that there is most to explore in "alternate present day" like Parasite Eve. The setting is one we are all too familiar with, but you put in whatever you want.

Alex
Atypical Interactive
www.atypical-interactive.com

Yea, I can understand that. But, it doesn''t make too much sense, I personally wouldn''t like to play only RPG''s set in a tolken/ad&d world. It''d be more interesting if there was an RPG with a single character, plays sorta like JA2 with more emphasis on character development/interaction and quests. But unfortunately, the futuristic RPG''s that are coming out are more tactical with RPG elements, or FPS with said elements. Now, I''m not saying there isn''t anything wrong with midevil themed games. But, since a certain group of gamers is unlikely to switch to a different genre just to get a change of scenery/weapons. Then those FPS junkies could stop playing UT, Q3, and HL, and try something like Thief. RTS has Myth. But unfortunately. Most RPG makers are stuck on the midevil theme for their story, while there remains a vast universe which has barely even been scratched by the innovative.

It''s very curious how in every "Why do RPGs always use midieval settings?" there''s the assumption that the only alternative is "futuristic sci fi settings."

I think a lto of ppl like to play what they know. Meaning they have played in a Fantasy type rpg world for so long that they are at home with it. I personly am using a Fantasy type backgroud in the game I am designing but am adding my own twists to it. Exsample, I have Dwarfs as one have the races a player can chose but the Dwarf culture and socity is very communest based giving players somthing new to work with.

Thorn

Two more games... B.A.T 1 and 2



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Game project(s):
www.fiend.cjb.net

People develop rpgs in a fanatasy setting because that is where the genre started, with D&D and the like. There is no reason why an excellent rpg couldn''t be based in any period of time (think system shock one and two) except most developers would rather go with something familiar. If you set an rpg in a fanatasy, you know there is a fan base for, years of sales have proved it. Venturing into unexplored territory is a risky thing for most capital driven publishers. I would personally like to see some rpgs set in 20 and 21 centuries, and also definitely some set in greek mythology. There is only one (not too good) game set in this era...why? the wealth of stories and depth is over whelming...

<(o)>

You''re right, it is generally because of D&D roots. But also, it is because recent settings would almost always involve long range weapons, hard to design a good engine for that.

Personally, I would jump at the opportunity to play a victorian RPG or even a WWII rpg. This is why Shenmue exites me, why must we always take shelter behind the fictional? Why can''t we make games that deal with real issues, and don''t hide behind dime-novel fantasy settings?

(PS- there are times for fantasy settings too... =)