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In a lot of literature, many authors create a 'what if' scenario. This genre is often referred to as "Speculative Fiction" and is not limited to just science fiction and fantasy, though science fiction and fantasy are the main genres to create some of the most outrageous scenarios. Some of my latest reading binges have been novelists taking one simple theme, and making it so absurd or extreme that it becomes humorous, but done in good fun. Authors like Jim Butcher (famous for The Dresden Files series) and Naomi Novik (author of the Temeraire series) have created some of the most daring 'what if' scenarios and have said "Screw that!" to playing it safe.
I've always been attracted to very bizarre settings or stories. This is true in my literary taste, and it is even truer for my taste in RPGs. I am a huge fan of authors or game developers dabbling in the 'what if', speculating on how they can twist a genre into something completely unique or brand-new. With a plethora of genres to tinker around with, it has bothered me over the last few years how a lot of RPGs revert back to the typical 'save the world' plot or 'kill god' scenario. Sure, Jim Butcher's The Dresden Files series is generally about saving the world, but Butcher plays with and expands his urban fantasy setting and allows for some of the most extreme situations, often making it not just about 'saving the world'. While saving the world is the main focal point, having Harry Dresden riding around on an undead T-Rex at least provides some variety to the story. Yeah, dinosaurs have nothing to do with urban fantasy, but it provides fun, which I think a lot of stories are lacking as of lately.
When I read novels by Butcher or Novik, I'm easily reminded of games that have also played with their settings; those that took their worlds to inspired levels of originality. Yes, Operation Darkness is a terrible game according to some, but one cannot deny the entertainment of the British Special Forces who turn into werewolves. The setting was so original for an SRPG that I almost wish there was a sequel that would improve on the gameplay. What about Earthbound? A game that seems like a slice-of-life story, and eventually turns into a black comedy. How about Segagaga? A game that completely pokes fun at the Sega Dreamcast and the corporate world? There are ways to make the 'what if' new and exciting again, and I could probably rattle off even more titles that can do what Butcher and Novik have accomplished.
I want more RPGs to be like speculative fiction. I wish that more RPGs would stop with the cliché, if it has to go the cliché route, at least dive into the realm of parody while they're at it. RPGs should be pioneers of the 'what if', but lately all I've been seeing are games too afraid to go above and beyond the same stereotyped story. No, I'm not looking for more Earthbound, because Earthbound was unique and I want it to stay that way, but I do want more games that play with the genre, settings, and even stereotypes. If Naomi Novik can give me the Napoleonic War with dragons, then surely someone can give me an Operation Darkness that doesn't suck.
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