discussion Which themes do you prefer in games? Fantasy vs. Sci-Fi.

[glotek]

Which theme do you prefer? Feel free to give examples. I personally prefer sci-fi, that’s usually what I look for, but I’m certainly open to an interesting fantasy world. I love titles like Deus Ex: HR/MD, Cyberpunk 2077, Prey, The Surge, and The Outer Worlds, yet I can also spend countless hours in games like Diablo, The Witcher or that recent gem, The Blood of Dawnwalker. I also enjoy intriguing hybrid-like titles, such as the Remnant series or the overlooked Hell Is Us. Above all, a game world needs to be believable, and sci-fi is the genre/theme that most often delivers that for me. Ps. I don't know if this should go in General Discussions or Off-Topic.

 

[Schizo169]

That's a really good question. I am an avid sci-fi reader and I find it harder to enjoy certain themes when they're transposed into a game; Dune:Awakening, for instance, was cute and fun but had to make a lot of compromises to make that story enjoyable as an MMO. On the other hand, I kind of like fantasy as a genre, but honestly I've never really been into it that much; in games, though, I find it surprisingly easier to lean into fantasy themes and make worlds like Skyrim or TW3 feel like home to me.
But yeah, it's tough. Mass Effect, Cyberpunk...when Sci-Fi is done well, it's hard to beat.

 

[Ytro]

Fantasy games, with a good open world, like, when i don't need to follow a history and do what i like

 

[SilentHunter]

In principle, all games, even the most realistic ones, from among those presented on this and similar sites are representatives of the "urban fantasy" subgenre, so the answer is obvious. If we talk about the "swords and sorcery" direction, then the result is some kind of inedible porridge. The situation is a little better with SF, but the main problem here is the extremely weak literary level of such VN.

 

[Ignis344]

I have been leaning towards a medieval or just old times theme like I have just finished ghost of Tsushima and I have been playing Kingdom come deliverance 2 and so far I have been intrigued by the story another good example would be rdr2 you just get immersed in the world so much

 

[xarenic]

I've been getting more into low fantasy recently, stuff like The Witcher.
For sci-fi, anything that leaves me wondering after I finish is good.

 

[madume]

In gaming, i prefer fantasy themes, but I think it's because adventure is so often tied to it. So, I guess sci-fi games with adventure as a subgenre also fit my taste, like Outer Wilds

 

[kesara]

Fantasy. Can't put my finger on why, just preference.

 

[Deleted member 268286]

Oof. Tough choice and I don't think I'm able to pick just one but if I literally had to pick one, then it would be fantasy. You can keep a lot more of "human" aspects of the game and characters imo.

 

[raulbigode]

Fantasy seems to bring more emotional connection.

 

[PlayClaritas]

I'm the same way - sci-fi usually hooks me first, but a well-built fantasy world can be just as immersive. The Witcher 3 is one of my all-time favorites, so I guess it really comes down to good writing and atmosphere over the setting itself.

 

[log26]

I personally prefer fantasy to sci-fi games. There's this general sense of wonder in fantasy that's different from sci-fi. The wonders of nature are better captured in fantasy.

 

[Keyller27]

fantasy/isekai is my favorite genre even if it's overused

 

[Jokerfish721]

Fantasy is always a safe easy choice for game creation but goddamn if a good scifi slaps.

 

[dongerdo]

fantasy/isekai is my favorite genre even if it's overused

yeah, fantasy/isekai gets recycled all the time, but there’s just something about the formula that works. Even when it’s complete slop, it can be lovable slop. The good fantasy games are peak, and the bad ones are usually laughably entertaining anyway.
though to be fair, that could probably be applied to anything. You just see it a lot more with fantasy.

 

[Tir]

very close for me, really just depends on what im feeling that day. Overall prob fantasy tho

 

[dolmayob]

Probably im more of a fantasy fan, idk it just feels more cosy to me, closer
No offence to sci-fi fans i know there are some really good ones - i wanna go through all mass effects and if we're talking about porn games then - Projekt: Passion is a gem

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[djtoenail]

Fantasy mostly, Soulsborne and GoW series

 

[peach17]

Fantasy, fo sho. Until they get me a hot klingon to woo.

 

[Rikimaru29]

Probably sci-fi. Blame Mass Effect games lol