Top 10 Steam Punk Video Games

Developed by High Moon Studios, this is a title to remember. In the first-person shooter “Darkwatch”, you are Jericho Cross, an outlaw-turned-vampire tasked with hunting down monsters in the American Frontier. Its setting in 1876 implies the presence of steam-powered machinery, but “Darkwatch” matches that expectation with elements of the occult, tropes from Westerns, and a dark visual aesthetic. Walking the line between fantastical and grim, it's steampunk at its core.

To war and back again. Inspired in tone and style by World War I imagery, “Valkyria Chronicles” tells the tale of Welkin Gunther and his rag-tag unit Squad 7, caught in a war between two superpowers. The game's world contrasts elements of magic with early 20th century technology, to say nothing of the central conflict being based around the multipurpose ore known as Ragnite. On top of being an intense turn-based strategy game with a compelling narrative, the embrace of steam-era technology helps “Valkyria Chronicles” draw parallels to the real world.

The Old West could be a place of great success... or great struggle. We imagine that's the thinking behind “SteamWorld Dig”, a 2D platformer in which players inhabit the role of the robot Rusty, new recipient of a mine courtesy of his uncle. Though much of Rusty's adventures are spent digging in the mines below the town of Tumbleton, the game's decision to mix a Wild West setting with a robotic hero results in a charming blend of styles. Think Dig-Dug in a Metroidvania style game, and you’ve got a relatively good idea.

Though definitely restrained, this classic adventure series is not devoid of steampunk elements. From the early days of scouring the original titular island, to traversing the roller coaster-like mechanical wonders of Riven, players were treated to a realm drawing heavily from pre-20th century architecture and marvel. Yet throughout the series, there’s also hints of magical and supernatural elements, to say nothing of certain technical marvels in “Myst”, makes the series something truly unique.

Never before has the dichotomy between science and magic been so pronounced. In “Arcanum: Of Steamworks and Magick Obscura”, the player character – sole survivor of a zeppelin crash – embarks on an investigation of a mysterious silver ring. That basic opening dovetails into a non-linear role-playing game in which one's actions change the course that the story takes. Of particular note is the conflict between Arcanum's technology users and its magic practitioners; both in story and in gameplay, technology negates magic and vice versa, creating tangible tension.

A point and click interface combined with old-fashioned robotics – an interesting idea. Thus we have the premise of “Machinarium”, an adventure game about a robot named Josef seeking out the eponymous city. Trouble is, the road ahead is paved with puzzles, built into a realm that draws visual influence from early depictions of robots and Industrial Revolution-era machinery. This charming yet restrained game relies heavily on imagery – to such a degree that there is no dialogue – yet succeeds thanks to well-conveyed information and an unforgettable style.

The shadows aren't the only thing to fear here. From the first game, 1998's “Thief: The Dark Project”, it was clear that what players were experiencing was a gritty yet unexpectedly advanced world. The “Thief” games, played from the perspective of the master thief Garrett, are set in a medieval-style city called... The City. While visibly drawing inspiration from the Middle Ages, the presence of features such as security cameras and steam-operated robots marked the setting as truly remarkable. And that's before getting into the fantasy aspects of the games.

A city in the clouds – what a sight. “Bioshock Infinite” takes the concept of idyllic city-as-metaphor that the original “BioShock” thrived upon, and offers a twist in the form of the floating city of Columbia. But make no mistake: “Infinite” is rooted in the conventions of steampunk. Underneath the patriotic fervour and bright trappings lie elements of a more twisted and intolerant society. Add to that the Sky-Line rail system and steam-based technology throughout, and it's easy to see that there's more than meets the eye here.

It's role-playing at some of its finest, and the setting helps. “Final Fantasy VI”, a role-playing game by Square Enix, takes place in a world where magic and technology both exist... and are being made to cooperate. The game's 19th century-esque technology, including the presence of steamships and steam trains, serves as an effective contrast to the magic-infused machinery known as Magitek. Matched by a grand tale packed with powerful character scenes and beautiful images, this is a fitting use of the steampunk aesthetic.

Before we unveil our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions:

“Codename: S.T.E.A.M.” (2015)
“Dark Chronicle” (2003)
“Sir, You Are Being Hunted” (2014)

When faced by a drunken whaler, pray for their life. The world of “Dishonored” is a grim one; the industrial-era city of Dunwall, explored as the assassin Corvo, is rife with crime and exists in a state of squalor. At the same time, the presence of light-based barriers and energy weapons reminds players of its almost alien nature – it's a fascinating use of technology that draws from influences old and new. “Dishonored” continually toys with qualities of 19th-century London, approaching them in odd but clever ways that distinguish this game from its contemporaries.

Do you agree with our list? What’s your favorite steam punk game? For more steamy Top 10s published daily, be sure to subscribe to WatchMojo.com.