I just got the Techno Fantasy Atlas book. I was kinda surprised by how dark and gloomy it is. Sure the product info hinted at it but wow its really intense.
I get that JRPGs can be pretty serious sometimes. And yeah the book says its not covering everything. But it seems like the writers really want you to run games with a super heavy vibe.
Don’t get me wrong I can handle dark stuff. And they do say to add some fun moments here and there. But I was hoping for something with more of a mix you know?
Like Im cool with fighting evil empires in space or huge companies stealing puppy souls for their mega weapons. But does the whole world have to be totally controlled by the bad guys from the start?
Anyone else feel this way about techno fantasy games? Or am I missing something here?
I’ve played a bunch of techno fantasy RPGs that aren’t super gloomy. Some mix in cool sci-fi stuff with more traditional fantasy vibes. It’s fun when they balance the high-tech elements with some lighter moments. Depends on what you’re looking for in a game really.
Not at all! Plenty of techno fantasy games have a more upbeat vibe. Sounds like that book is just one take on the genre. You could totally run a game with both high-tech wonders and lighthearted adventure.
Nah, not all techno fantasy RPGs have to be super dark. Some mix in lighter elements too. It’s cool to have different moods in a game. Maybe the Atlas book is just going for a specific vibe? There are definitely other options out there if you want something less bleak.
I feel ya. Not every techno fantasy game has to be a total downer. Some of my favorites in the genre actually mix in some humor and hope with the high-tech stuff. Like Shadowrun can get pretty dark, but there’s also cyberpunk elves doing silly magic shenanigans. Maybe try checking out some other systems if you want a lighter touch?
I’ve played a few techno fantasy RPGs that aren’t so grim. Starfinder mixes sci-fi and magic in a pretty fun way. There’s serious stuff but also goofy alien races and cool tech gadgets. Guess it depends on the specific game and what the designers are going for.
I’ve played a fair share of techno fantasy RPGs and they’re not all bleak. Sounds like that Atlas book is just one flavor.
There are definitely lighter options out there that mix in some fun with the high-tech stuff. Could be worth checking out other systems if you want more variety in tone.
At the end of the day, you can always tweak things to fit the vibe you’re going for in your own game.