Steampunk MMORPGs
Steampunk is an often neglected subgenre. Mixing elements of fantasy and sci-fi to create a world where both swords and Gatling guns can co-exist is no easy task. Maybe that’s why so few free to play MMORPGs have experimented with a Steampunk setting.
There are of course exceptions. Neo Steam: The Shattered Continent is a free game that openly advertises its Steampunk credentials. It’s a fun, feature rich MMORPG that is published in North America by a company called Atlas. Gamers can also access it via the ijji portal using the same account they use for GunZ: The Duel, Soldier Front, Alliance of Valiant Arms, and other ijji games. The story of Neo Steam centers on the ongoing conflict between the Republic of Rogwel and the Elerd Kingdom. Rogwel is undoubtedly the more technologically advanced nation, thus more steampunk oriented nation, while Elerd is more natural/mystical and fantasy oriented. Across Neo Steam there are tram ways, air ships, steam tanks, and other mechanical wonders.
Overall, Neo Steam plays better than your average Korean MMORPG, but still suffers from some classic faults. Movement is mainly click to move, and gameplay feels very similar to the myriad fantasy MMORPG titles out there. Even with thees faults, Neo Steam was for a long time the only game to offer a Steampunk experience.
Steampunk Comeback
All that changed in early 2010 with the release of Allods Online. Developed by a Russian studio, the game mixed a World of Warcraft style interface and art style with steampunk elements. With a movement scheme and a quest-driven progression system familiar to Western gamers, Allods Online definitely has high production value. The game’s overarching conflict pits the Empire against the League, each represented by a different set of races. In total there are six races and eight classes to chose from.
PvP plays a large role in Allods, but players aren’t limited to just fighting it out on foot. The game allows players to command large, flying Astral ships and make war above the clouds. But it’ll be a while before beginners can experience naval warfare. In the mean time, they’ll be treated to some great visuals. The cities in Allods Online have a Victorian feel, multi story buildings litter the capital and actually give it a sense of proportion. Many dungeons and monsters look like they’ve been pulled straight out of science-fiction, but characters are still armed with swords, spears, and bows. It’s an interesting contrast, and sure to excite Steampunk fans.
What’s Next?
There are already hundreds of free and subscription based MMORPGs that use the standard Swords & Sorcery fantasy setting. Many developers are scared to stray away from this tried and true formula. Sci-Fi games Face of Mankind, Black Prophecy, and EVE Online usually have a steep learning curve that scares away many gamers. Luckily, steampunk serves as a great intermediary. Many free to play MMORPGs have effectively implemented sci-fi elements into their otherwise fantasy world. RF Online, GhostX, and MegaTen all come to mind. Hopefully we’ll see more games like this in the future!
By, Erhan Altay
April 18, 2010
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I do agree with this. Steampunk MMOs are amazing, especially if pulled off well like NeoSteam. Great article here.
May 1, 2010
#1
Allods online is a big failure. the game itself is good but the gameplay is totally ruined by the cash shop and by the incompetent developer team
February 1, 2011
#2
The Allods Online picture looks like a ginger Hitler…
February 17, 2011
#3
First off neosteam is terrible. i think many mmos dont know what steam is because theyre defintly not doing it the way it should be. next, vlaeder i agree i loled when i saw that pic
March 17, 2011
#4
I have to give credit to those trying! It is obvious (without even playing these games) that the developers don’t understand the fascination of steampunk culture. The look and feel are only part of the deal. You can’t throw a pally in a trenchcoat and call it steampunk! As a game dev myself i’ve tried coming up with steampunk concepts and its just really hard not to make something overwhelming!
If you can’t build things… then it just ain’t steampunk! Even predetermined recipes or just pre-planned parts that can be mashed together to do “something” would make a more impressive game. The next tricky part is throwing in the RPG Hero bit! It’s just not there! Steampunk as an MMO would best be played out as a Crafting/Gathering FPS! Something in a world at war with airships and steam engines. Something where you are part of a team that has to capture POI and defend them to gather resources! There is a HUGE realm of untapped resources in the prospect of MMOFPS that planetside started and bombed once it went CTF mode!
::Scribble Scribble Scribble:: One steampunk idea for the road!
March 26, 2012
#5
synycly has it exactly right. I would love to play any games like that he described. besides, these games arn’t true steampunk, just a little bit of gears thrown in alongside swords
April 19, 2011
#6
I haven’t played this game yet, but it looks to me like the rest of mmorpgs out there. I don’t know if the developers understand the concept of steampunk, or they have labeled it as steampunk just because sounds cool.
Looking at the images of the site nothing looks steampunk, it’s all wowalike, even WoW have more steampunk details than any other bad called steampunk mmorpg.
I’m tired of elves, middle earth characters, anime characters, oriental armours etc etc The only true steampunk game I’ve seen during the years is Syberia, is it so difficult to make something similar but online?
July 2, 2011
#7
wow this is a sad excuse for steam punk whatched trailers and the game looks terrible waste of steampunk
July 21, 2011
#8
thats the problem you said it in the first sentence steampunk is a “sub” genre thats why theres no true steampunk mmos steampunk doesnt involve fantasy aspects there is no magic/magical creatures in steampunk not true steampunk anyway if devs world look into steampunk like wiki or something then they would relize that games like argo and neosteam are not really steampunk its just a normal fantasy mmo with guns and machines. I wish devs would relize steampunk could be a great genre and not a sucky subgenre.
August 13, 2011
#9
Is not hard to come up with a simple steampunk idea to base a game off of. The problem is that nobody who really ‘knows’ steampunk has a chance to make a game.
If I had the chance I would jump at it and make a simple, yet fun, game that incorporates the necessary steam mechanics you need for it to be true steampunk. Its not hard to think of good ideas but the people designing the games arent Qualified to think.
January 15, 2012
#10
Honestly i have played Allods Online and i have enjoyed it very much, there should be more to choose from in the character creation but in my opinion it is a very nice game, i have not played Neo Steam yet unfortunately so not much to tell about it, i am waiting for the release of City Of Steam i cannot wait for it, it looks greatly polished and well done but that is my assumption by looking at the videos the mmo hut team should really start checking it out.
April 19, 2012
#11
I believe that WOW and Wizard 101 have more steampunk elements then most games i have played. I think adding elements from steampunk (or more Victorian style jobs) to classes would make things more interesting. a Tailor class that make use of sewing thread and fabric. dunno pulling stuff out of my head randomly lol There is so much you can do but people wanna throw gears and brass on stuff snd call it steampunk makes me mad. i would love to get with some graphic artist and game developers and make this happen.