Theme

From Neverend

The theme is a mix of cyberpunk, sci-fi, contemporary, medieval, renaisance, Victorian, and high fantasy. Modern and futuristic elements run in contrast to fantasy elements, though fantasy themes are more overpowering. Final Fantasy is a typical example of futuristic themes with a stronger fantasy element.

Primitive	Civilized	Contemporary	Futuristic
Stone, jungle, forest, aquatic	Medieval, victorian, edwardian, steampunk	Metropolitan	Cyberpunk, science fantasy

Contemporary and futuristic themes can co-exist with fantasy themes, but more primitive themes tend to be in conflict and prefer isolation, such as a druidic theme or aquatic theme. Despite futuristic concepts, future technology tends to be sparse and limited, so fantasy weapons, clothing, buildings, and methods of travel are more common and more relied upon.

[edit] Steampunk

Steampunk elements are present to counter balance the fantasy theme. Like Final Fantasy, high technology is used alongside fantasy elements to create an interesting world setting. A working player run society has more balance issues to take care of when higher technology is introduced. Some methods to maintain balance include requiring high crafting and engineering skills, specialized skills and jobs that are inaccessible to average crafters, high city technology requirement for most parts and vehicles, upkeep in the form of fuels, magical power, repair, maintenance, oil, coal, water, and gas. While technology may seem elite for its high requirements, it needs to be balanced with fantasy vehicles, weapons, and combat. Low level steampunk weapons are unreliable and prone to explosion. Mid level weapons can malfunction, use more fuel, run out of energy or ammo quickly, have slow speed or low attack. High level weapons can be just as good as high level fantasy spells and weapons. Vehicles can substitute for traditional wagons by using steam powered wagons, with its own upkeep and repair.

Some Steampunk themes that can be looked at include Arcanum, Wild Arms, Thousand Arms, and Final Fantasy VI-XII.

Examples:

[edit] Cyberpunk/futuristic