Swords and Shields, or Cyborgs and Clones?solid-snake-art

When you’re walking down the aisle in the store, shopping for a new game, do you pick up Oblivion or Fallout? Are you looking to fly a dragon or a hovercraft, swing an axe into someone’s face or kneecap them with a laser pistol? This week our big question is… fantasy vs sci-fi?

I myself am not really sure which I prefer. I was at Games Day Toronto 2009, which showcases the tabletop wargame Warhammer and Warhammer 40,000 (and also the MMORPG Warhammer Online: Age of Reckoning), I find myself to be drawn to both equally. So to put my personal curiosity to rest, and hopefully provide some entertainment in the process, here’s my List of Why Sci-fi is Better than Fantasy (or vice versa). Enjoy!

1. Heroes

Sci-Fi: Solid Snake – Metal Gear Solid (I,II,IV)

The ultimate badass. Genetically cultivated to be the perfect soldier, armed with the most cutting-edge technology in the world, and resembles Kurt Russell in Escape from L.A. (but not in a copyright-infringing way).  Voiced by David Hayter, he has enough attitude for 10 Sam Fishers.  Sure, he’s not a cyborg or a psychic, but he can rock the SOCOM pistol and assault rifle to take down anything coming his way.  If his face-full of scowl doesn’t get them first.

Fantasy: Kratos – God of War (I,II)kratosface

The Spartan warrior who became the God of War, Kratos kicks ass and chews bubblegum – and there’s no bubblegum in Greek mythology.  Wielding the Blades of Chaos, he’s a mass murderer with 10,000 or more kills under his belt – including the god Ares.  Now, since we’ve all seen 300, we already know how unstoppably awesome Spartans are.  Make that a Spartan wielding magical weapons and armour, plowing through a horde of demons, undead monsters, and warriors of the gods on a quest to rule Olympus?  That’s pretty much the definition of epic.

2. Villains

Sci-Fi: Kessler – inFAMOUSkessler

The mirror image of Cole, the hero of inFAMOUS, Kessler is a callous, driven, time-travelling superpowered fascist.   It really doesn’t get much better than that.  Kessler is the man who puts Cole through sadistic choices again and again, testing his morals and his strength.  With electric powers “similar” to Cole’s, and the personal mission to push the hero to his limits until he breaks or becomes just like the villain himself, Kessler is the guy we love to hate.  Plus, he kills puppies. Probably.

Fantasy: Sheogorath – Elder Scrolls IV – Oblivionsheogorath2

What’s better than a demon whose title is The Prince of Madness?  A Prince of Madness who makes you his champion!  Sheogorath is your mentor in Madness in the Oblivion expansion Shivering Isles.  Obviously not a stable fellow to begin with, turns out he’s waging an eternal war… on himself.  It’s the demonic equivalent of punching himself in the face just to prove how tough he is.  And once you defeat his Orderly counterpart, he dubs you the new Prince of Madness.  Being a massive narcissist, I would be remiss if I didn’t vote myself the greatest fantasy villain.

3. World/Universe

Sci-Fi: Milky Way Galaxy – Mass Effectmasseffect

By far the most immersive and complex setting we’ve seen in a long time, Mass Effect really puts the perspective in a different shift as opposed to most sci-fi games.  Humans have stumbled upon the means to travel across the galaxy, not earned it over thousands of years. Rather than a Starfleet or Galactic Empire composed of 90% humanity, or even 50% humanity, we have a galaxy who treats our solar system as a third-world country.  Humans are interplanetary immigrants in a galaxy that doesn’t care.  Only at the end of Mass Effect do we see the role of humans growing into a stronger presence.  But as we interact with the various alien species throughout the game, we see disdain, curiosity, or hostility towards humans.  Maybe more hostility if you’re playing Sheppard like the biggest dick in the galaxy.

Fantasy: Tamriel – Elder Scrolls series (III – Morrowind, IV – Oblivion)oblivion

The world of the Elder Scrolls is so detailed and developed I’m surprised I don’t pay taxes there.  While Morrowind and Cyrodiil were both featured as the settings for the most recent games, they were each so intricate that they didn’t even need to feature the other 8 provinces of the continent of Tamriel.  Several different races and cultures ensure diversity, while the terrain changes from area to area (albeit not drastically). With countless dungeons and many towns to explore, this world sucks you in and provides a beautiful backdrop for the events of the story to unfold over. And if you don’t like it, you can go to Hell – seriously.  You can go to Hell.  Except there’s portals all over the world, and it’s called Oblivion.  But it’s basically… Hell.

So I really don’t want to make the call on any of these – I mean, I picked them, right? Do I have to do all the work around here?  I’d like to hear your opinions on whether sci-fi or fantasy wins for Heroes, Villains, and Worlds.  You can post your responses below.

Until next time, readers – Same Brett-time, same Brett-channel!

Cheers!






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